In this podcast, Patrick Hynds and Steve Baroody will talk to different long-term practitioners of various martial arts, many of them masters, and explore the quiet part that no one usually addresses. That being that outside of sport there are no fair fights. The stated goal of almost all martial arts is to help practitioners to defend themselves, so we will explore how that goal is and is not being realized in the real world.
Patrick Hynds is a West Point graduate, decorated Gulf War veteran, Master of Uechi Ryu Karate-do, as well as a black belt in several other styles studied over the last 50 plus years. He has been hosting podcasts related to his company, Pulsar Security, on Cyber Security and Quantum Computing for years and has been a frequent guest on numerous podcasts for over 20 years.
Steve Baroody is an instructor in Modern Arnis, Isshinryu Karate, and Tomiki Aikido. A practicing chiropractor, he has been investigating the anatomy and physiology of self-defense for decades.
Episode 9: Hanshi Matt Dorsey on Mindset, Conditioning, and the Traditional Arts
In Episode 9, Hanshi Matt Dorsey joins Patrick and Steve to talk about what martial arts training actually gives you in a real encounter. The conversation opens on mindset — confidence, body language, and verbal skills as the first line of self defense — before moving into the Japanese concepts of Mushin, Isshin, and Zanshin and how they work together. Matt walks through the origins of Isshin Ryu, synthesized by Shimabuku from Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu with his own innovations including the ver...
11 Aug 2026
Episode 8: Tim Hartman on Modern Arnis and Real Self Defense
In Episode 8, Datu Tim Hartman joins Patrick and Steve to talk about what makes the Filipino martial arts uniquely effective for real self defense. Tim breaks down the difference between martial system and martial style, and why Modern Arnis encourages students to personalize from early on rather than waiting for mastery. The conversation covers hitting first, using appropriate force, and why survival — not sport — has to be the mindset going in. Tim shares his approach to scenario training f...
7 Jul 2026
Episode 7: Striking Angle Numbering Systems in Filipino Martial Arts
In Episode 7, Patrick and Steve dig into striking angle numbering systems in the Filipino martial arts. The discussion starts with the combat clock and works its way through zone defense, OODA loops, and why cataloguing twelve angles might actually slow you down in a fight. Along the way the conversation opens up into how good drilling moves technique out of the conscious mind, the value of sensitivity drills like push hands and sticky hands, and what it really means to train something ...
1 Jun 2026
Episode 6: Footwork and Distancing in Filipino Martial Arts
In Episode 6, Patrick and Steve break down footwork and distancing in the Filipino martial arts. The team cover the three ranges — largo, medial, and corto — and the four triangle patterns that form the foundation of Filipino movement. The conversation covers why the female triangle is harder to execute than it looks, how the diamond pattern shows up in professional sports every day without anyone calling it by name, and why the Dog Brothers' false lead may be the most practical way to angle ...
4 May 2026
Episode 5: Small Surface Strikes Part 2
In Episode 5 of Unfair Fights, Patrick and Steve discuss the overlooked science behind martial arts striking techniques. They uncover the anatomical truths and physics of effective hand strikes, drawing from their extensive experience. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding bone structure and muscle dynamics to avoid self-injury. They also explore how innovative techniques like the Shoken fist can transform your approach to fighting. This episode provides a comprehensive lo...
25 Mar 2026
Episode 4: Small Surface Strikes Part 1
In Episode 4 of Unfair Fights, Patrick and Steve discuss the intricacies of martial arts striking techniques. They uncover the anatomical truths behind effective and safe small surface strikes, drawing from their extensive experience. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding bone structure and muscle dynamics to avoid self-injury. They also explore how animals instinctively avoid damage, offering insights into efficient martial arts strategies. This episode provides a compreh...
26 Jan 2026
Episode 3: The Guiding Principles of Style
In Episode 3 of Unfair Fights, Patrick and Steve engage in a deep dive into the principles of martial arts. They explore the strategic and tactical doctrines that underpin various martial arts styles, drawing from their own experiences. The conversation touches on the historical and cultural influences that shape martial arts techniques. They also discuss the importance of understanding principles over mere techniques, emphasizing how these foundational concepts can transcend physical strengt...
4 Nov 2025
Inside the Dojo: Tony Annesi's Martial Arts Odyssey
In this engaging conversation, Patrick and Steve interview Hanshi Tony Annesi, a seasoned martial artist with decades of experience. They explore his journey through martial arts to developing his own system. The discussion delves into the evolution of martial arts training, the importance of understanding various styles for self-defense, and the cultural differences that shape martial arts practices. Annesi Sensi also shares insights on the business side of martial arts, including his succes...
15 Sept 2025
Unfair Fights Episode 1 - No Mysticism Required
In this inaugural episode of the Unfair Fights podcast, hosts Patrick Hynds and Dr. Steven Baroody delve into the intersection of martial arts and biomechanics. They explore the science behind strength, energy storage, and muscle dynamics, emphasizing the importance of isometric contractions and proper posture in martial arts training. The conversation also touches on the relevance of fascia and functional lines, the distinction between internal and external techniques, and the real-world app...
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