Martial Arts Past and Present

About Martial Arts Past and Present

Sensei Ed Brizz, taught Karate & Jujitsu for many years. His podcast aims to learn from others about their philosophies and techniques and how they can be applied today. martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Ed Brizzolara

Category

education · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Sept 2025

Latest episode

23 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2026

   S2 E9: Part 2 with Eric Lee. Legacy Through Action: Purpose, Mentorship, and Lifelong Learning

   Rarely does one interview pack in so much heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom. In this continuation of Sensei Ed Brizz’s conversation with Grandmaster Eric Lee, the discussion digs deep into what it truly means to be a lifelong student of martial arts and of life itself. Grandmaster Lee makes one thing crystal clear: purpose demands action, not just thought. He rejects the idea of retirement entirely, viewing continued engagement as essential to well-being. (His advice about dieting is refreshingly simple: just put down your fork.) He also reflects on how commercialization has changed martial arts since the days of monastery training, where character was tested before technique. What does it really mean to learn from everyone around you, regardless of rank or expertise? Genuinely, the mutual exchange between teacher and student runs through everything here. Lee shares how students from medicine and law enriched his own understanding, proving that learning flows both ways. He even recounts a hilarious story about a competitor whose kata was named “Suzuki Knight,” prompting an unforgettable motorcycle joke. Balanced living, emotional honesty, and infectious humor make this episode something special. Tune in and let Grandmaster Eric Lee remind you to find joy in the journey. Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts. Or ask Alexa or Siri to “Play that latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present.” 00:00:02 - Legacy, Learning, and Mentoring in Martial Arts00:03:34 - Being a Student of Everything and Everyone00:06:29 - Learning From Each Other Beyond the Classroom00:08:24 - Finding Purpose and Passion in Life00:11:22 - Balance Your Mind, Body, and Diet00:13:23 - Adapting Teaching to Student Personality and Level00:15:34 - Martial Arts Culture: From Tradition to Commercialization00:21:15 - Learning and Sharing Through Martial Arts00:25:21 - Unexpected Encounter in Central America00:26:56 - Air Conditioning Without a Roof00:28:10 - Old Man’s Smoking Joke and Bruce Lee Stories00:30:34 - Jokes and Riddles Comedy Bit00:32:42 - Finding Eric Lee Online and Social Media00:34:11 - Letting Go and Artist’s Journey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   9 Jun 2026

   S2 E8: Eric Lee, The King of Kata: Unlocking the Spiritual and Holistic Power of Martial Arts

   Rarely does a single conversation capture decades of wisdom so powerfully. Grandmaster Eric Lee, the legendary “King of Kata,” sits down with Sensei Ed Brizz to share a lifetime of hard-won insight about what martial arts truly means. Born nearly eighty years ago in a small village near Canton, China, Eric’s journey began watching his father practice and grew through the influence of classic kung fu films in Hong Kong. He earned his famous title winning countless tournaments throughout the 1960s and 70s. What makes this conversation remarkable is how deeply Eric goes beyond trophies and technique, explaining how kata opens meridians in the body and connects practitioners to something far greater than physical movement. Could a single open-minded conversation genuinely change how you think about martial arts? Eric argues that true growth comes from humility and collaborative learning rather than claiming one style is superior. (He even recounts a student who realized after twenty years that he knew nothing.) That humility, that willingness to remain a student forever, is the thread running through everything discussed here. Because mastery is never finished, it is a lifelong journey that never truly ends. Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts. Or ask Alexa or Siri to “Play that latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present.” 00:00:02 - The King of Kata: Grandmaster Eric Lee 00:02:14 - Discovering Martial Arts Through Movies 00:04:00 - Kata: Beyond Physical Movement 00:05:59 - Meridians and Mudras in Martial Arts Healing 00:08:00 - Philosophy of Lifelong Learning and Growth 00:11:22 - Continuous Learning in Martial Arts 00:17:07 - Languages and Film Experience 00:18:43 - Learning from Everyone: The Sensei Philosophy 00:23:21 - Balancing Authenticity with Movie Choreography 00:28:23 - Most Challenging Stunt and Speeding Tickets 00:31:40 - Learning from Youthful Mistakes and Adventures 00:33:46 - Funny Martial Arts Tournament Stories 00:38:04 - Mental Practices for Martial Arts Longevity 00:40:48 - Balance, Recovery, and Injury Prevention 00:45:11 - Learning and Growth Through Sharing Knowledge 00:46:27 - Mastery Requires Action and Acceptance 00:49:25 - Preserving Lost Martial Arts Knowledge This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   26 May 2026

