• Episode 936 - Sensei Josh Hodges
    Jul 15 2024
    SUMMARY In this conversation, Jeremy discusses with Sensei Josh Hodges his martial arts journeys and the importance of training and personal growth. Sensei Hodges touches on topics such as the value of effort and perseverance, the role of organizations in martial arts, and the need for individualization in training. He also explores the concept of mastery and the importance of personalizing one's martial arts practice. In this conversation, Sensei Hodges discusses the importance of principles in martial arts training and how they can be applied across different styles. He emphasizes the value of persistence and the idea that progress looks different for everyone. He also shares his experience of training independently and the challenges of balancing martial arts with other responsibilities. The conversation highlights the importance of finding what works for you and not comparing yourself to others. TAKEAWAYS * Effort and perseverance are key in martial arts training * Organizations can provide structure but may also limit individual growth * Mastery occurs outside the realm of memorization * Personalization and individualization are important in martial arts practice *Principles in martial arts are universal and can be applied across different styles and techniques. * Persistence is key in martial arts training, and progress looks different for everyone. * Training independently allows for flexibility and adapting to personal priorities and schedules. * Finding what works for you and not comparing yourself to others is important in martial arts and in life.
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    54 mins
  • Episode 935 - 2 Schools of Thought: Forms in a Set Order?
    Jul 11 2024

    SUMARRY
    In this conversation, Jeremy and Andrew discuss two schools of thought when it comes to teaching forms in martial arts. The first school of thought is teaching forms in a set order, where students learn one form after another in a predetermined sequence. The second school of thought is a rotating curriculum, where students focus on one form for a certain period of time before moving on to the next form. They explore the pros and cons of each approach and discuss the challenges of managing different levels of students in a class.

    TAKEAWAYS
    * There are two schools of thought when it comes to teaching forms in martial arts: a set order and a rotating curriculum.
    * A set order approach involves teaching forms in a predetermined sequence, while a rotating curriculum focuses on one form for a certain period of time before moving on to the next.
    * The set order approach ensures that students learn forms in a progressive manner, starting with easier forms and gradually progressing to more complex ones.
    * The rotating curriculum approach allows students to develop a deeper understanding and proficiency in a specific form by focusing on it for an extended period of time.
    * Managing different levels of students in a class can be challenging, especially when teaching forms. It requires finding a balance between meeting the needs of individual students and maintaining a cohesive class structure.

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    29 mins
  • Episode 933 - The Value of Open Ended Drills
    Jul 4 2024

    SUMMARY
    In this episode, Jeremy and Andrew discuss the value of open-ended training drills in martial arts. They explore how allowing students to contribute to drills and make decisions on the fly enhances their learning experience and fosters ownership and creativity. They also highlight the importance of experimentation and problem-solving in martial arts training. The hosts encourage instructors to provide opportunities for students to contribute and explore open-ended drills, ultimately leading to better understanding and skill development.

    TAKEAWAYS
    * Open-ended training drills in martial arts allow students to contribute and make decisions on the fly, enhancing their learning experience.
    * Allowing students to contribute to drills fosters ownership and creativity.
    * Experimentation and problem-solving are important aspects of martial arts training.
    * Instructors should provide opportunities for students to explore open-ended drills, leading to better understanding and skill development.

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    18 mins
  • Episode 932 - Grandmaster Rudy Duncan
    Jul 1 2024

    SUMMARY
    In this episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, Jeremy interviews Grandmaster Rudy Duncan. They discuss his martial arts journey, starting with his introduction to karate as a young boy and his transition to studying Goju and Kempo. Grandmaster Duncan emphasizes the importance of embracing different martial arts styles and cross-training to continue personal growth. They also touch on the significance of katas, the value of questioning and discussing techniques, and the evolving landscape of martial arts. In this conversation, Grandmaster Rudy Duncan shares his insights and experiences in martial arts. He discusses the evolution of martial arts training, emphasizing the importance of personal development and adapting to the changing times. He also talks about the importance of individuality in teaching and encourages instructors to find their own teaching style. He highlights the significance of building relationships with students and creating a positive learning environment. He also discusses the benefits of internal martial arts and the impact it has on external techniques. Overall, Rudy's approach to martial arts is focused on fun, learning, and personal growth.

