Karate is not what you think! This martial art can be used in many ways, to build your physical strength or mental fortitude. It can be a dynamic sport or a recreational hobby, a self-defense or self-development tool. Join Les Bubka to explore the possibilities within Karate and its connection to mental health, and listen to conversations with different martial artists on various subjects.
“Most martial arts don't work.”
This is a phrase we often hear from self-defence and combatives experts.
The argument usually goes something like this: martial arts are designed for sport, tradition, or competition, and therefore they don't prepare you for the reality of violence. If you really want to protect yourself, you need a dedicated self-defence or combatives system.
Now, obviously, people have an interest in promoting their own business, their own system and their own tribe.
We all do.
But I want to present a counterargument.
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14 Jul 2026
#330 It Can be Done
The Dark Side Of Karate Book: https://amzn.to/4ymejDl
It only takes 30 seconds online to find martial artists arguing over which style is the best. Style vs. style, endless debates, and unnecessary division.
But my experience at an open mat showed something completely different.
Martial artists from different backgrounds trained together, shared knowledge, challenged each other with respect, and left as better martial artists. No egos. No arguments. Just people united by a passion for learning.
Imagine how much stronger our martial arts community could be if more clubs opened their doors to each other instead of building walls.
I believe every martial artist should visit other clubs, attend open mats, and train with people from different styles. We have far more to learn from one another than to argue about.
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Ever wondered what your karate grading panel is really thinking?
In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, Les Bubka takes you behind the grading table to reveal what examiners look for during a karate grading, why a black belt is only the beginning of the journey, and how anxiety can distort our perception of being judged.
Whether you're preparing for your first belt, a black belt grading, or simply struggle with performance anxiety, this episode offers reassurance, practical insights, and a unique perspective from someone who has experienced both sides of the examination.
Topics covered:
Karate grading tips
Black belt grading explained
What karate examiners look for
Overcoming grading anxiety
Martial arts mindset
The truth about earning a black belt
Confidence under pressure
🥋 Join the mission and enjoy 15% off your purchase with the code: AAB15
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👉 Special Offer: Get 15% off at Benson & Clegg with the code KARATE15 at checkout. Or use this direct link: https://bensonandclegg.com/discount/KARATE15
🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind!
📘 Book: https://amzn.to/3IXWB4w
🎓 Course: https://payhip.com/KFMH
✅ Free Action Plan: https://payhip.com/KFMH
🥋 Level up your training – Explore all our courses:
https://payhip.com/LesBubka
👕 Support the mission – Grab some merch!
T-shirts & gear: https://kfmhcic-shop.fourthwall.com/en-gbp/collections/all
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https://vidiq.com/AllRoundKarateGu
📓 Track your journey with the Karate Journal:
https://amzn.to/4isFzsy🛒
Support us at no extra cost by shopping via Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3WhV2Bo
#Karate #BlackBelt #MartialArts #KarateGrading #PerformanceAnxiety #Mindset #AnxiousBlackBelt #MentalStrength #PersonalGrowth
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30 Jun 2026
#329 From The Other Side
✅ Free Action Plan: https://payhip.com/KFMH
Ever wondered what your karate grading panel is really thinking?
In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, Les Bubka takes you behind the grading table to reveal what examiners look for during a karate grading, why a black belt is only the beginning of the journey, and how anxiety can distort our perception of being judged.
Whether you're preparing for your first belt, a black belt grading, or simply struggle with performance anxiety, this episode offers reassurance, practical insights, and a unique perspective from someone who has experienced both sides of the examination.
Topics covered:
Karate grading tips
Black belt grading explained
What karate examiners look for
Overcoming grading anxiety
Martial arts mindset
The truth about earning a black belt
Confidence under pressure
🥋 Join the mission and enjoy 15% off your purchase with the code: AAB15
https://kfmhcic-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/AAB15
👉 Special Offer: Get 15% off at Benson & Clegg with the code KARATE15 at checkout. Or use this direct link: https://bensonandclegg.com/discount/KARATE15
🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind!
📘 Book: https://amzn.to/3IXWB4w
🎓 Course: https://payhip.com/KFMH
✅ Free Action Plan: https://payhip.com/KFMH
🥋 Level up your training – Explore all our courses:
https://payhip.com/LesBubka
👕 Support the mission – Grab some merch!
T-shirts & gear: https://kfmhcic-shop.fourthwall.com/en-gbp/collections/all
Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀
https://vidiq.com/AllRoundKarateGu
📓 Track your journey with the Karate Journal:
https://amzn.to/4isFzsy🛒
Support us at no extra cost by shopping via Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3WhV2Bo
#Karate #BlackBelt #MartialArts #KarateGrading #PerformanceAnxiety #Mindset #AnxiousBlackBelt #MentalStrength #PersonalGrowth
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Who has been a guest on Anxious Black Belt Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Vince Morris Sensei
Ken Knight
Shifu Jonathan Bluestein
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,424,698
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.7 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
4.7 / 5
15 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
58
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
81
Contact Anxious Black Belt Podcast
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Anxious Black Belt Podcast
Who hosts Anxious Black Belt Podcast?
Les Bubka host the show. Published by Les Bubka.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Anxious Black Belt Podcast take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
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