   S2 E7: Chris Harris - From Homelessness to Mastery: How Martial Arts Built a Leadership Revolution

   Rarely does a single conversation contain this many hard-won lessons packed into one sitting. Chris Harris, sixth Dan martial artist and founder of Roku Jitsu, built a system combining six martial arts disciplines after a childhood that could have broken anyone. Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, with his mother incarcerated, Harris found himself homeless around age twelve, living on the streets by choice rather than returning to foster care. That moment of raw determination, sitting alone eating found donuts, became the spark for everything that followed. What does it actually take to rewire your mind for lasting change? Harris spent twenty-five years training special forces operators across sixty countries, eventually discovering that teaching mindset was just as important as teaching combat. His breakthrough technique involves those five vulnerable minutes before sleep and after waking, when your subconscious is most open to new information. (A University of Chicago study found mental practice alone improved free throw accuracy by 23%, nearly matching physical practice.) He eventually closed his school in 2023 due to back injuries, transitioning into corporate consulting and authoring The Book of Mindset. His core philosophy is beautifully simple: “the real fight is eternal, not external.” Tune in and hear how one man turned profound hardship into a worldwide legacy of transformation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   12 May 2026

   S2 E6: The Queen of Martial Arts, Cynthia Rothrock

   Rarely does a martial artist's story span five black belts, seventy films, and a groundbreaking role alongside Michelle Yeoh, but Cynthia Rothrock's journey does exactly that and more. Starting martial arts at age thirteen after watching friends practice in an exercise room, she went on to become an undefeated forms champion over one hundred times and one of the first Caucasian women to perform martial arts on film in Hong Kong cinema.What does it actually take to jump six stories between scaffolds with zero safety equipment?Cynthia shares how a tough instructor's philosophy, "quitters are losers," shaped her entire competitive career. After only five and a half months of training, she placed second against black belts in her very first competition (a genuinely staggering debut). She also became the first woman to win a weapons division against more than one hundred men, proving that persistence matters far more than expectations.Her memoir, "Rock and Roll with the Punches," captures these extraordinary behind-the-scenes moments from her film career.Deeply honest and truly inspiring, this conversation covers faith, filmmaking on shoestring budgets, and why mindset transforms every challenge. Tune in and hear Cynthia Rothrock tell her remarkable story in her own words.00:00:02 - From Scranton to Martial Arts Queen00:02:48 - Growing Up with Dad and Finding Martial Arts00:05:06 - Finding My Calling in Martial Arts00:09:05 - Overcoming Self-Doubt in Martial Arts00:11:14 - From Five Months to Undefeated Champion00:18:04 - Starting My Action Career in Hong Kong00:21:34 - Jackie Chan Inspired My Martial Arts Journey00:23:45 - Following Your Heart Over Expectations00:27:20 - Breaking Barriers in Action Competition00:32:43 - Overcoming First-Day Nervousness in Performance00:34:51 - Forgetting the Form on Camera00:40:42 - Dangerous Hong Kong Stunt Work00:46:35 - Faith, Gratitude, and Life's Purpose00:49:46 - Blending Martial Arts with Western Storytelling00:53:18 - Black Creek 2 and Future Horror Projects00:56:00 - Advice for Aspiring Action Stars01:00:22 - The Accidental Fart During Stunt Scene01:02:40 - How to Find Cynthia Rothrock Online This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   28 Apr 2026