    TAKEAWAYS
    * Embrace different martial arts styles and cross-train to continue personal growth.
    * Katas teach movement, proper stances, and spatial distancing, but they are not fighting.
    * Question and discuss techniques to deepen understanding and encourage growth.
    * The internet has provided a platform for sharing ideas and refining martial arts skills.
    * Traditional martial arts are evolving, and it is important to adapt and improve. Martial arts training has evolved, and it is important to adapt to the changing times and prioritize personal development.
    * Instructors should find their own teaching style and not try to copy their instructors. Individuality is key.
    * Building relationships with students and creating a positive learning environment is crucial for success in martial arts.
    * Internal martial arts can enhance external techniques and improve overall health and well-being.
    * Fun and learning should be the focus of martial arts training.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 934 - Lori "Ice" Fetrick
    Jul 1 2024
    SUMMARY Lori Fetrick, also known as "Ice" on American Gladiators, shares her journey from being an athlete to becoming a TV personality. She talks about the physical demands of being a gladiator and the importance of staying in shape to prevent injuries. Lori also discusses her love for martial arts and how she incorporated it into her training. She emphasizes the value of discipline and the need to stay ready for opportunities. Lori's story highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in pursuing one's passions. She discusses her passion for martial arts and the benefits it brings to mental health and personal growth. She shares her experience as a podcast host and the challenges of running a podcast. Lori also talks about her upcoming projects, including a children's book called Playground Warriors and the Muscles of Mayhem Tour. She emphasizes the importance of movement and taking care of one's body in today's society. TAKEAWAYS * Staying in shape is crucial to prevent injuries in physically demanding roles. * Martial arts can provide discipline, athleticism, and a sense of purpose. * Being prepared and staying ready for opportunities is essential for success. * Perseverance and adaptability are key in pursuing one's passions. Traditional martial arts can help with various aspects of mental health and personal growth. * Running a podcast requires dedication, time, and financial investment. * Lori Fetrick has upcoming projects, including a children's book and a live tour. * The food industry and the prevalence of unhealthy foods contribute to the rise in obesity and health issues. * Lori Fetrick aims to inspire and motivate people to take care of their bodies and prioritize movement.
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    58 mins
  • Episode 931 - When is it Time to Ask a Student to Leave?
    Jun 27 2024

    SUMMARY
    In this conversation, Jeremy and Andrew discuss the challenging topic of when it is time to ask a student to leave a martial arts school. They explore various scenarios where a student's behavior may negatively impact the experience of others, such as disruptive behavior, safety concerns, and drama. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive learning environment for all students and the need to address issues that arise. The hosts also acknowledge the difficulty instructors may face in making the decision to ask a student to leave and encourage listeners to share their experiences and perspectives on the topic.

    TAKEAWAYS
    * When a student's behavior consistently violates the expectations set by the instructor or school, and they show no effort to correct it, it may be time to ask them to leave.
    * Disruptive behavior that compromises the experience of other students and safety concerns are common reasons for asking a student to leave.
    * Financial reasons, such as non-payment of dues, may also lead to a student being asked to leave, depending on the circumstances.
    * Instructors have a duty to share their knowledge and create a positive learning environment for all students, and accommodating poor behavior can undermine that.
    * It can be challenging for instructors to make the decision to ask a student to leave, but it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the martial arts school.
    * Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives on when it is time to ask a student to leave a martial arts school.

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    25 mins
  • Episode 930 - Sensei Wojciech Wasilewski
    Jun 24 2024
    SUMMARY In this episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, Jeremy interviews Sensei Wojciech Wasilewski, a martial artist and owner of a karate school. Wojciech shares his journey of becoming a martial artist and opening his own school. He discusses the importance of observation and learning from watching others, as well as the impact of his first instructor on his training. Sensei Wojciech also talks about how martial arts helped him overcome bullying and gain confidence. He emphasizes the need to find a balance between discipline and adaptation in teaching martial arts. Sensei Wasilewski shares his journey in martial arts and how it has impacted his life. He talks about his fascination with martial arts and his desire to continue learning and gaining knowledge. He discusses the challenges he faced when he moved to the United States and how he found a way to continue his training. Sensei Wojciech emphasizes the importance of discipline, setting goals, and pushing oneself beyond limitations. He believes that martial arts has many beneficial aspects and can positively impact all areas of life. He encourages listeners to believe in themselves and seize opportunities. TAKEAWAYS * Observation and learning from watching others is an important aspect of martial arts training. * Martial arts can help individuals overcome bullying and gain confidence. * Finding a balance between discipline and adaptation is crucial in teaching martial arts. * The first instructor in martial arts holds a special place in a student's journey. * The training methods and goals in martial arts have evolved over time due to societal changes. Martial arts is a lifelong journey of learning and gaining knowledge. * Moving to a new country can present challenges in finding a training environment that aligns with one's goals and values. * Discipline and setting goals are important aspects of martial arts training. * Pushing beyond limitations and believing in oneself can lead to personal growth and success. * Martial arts has many beneficial aspects that can positively impact all areas of life.
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    56 mins
  • Episode 929 - Martial Arts Word Association 13: Summer Edition
    Jun 20 2024

    Another episode of “Martial Arts Word Association” where Andrew gives Jeremy a random word that he could connect to martial arts. All of today’s words are Summer themed! In this episode, Jeremy and Andrew discuss randomly generated topics to try and find out how they can relate to martial arts!

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    36 mins