Martial Wisdom: Recent Episodes
Andrew Skokan
This podcast seeks to share wisdom gained through the practice of martial arts not only for self-defense situations but for improving our ability to problem-solve and become better human beings in every life circumstance.
In this episode, we explore the concept of epigenetics and the notion of genetic memory. Did you know that the expression of certain genes is directly tied to certain experiences of our ancestors? Trauma endured can leave "genetic scars" along DNA that future offspring must navigate. These experiences can also alter genes to increase survivability. A basic understanding of epigenetics can help us as martial artists and human beings to better understand ourselves and tendencies and the universal concept that our actions and inactions have profound consequences not only in this generation, but potentially for generations to come.
In this episode we discuss the 3 essential personas or parts of a person that can be developed in order to be a more complete martial artist and human being: The Warrior Guardian, The Scholar, and The Mystic. We will discuss what it means to pursue each of these paths and practical ways to develop this.
In this episode we will explore the universal human concept of self-defeat. So often it is not the external circumstances that dictate our success or failure, but rather our internal process of dealing with or not dealing with those circumstances. We will place a special emphasis on the concept of grit and how this can be utilized to achieve our short-term and long-term goals in combat and in everyday life.
In this episode, we will discuss the human propensity to believe that the end is always near and that doomsday can occur in the near future. We will discuss why this is a dangerous way of thinking and explore practical ways to navigate the spirit of hopelessness.
In this episode we explore the concepts of the opposing yet complimentary forces known as Yin and Yang in the East. What exactly is Yin and Yang referring to and how can the concept of these forces be utilized to promote balance in areas of our life that may be imbalanced. We will discuss this from a purely self-defense standpoint, as well as everyday circumstances.
What is a common enemy we all share? Diseases and disorders which threaten our health and well-being. In this episode, we will speak about what I call the "5 pillars of natural health" and how these can be utilized to prevent and treat chronic diseases and depression/anxiety. Additionally, I speak about the dangers of a chronically-activated stress response in the fast-paced/modern world and my personal experience combating this enemy.
We all have some bad habits that we would like to change and in this episode I will focus on the latest science regarding habit loops in order to provide us with the most successful strategies to replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones. We will also explore the habit change theory as a fundamental principle of the self-defense portion of martial arts and how the discipline gained through martial arts can help us be better disciplined in life, as a whole.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of practicing gratitude and how it can be a healing force for our relationships, minds, body, and soul. This not only is necessary for building a healthy dojo or training atmosphere, but also for being a healthier and happier human being. Gratitude can enhance our perspective on everything and lead to a richer life experience.
In this episode I will share with you all my own experiences and how I've learned that martial arts can help us find confidence, peace, and problem solve in times when life changes dramatically.
In this episode we explore the "void" concept and that neurological and psychological components of this state of mind/spirit. We will explore why it is so beneficial for self-defense and our everyday life.
In this episode we explore the importance of a precept in my martial discipline of "respect for Creator and creation" and how this can improve our martial journal and personal experience as a human being.
Suffering is a universal human experience that is often difficult to deal with. In this episode, we will focus on the mystery of suffering and how these experiences can be utilized to advance us as martial artists and human beings.
In this episode, we focus on dissecting and understanding the key components of a Martial Defense System. Understanding these 3 fundamental training methods and applying our time and energy to each can improve our self-defense exponentially.
In this episode, we will explore the concept of fear states and the sympathetic response, seek to understand the response better, embrace it as a positive response, and share practical martial arts training scenarios to learn to master our own fears. Let us all break free from letter our fear response enslave us.
In this episode, we offer a unique and helpful perspective on understanding the current COVID-19 Pandemic and try to provide practical solutions to protecting our families, friends, selves, and fellow citizens from a seemingly invisible enemy. Self-defense is not simply learning to defend against a physical attack, but how to adapt and survive any seemingly dangerous situation you are placed within.
You could be the most athletic, most technical martial artist or fighter and yet be defeated by your inner demons unless you practice the internal way. In this episode we explore the concept of practicing martial arts and self-defense internally. There is so often so little emphasis placed on this aspect of martial arts and we are going to challenge you to try integrating martial arts and self-defense into your internal life to be a healthier and happier individual. If you have internal strength and health, you can survive all things and even thrive in the most challenging of situations.
In this episode, we share some of the interesting statistical data regarding street fights from CCTV and phone footage.
This is the first of several episodes regarding knife defense. In this episode we take an evidenced-based approach regarding knife attacks on unarmed individuals. The goal of this episode is to help martial arts and self-defense practitioners and schools to better understand the reality of a knife attacks and evolve more realistic ways to train for such attacks.
In this episode we explain practical ways to learn to develop the Warrior or Fighting Spirit and how to flip that switch when life requires you to.
Did you know you have an innate system for detecting potentially dangerous people and situations? You do. In this episode, we will explore the concept of intuition and "danger sense" and how to utilize this 6th sense for survival.
In this episode, we will explore way to deal with stress and find calm through martial arts. This is not only for the purpose of remaining calm if we ever have to defend ourselves or others, but also to be able to live a more peaceful life with a calmer reaction to stressful events.
In this episode we will explain the important process of freedom that can be gained through martial arts practice by "killing the ego."
So often we view failure or imperfection in martial arts and life as a negative concept. I would like to share with you wisdom I have obtained so that you may view failings and imperfects as opportunities or stepping stones towards becoming a better martial artist and human being.