   S2 E5: From Yellow Pages to Hall of Fame: Don Mathews on Martial Arts Legacy

   Rarely does a single phone book advertisement change the entire course of a life. Yet that is exactly what happened when Hanshi Don Mathews began his martial arts journey in 1983 after spotting a yellow pages listing. What followed was over forty years of training, teaching, and eventually founding the Warriors Legacy Hall of Fame to honor those who truly earned their place. Don holds a ninth-degree black belt (which alone tells you the depth of his commitment). He trained initially in Tongshudo under a former Korean Green Beret, spending two and a half hours daily in cramped conditions where instructors literally encouraged students to punch the person ahead of them to build speed. That kind of unorthodox, demanding training shaped everything that came after. What separates the Warriors Legacy Hall of Fame from others is simple: induction is earned, not purchased. With over two hundred inductees, more than half carry fifty or more years of experience. The organization requires nominees to have at least thirty-five years of experience and a sixth-degree rank. Can a single conversation at a tournament genuinely change someone's life forever?Don believes it absolutely can. Their celebration weekend on June 19-20, 2026, in Richfield, Ohio features Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and Billy Blanks. Listen to this episode to hear the full story. If you enjoy what you hear, please leave a Like and Subscribe, and click the bell so you’ll be notified when the next episode of Martial Arts Past and Present comes out. If you feel like we’ve provided you with a great message and would like to support the show, visit us at MartialArtsPastAndPresent.com and click on About to send us a monetary support. Anything you can provide is a huge help. We offer our most sincere thanks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   14 Apr 2026

   S2 E4: From Kung Fu to Ministry: Building Authentic Martial Arts Leadership with Jef Naayers

   Rarely does a conversation about martial arts cut this deep. Jef Naayers, who first fell in love with Kung Fu at age eleven after watching David Carradine in the original Kung Fu pilot, has spent decades training at Shaolin Temple, traveling to China yearly, and wrestling with questions that go far beyond fighting technique. The overuse of titles like “Grandmaster” and “Sifu” is actively damaging martial arts culture. Jef argues passionately that these titles should reflect earned relationships built through longevity and character, not certificates handed out to young practitioners who haven’t put in the work. It’s a problem of misuse, a culture where titles inflate egos rather than honor genuine achievement. Through his work with the Global Chinese Goshu Wushu Society, Jef is pushing back against this trend while also addressing something far heavier: a global initiative to combat child sex trafficking, drawing inspiration from Chuck Norris’s “Kick Drugs Out of America” campaign. Could martial arts communities worldwide unite around a humanitarian cause bigger than competition or ego? After relocating his family of eight to China for over six years, Jef’s journey has become genuinely remarkable. He can be reached via Facebook Messenger. Tune in and hear this conversation for yourself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   31 Mar 2026

   S2 E3: Family Comes First, Even for "Hollywood", Kwan Jang Nim Jose Luis Torres II

   What does it take to transform childhood bullying into a lifetime of martial arts mastery? Jose Luis Torres II started training at age five after his mother enrolled him in karate, inspired by Chuck Norris films. Fast forward four decades, and Torres, who is now a ninth Dan in Tang Soo Do, actually met his childhood hero at a charitable gala in Texas. (Talk about a full-circle moment.) Interestingly, Torres' first instructor, Master William Hamilton, trained under Jae-chul Shin, who also trained Chuck Norris himself, creating an unexpected lineage connection. Through his 44-year journey, Torres studied under three pivotal mentors, including Master Sam Char, an Olympic demonstrator from the 1988 Lebanese team. Beyond martial arts, Torres has channeled his discipline into creating "City of Honor," a TV series featuring a Hispanic protagonist that's now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Tubi. He's also produced the independent film "Killer X" and is collaborating with martial arts legends Cynthia Rothrock and Rob Van Cleef on an upcoming project called Rise of the Dragon. After losing both parents in his thirties and battling depression that led to weighing over 325 pounds, Torres credits martial arts with saving his life. He eventually lost nearly 90 pounds and rediscovered his purpose through teaching. Listen now to discover how martial arts became his path to healing and Hollywood. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   17 Mar 2026

   Hanshi Jonathan Edmondson – When a Martial Arts Master Learns His Greatest Fight Isn’t Physical

   Starting martial arts training in 1973 after watching Bruce Lee, Hanshi Jonathan Edmondson thought earning a black belt would solve everything. The bullied child seeking confidence discovered something far more profound: his real opponent wasn’t external at all. (It never is, really.) Now an eighth Dan in Chosen Kwan and ordained deacon, Edmondson reveals how true mastery means understanding your opponent’s inner struggles rather than defeating them through force. Through decades of barefoot training in harsh conditions, he learned that broken people break others. His mentor, Reverend Dr. Grandmaster Michael Ouellette, guided him toward conquering the destructive “king baby” mindset within himself. Hanshi, meaning “example” and “peaceful warrior,” represents the most prestigious black belt title—essentially a professor whose lifestyle inspires transformation. What does it take to build discipline in an increasingly distracted world? Edmondson contrasts old-school rigorous training with today’s safety-conscious approach, emphasizing that martial arts principles extend beyond kicks and punches into everyday life. His recent memoir, “Help Take My Clothes Off. Just Don’t Leave Me Naked and Exposed,” uses the biblical story of Lazarus to help readers overcome unresolved internal issues. Discover how this martial arts master transformed battlefield trauma into wisdom about humanity’s four fundamental needs: intimacy, discipline, love, and value. If you enjoy what you hear, please Subscribe and leave a Like, and click the bell so you’ll be notified when the next episode of Martial Arts Past and Present comes out. If you feel like we’ve provided you with a great message and would like to support the show, visit us at MartialArtsPastAndPresent.com and click on About to send us a bit of monetary support. Anything you can provide is a huge help. We offer our most sincere thanks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   3 Mar 2026

   S2 E1: Kwan Jang Nim Chris Natzke, Using a Nervous Breakdown as a Turning Point, and more.

   A conversation between Sensei Ed Briz and Kwanja Nim Chris Natsky explores Chris’s 50+ years in martial arts, his mentorship under Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and how martial arts shaped his life, career, and personal breakthroughs. Overview of Our Discussion * Chris shares how he began martial arts in 1973 after being inspired by the TV show Kung Fu. * He describes growing up in Wisconsin, playing Division I football, and eventually leaving a successful corporate career to open his own martial arts school. * Chris explains how teaching, public speaking, and martial arts blended into his motivational speaking career, including his “Kindness Counts” program that encouraged thousands of acts of kindness in schools. * He reflects on his long relationship with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, how he became part of the Superfoot System, and the influence Wallace had on his training and teaching. * Chris discusses the core principles he lives by: perseverance, mindset, integrity, and the belief that “a black belt is a white belt who never quit.” * He opens up about personal struggles, including panic attacks when starting his school, and how martial arts helped him push through fear and uncertainty. * The conversation highlights the impact martial arts can have on confidence, discipline, and personal growth across all areas of life. If you enjoy what you hear, please leave a Like and Subscribe, and click the bell so you’ll be notified when the next episode of Martial Arts Past and Present comes out. If you feel like we’ve provided you with a great message and would like to support the show, visit us at MartialArtsPastAndPresent.com and click on About to send us a monetary support. Anything you can provide is a huge help. We offer our most sincere thanks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    24 Feb 2026

    S:2 Ep:0 Action Martial Arts Magazine Mega 2026 Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey - Overview

    The 2026 edition marked the 25-year milestone of the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors, widely marketed as the largest martial arts networking, seminar, and awards gathering in the world. It was held from January 30th to February 1st, 2026. The multi-day convention-style martial arts summit combined: * Hall of Fame / awards ceremonies * world-class seminars * celebrity appearances * tournaments and demonstrations * business & networking activities * publishing and historical legacy initiatives The event’s mission has always been to unite martial artists across styles and celebrate legacy, leadership, and impact in the industry. Key milestone included celebrating 25 years of the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors and was marketed as the “Academy Awards of the Martial Arts.” It attracted legends, champions, instructors, and enthusiasts worldwide and included a commemorative World History Biography Book (Series 7) documenting inductees and martial arts history. This anniversary edition was positioned as one of the largest gatherings in the event’s history. It was a great weekend filled with meeting up with old friends and making new. Seeing the history as well as the upcoming talent is refreshing and exciting. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    30 Dec 2025

    Ep 9: Mike Hess, From Protection to Purpose. Martial Arts, Faith, and Mastering the Fundamentals

    What happens when a seven-year-old boy learns martial arts to protect his mother from domestic violence? Mike Hess, a 10th Dan karate instructor and retired police officer with 35 years of law enforcement experience, shares his remarkable journey from childhood trauma to becoming a respected martial arts teacher. (He’s been running his own school since earning his black belt in 1975.)Throughout this conversation, Mike emphasizes that martial arts teaches more than just fighting, it builds confidence, self-discipline, and the wisdom to walk away from conflict. He discusses the importance of mastering fundamentals before rushing toward belt promotions, the importance of mastering fundamentals before advancing. His philosophy extends beyond the dojo: he once talked down a suicidal man holding a shotgun by fabricating an elaborate story about walking fish, demonstrating that verbal de-escalation often trumps physical techniques.Mike integrates Christian faith into his training program, leading prayer before and after classes at his schools in South Carolina. He recounts a miraculous healing story involving a student with brain cancer. Mike represents a connection to traditional martial arts in an era he critiques as increasingly watered down by “McDojo” schools focused on participation trophies rather than authentic discipline.Why do modern tournaments feature excessive screaming and flimsy weapons instead of controlled, disciplined technique?Discover Mike’s insights on realistic training, the overuse of the title “master,” and that embarrassing brown belt test incident that ended up on YouTube. Make sure you’re subscribed! Learn more about the podcast at MartialArtsPastAndPresent.comAnd you can even ask Alexa and Siri to “Play the latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    16 Dec 2025

    S1 E8: Angel Lee

    From Humble Beginnings to Mastery: Master Angel Lee on Resilience and CharacterStarting with just two years old, Master Angel Lee, a sixth dan martial artist, began a journey that would take him from childhood training under his gung fu master father to facing paralysis and ultimately building a multimillion-dollar business. What happens when someone refuses to let a devastating car accident define their future?Master Lee shares how his American-born father and Chinese-Korean mother brought him to the States chasing the American dream. His father, despite his large stature, was a dedicated kung fu master who instilled discipline from the earliest age. Most kids weren’t doing daily martial arts training before breakfast. Through Bruce Lee’s philosophies, he embraced cross-training across six different black belt styles, learning that true mastery comes from adapting like water—a lesson forged through overcoming poverty and racist name-calling.The most profound test came after a severe car accident left him paralyzed, his weight dropping from 180 to 92 pounds. Doctors said he’d never walk again. Drawing from martial arts principles, he rejected that future and spent four years relearning how to walk and speak. His mother’s wisdom became his anchor: when facing challenges, choose to get better rather than get bitter.Today, Master Lee applies these same principles to his work with Super Patch, a company offering drug-free health solutions backed by clinical studies. From homelessness to success, his story proves that perspective and gratitude—practiced as lifelong arts—can transform impossible obstacles into opportunities for growth.Listen to hear how martial arts wisdom transcends the dojo and shapes every aspect of life.Make sure you’ve subscribed to be notified as soon as the next episode comes out. If you enjoy what you hear, we welcome your support at Patreon.com/MartialArtsPastandPresent (https://www.patreon.com/MartialArtsPastandPresent)And you can always ask Siri or Alexa to “Play the latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present”Thanks for joining me!Sensei Ed Brizz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

13. 

    2 Dec 2025

    Ep 7: Bill "Superfoot" Wallace's 80th Birthday Bash - Part 2

    If you missed Part 1 of Bill’s Birthday Bash interviews, you can find it here… Bill "Superfoot" Wallace's 80th Birthday Bash - Part 1 (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com/p/bill-superfoot-wallaces-80th-birthday) The interviews continue with more great stories about how these martial artists got started along with when and how Bill became a truly special part of their lives. As a recap, Friday’s events included testing and a celebrity meet-and-greet. Saturday started off with Bill leading a morning stretching session followed by several seminars hosted by great martial artists. The day concluded with a wonderful dinner celebrating the great Bill Wallace. In this second part, we continue hear more personal stories from more martial artists about when they started in the martial arts and when they met Bill. You’ll hear from Michael Jai White, Jim Ginter, Joe Corely, Dan Pinkowski, and a bunch of others. We conclude with coverage of the Birthday Bash Dinner, where no ice cream is safe from Bill. Heartwarming and sometimes hilarious stories are shared from many of the people we interviewed along with long-distant birthday wishes from those who couldn’t be there in person. And you really have to stick around for Bill’s rendition of “California Dreamin’”. Make sure you’ve subscribed to be notified as soon as the next episode comes out. And you can always ask Siri or Alexa to “Play the latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present” If you enjoy what you hear, we welcome your support at patreon.com/MartialArtsPastandPresent (https://www.patreon.com/MartialArtsPastandPresent) Thanks for joining me!Sensei Ed Brizz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

14. 

    18 Nov 2025

    Ep 6: Bill "Superfoot" Wallace's 80th Birthday Bash - Part 1

    This week, I come to you from Indianapolis, Indiana from Bill “Superfoot” Wallace’s 80th birthday celebration. Friday’s events included testing and a celebrity meet-and-greet. Saturday started off with Bill leading a morning stretching session followed by several seminars hosted by great martial artists. The day concluded with a wonderful dinner celebrating the great Bill Wallace. In this first part, we hear wonderful personal stories from several martial artists as they tell us about themselves as well as how they met Bill a very long time ago. You’ll hear from Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Kenny Herrera, Terry Dow, Kevin “Hurricane” Hudson, and more. And this is only about half of the great people I interviewed. There WILL be more! Make sure you’ve subscribed to be notified as soon as the next episode comes out. And you can always ask Siri or Alexa to “Play the latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present” If you enjoy what you hear, we welcome your support at https://www.patreon.com/MartialArtsPastandPresent Thanks for joining me! Sensei Ed Brizz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

15. 

    4 Nov 2025

    Ep 5: Author and Third Dan, Mike Gillespie

    Sensei Ed Briz welcomes Mike Gillespie, a third Dan from Sarasota, Florida, to discuss his martial arts journey. Mike began in the late 1980s at age eleven, inspired by The Karate Kid and persistent requests to his parents. He previously played soccer and ran cross country. Mike identifies the “blue belt blues” as a significant early challenge, a term coined by his first instructor Jim Graydon, describing when practitioners gain enough knowledge to recognize their shortcomings, creating a motivational hurdle before advancement. The speaker discusses the critical challenge of the intermediate belt phase in martial arts training, where many students quit due to discouragement. Unlike those seeking quick results like becoming a Ninja Turtle, the speaker found early training enjoyable and only faced difficulty at blue belt. A key insight shared is that earning a black belt is not an endpoint but merely the beginning of a lifelong journey. Many students quit after achieving black belt, missing the opportunity for continued growth. The speaker emphasizes that martial arts teaches persistence through difficulty, a lesson that transfers to all life pursuits and enables people to achieve goals previously thought impossible. Mike reflects on how martial arts training at a young age instilled mental discipline and confidence that later enabled him to pursue a PhD, recognizing that martial arts is approximately eighty-five percent mental. He emphasizes that martial arts teaches crucial life skills like respect, discipline, and perseverance, helping students learn to push through challenges they don’t want to face. However, he notes a concerning trend where some schools operate as “black belt mills,” awarding belts too easily to maintain enrollment and profit, which undermines the integrity of martial arts training and creates false confidence in students who haven’t genuinely earned their skills or discipline. He discuss the challenge of retaining martial arts students in today’s instant gratification culture. They explain that many students view earning a black belt as the end goal rather than the beginning of their journey, leading them to quit immediately after achieving it. One speaker emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming training environment where people want to show up and practice consistently, rather than just attend classes. Another highlight is how some instructors take offense when advanced practitioners seek a place to train rather than receive instruction, and notes that collaborative relationships between different martial arts schools enrich the learning experience, though many instructors refuse to interact with other schools out of fear of losing students. Martial arts extends far beyond physical techniques like punching and kicking, offering profound mental and physical discipline applicable to all life domains. Drawing from personal experience, they explain how martial arts training cultivated intellectual humility and process-focused thinking that enabled them to earn a PhD in organizational psychology. They emphasize core tenets like courtesy, integrity, and perseverance found in Taekwondo and other disciplines, which serve as valuable life guides similar to biblical principles. Regarding commercialization, the speaker suggests the issue isn’t commercialization itself but rather the mentality studios encourage, stressing that thoughtful curriculum design remains crucial for meaningful martial arts instruction. The speaker discusses the tension between commercializing martial arts schools and preserving the art form itself. While using existing curricula and training students in striking techniques can be profitable, he emphasizes that schools must balance financial viability with artistic integrity. He cites David Bybee as an example of someone who successfully built a thriving mixed martial arts facility through hard work, discipline, and earning investor confidence, though he acknowledges this represents only one percent of schools. The speaker identifies as a striker specializing in karate, taekwondo, hapkido, and tongsudo, noting that practitioners often maintain these disciplines throughout their lives despite physical demands. The speaker reflects on a significant regret from his martial arts journey: stopping training during college due to pride when he couldn’t find a school meeting his standards. This years-long gap left him out of shape, and when he resumed, his body suffered considerably, possibly leading to needing hip replacements. He emphasizes wishing he had continued training anywhere rather than quitting entirely. Both agree that life interrupts training, but their desire to practice brings them back. The speaker identifies his most transformative experience as the intense period between earning his first and second karate degrees, training four hours daily with dedicated partners, which naturally developed his technical foundation. Beyond the dojo, martial arts gave him the confidence to de-escalate real-world conflicts through calm, confident communication rather than physical confrontation. The speaker emphasizes how martial arts principles extend beyond physical training into life philosophy. Drawing from practices like Tai Chi, Push Hands, and ancient strategy games, they advocate for redirecting rather than opposing force. A key lesson learned was intellectual humility—recognizing that no single martial arts style is superior and that valuable insights come from all disciplines and people. The speaker stresses the importance of consistent daily practice outside the studio and shares how they now teach martial arts freely in retirement, believing knowledge should be shared generously with those genuinely interested in learning. During this podcast discussion, speakers reflect on their journeys in martial arts and teaching. They recall attending seminars led by high-ranking black belts who generously shared their knowledge with lower-ranked students. Explained his decision to teach at the YMCA for free, emphasizing his love for teaching over profit. The speakers highlight how witnessing students’ learning moments and “aha” experiences inspired them to become educators themselves. This passion for teaching and mentoring ultimately shaped their careers, demonstrating that true fulfillment comes from sharing knowledge and helping others grow rather than pursuing commercial success. A psychologist discusses how ego clouds judgment by prioritizing reputation over sound decisions. He explains that psychological distancing techniques, such as referring to oneself in third person while journaling or adopting an observer perspective, help bypass ego-driven thinking. By viewing situations as a neutral observer rather than from a first-person perspective, people gain clarity and make better choices. You can find more about Mike Gillespie as he’s easily accessible through Google searches, social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, and through his book “Distancing” available on Amazon. Look for more Martial Arts Past and Present anywhere you find your favorite podcasts as well as here on Substack. You can even ask Siri or Alext to “Play the latest episode of the Martial Arts Past and Present podcast.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

16. 

    21 Oct 2025

    Ep 4: "Superfoot" Bill Wallace (Part 2 of 2)

    Join Sensei Ed Briz as he finishes up interviewing martial arts icon “Superfoot” Bill Wallace, the undefeated middleweight kickboxing world champion and 10th Dan black belt. Bill and Ed discussed karate training and testing. Bill shared his experience training in Okinawa, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and understanding the “why” behind techniques. They agreed that testing should be based on a student’s knowledge and readiness, rather than just meeting a set time frame. Bill also highlighted the value of competition in judo and the need to focus on a few key techniques as a black belt. Bill shared his martial arts expertise, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques to personal style and finding what works best for each fighter. He discussed his experience in various martial arts styles and how he incorporates elements from different disciplines into his own system. Bill also explained the strategic advantages of using a side-on stance in boxing and kickboxing, highlighting how it can make fighters harder to hit and create opportunities for counterattacks. Bill shared a personal story about standing up to a bully in high school, where he unexpectedly defeated a larger opponent in a fight, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the principal that resulted in Bill’s expulsion. He also recounted his career in martial arts, including fighting Joe Lewis and winning a tournament in Dallas where Elvis Presley was in attendance, which eventually led to an opportunity to work with Elvis Presley in Memphis, though his father initially wanted him to become a schoolteacher. Bill talked about his experiences in martial arts, particularly kickboxing, where he became a national champion for three consecutive years. He emphasized the importance of basic techniques and the strategic use of the jab, backfist, and sidekick in fighting. Bill also discussed his approach to self-defense, highlighting the importance of staying on your feet and using leverage to gain an advantage over an opponent. He concluded by reflecting on his proudest achievement in martial arts, which was his undefeated retirement from competition. Bill discussed his fighting career, including his philosophy of always aiming to win and his experiences with injuries and near-death experiences. He says that he has never wanted to quit fighting, even after severe health issues in 2017. Bill also spoke about his encounters with martial arts legends like Joe Lewis and Bruce Lee, and expressed admiration for Bruce Lee’s philosophy on speed and technique. Bill and Ed focused on historical martial arts techniques and their evolution. Bill shared his experiences with different martial arts styles, emphasizing the importance of practicality and the militaristic origins of martial arts. They also talked about the role of the “kiyie” in martial arts and Bill’s approach to teaching. The conversation concluded with Bill expressing his desire to be remembered as a decent fighter and his hope for future contributions to martial arts. Listen now to discover the secrets behind one of martial arts’ most innovative champions. If you enjoy what you’re hearing and would like to support us in our journey to learn more from martial artists all over the world, visit our Patreon page at Patreon.com/MartialArtsPastandPresent You can listen to us from just about anywhere you find podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon, and more. Even ask Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to “Play the latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

17. 

    7 Oct 2025

    Ep. 3: "Superfoot" Bill Wallace (Part 1 of 2)

    Join Sensei Ed Briz as he sits down with martial arts icon “Superfoot” Bill Wallace, the undefeated middleweight kickboxing world champion and 10th Dan black belt. From his humble beginnings weighing just 89 pounds in Indiana to becoming a global martial arts phenomenon, Wallace shares his incredible journey of resilience and adaptation. After a career-threatening knee injury ended his judo prospects in Okinawa, Wallace discovered karate and revolutionized his fighting style around his limitations. Fighting sideways with devastating front-leg strikes, he developed techniques that compensated for his bad knee and ultimately led to an undefeated professional career. Beyond the ring, Wallace built the Superfoot system into 42 schools worldwide and rubbed shoulders with Hollywood royalty. Hear fascinating stories about training Elvis Presley, his legendary sparring sessions with Chuck Norris, and landing roles in martial arts films. Wallace also shares invaluable insights on flexibility training, the evolution of martial arts, and why relaxation trumps raw power. From overcoming physical limitations to building a martial arts empire, this episode reveals how adversity can forge greatness. Listen now to discover the secrets behind one of martial arts’ most innovative champions. If you enjoy what you’re hearing and would like to support us in our journey to learn more from martial artists all over the world, visit our Patreon page at Patreon.com/MartialArtsPastandPresent (https://www.patreon.com/cw/MartialArtsPastandPresent) You can listen to us from just about anywhere you find podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon, and more. Even ask Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to “Play the latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

18. 

    23 Sept 2025

    Ep 2: Want Smarter Kids? Start Weapons Training. Grandmaster David Lee Garrison

    Join us again as we hear from Grandmaster David Lee Garrison. Early Journey and Discipline Grandmaster Garrison began martial arts in the 1970s after competing in other sports. He admitted he struggled with his temper and competitiveness, but martial arts gave him discipline, structure, and a way to channel his energy in a positive direction. Patience and Consistency He believes beginners often make the mistake of rushing through training or wanting quick results. For him, patience and consistent practice are the keys to real progress in martial arts. Weapons Training Weapons became one of Garrison’s specialties, and he developed a program covering ten different weapons. He sees weapons as both exciting for students and valuable for building focus, discipline, and long-term interest. Martial Arts Philosophy Garrison views martial arts as a balance of physical, mental, and spiritual growth. While he supports cross-training, he values keeping the practice practical and authentic rather than focused on flashy performances. Legacy and Contributions He hopes to be remembered for keeping martial arts pure and meaningful. For Garrison, rank should always be earned through skill and effort, not simply given, and his goal is to pass down that standard to future generations. Subscribe and hear to us on all of the major podcast providers, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube, iHeart, Amazon, and here on Substack. Ask Alexa to “Play the latest episode of Martial Arts Past and Present podcast.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

19. 

    2 Sept 2025

    Ep 1: Master Roy Worth - Ever Think of Quitting? And More.

    Journey with Sensei Ed Brizz as he talks with Master Roy Worth, owner of his own Martial Arts school in Florida. Roy explains how he started his own journey into the world of Martial Arts. He has made it a family. From the time he was a boy, watching Kung Fu theater, to helping to keep his very young students on track, he knows the struggle to stay on course with training. We also learn about his foundation for courtesy and respect and how these values are instilled in how he runs his classes. Roy also talks about how he has seen a watering down of teachings from many schools around the country. And we hear how Roy started a competition that welcomes all forms of Martial Arts as well as his partnership with another Sensei who has been running their own competition. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support the show, look for us on Patreon.com. Your support is greatly appreciated. Sensei Ed Brizz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit martialartspastandpresent.substack.com (https://martialartspastandpresent.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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