Conversations from the Hearth: Recent Episodes

Rising Phoenix Martial Arts

Join Master John Olds as he sits down with martial artists across the globe to discuss stories of martial arts training, instruction, and practice.

Co-hosted by Jesse Trader (formerly, by Mr. Trevor Olds)

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Grand Master Warlock joins the show to discuss European martial arts, medieval sport, and more!

We experienced some technical difficulties with the audio during recording, but were able to salvage most of the conversation. We appreciate your patience!

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Dr. Hernandez joins the show to discuss Hoi Jeon Moo Sool and the importance of lineage.

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This week we sat down with Master James Lockett of United States Taekwondo. He told us about his experiences training in Taekwondo in Korea, and there were many fun stories!

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Grandmaster Conway returns to the show to discuss protecting others and his upcoming seminar at Rising Phoenix!Check out Grandmaster Conway's publications and buy a book at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://www.risingphoenixtkd.com/

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We sat down with Grand Master D.E. Chambers of Northside Karate in Houston (https://www.northsidekarate.org/) to discuss his martial arts history and the future of the Amateur Organization of Karate.Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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We had a great conversation with Professor Scott Burr of Enclave Jiu-Jitsu. A second degree black belt in BJJ, he shared his knowledge of the martial arts on a wide range of topics. He is a published author with many great books.

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Grand Master Villareal joins us to discuss the A.O.K. Karate State Championship, and share the story of how this long-running tournament came to be!

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Grandmaster Reeve Kirby returns to the show with special guest Grandmaster Tim Kirby! The two industry veterans share their thoughts on what makes martial arts demonstration effective and inspiring.

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Sensei Veitch and Sifu Arenstein return to the show to shed some light on goal setting and staying motivated over a lifetime of martial arts practice.Learn about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/Learn more about Impulse Martial Arts at https://impulsemartialarts.com/Learn more about Spring Martial Arts at https://www.springmartialarts.com/

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Owner and Head Instructor at Martial Arts Institute North in Overland Park, Kansas, Master Popper returns to the show to discuss the many forms and benefits of martial arts demonstration!Learn more about Master Popper and Martial Arts Institute North at https://mainorth.com/Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

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Today we are joined by a special cast of returning guests, all with a unique perspective on awareness.

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Lifelong martial artist and co-owner of Nick Cerio's Kenpo Karate in Bellingham, MA, Mr. Steve Ruddock joins us as we dive deep into the self-defense mindset.Learn more about Mr. Ruddock at https://www.nckbellingham.com/Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

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Lifelong martial artist and Head Instructor at Impulse Martial Arts in Easton, Pennsylvania, Sensei Veitch returns to the show to discuss weapons training and the realities of self defense.Learn more about Sensei Veitch at https://impulsemartialarts.com/Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

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Lifelong martial artist and author of a number of books and articles, Sensei Brick joins us to share a bit about his upcoming seminar at Rising Phoenix.Learn more about Sensei Brick at https://www.safestfamilyontheblock.org/ and check out his new book, "There I Was... When Nothing Happened" at https://www.amazon.com/There-When-Nothing-Happened-Professionals/dp/B0BCSLS82NLearn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

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Dedicated martial artist, police officer, and owner of Spherical Self-Defense, Master Fine joins us to talk about justified use of force, self-defense ethics, firearm training, and much more!

Learn more about Master Fine at http://www.shawneemartialarts.org/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Lifelong martial artist and founder of Satori Life Center, Devoy Sensei joins us to talk about traditional and progressive martial arts and practical self-defense.

Learn more about Devoy Sensei at https://satorilc.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Martial artist, marketing pro, professor, mother, and author of "Don't Fight Mad: A Black Belt's Journey to Recapture Joy", Master Villanueva joins us to explore seven life changing principles outlined in her book:

  1. Get in the Ring

  2. Get in the Right Ring

  3. Get Prepared

  4. Get Comfortable with Punches

  5. Don't Fight Mad

  6. Mix it Up

  7. Listen to Your Coach

Learn more about Master Villanueva at http://cindyvillanueva.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com

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Episode 55 with Mr. Steve Ruddock and Mrs. Mindy Ruddock

Co-Owners and Instructors at Nick Cerio's Kenpo Karate Bellingham, Mr. and Mrs. Ruddock join us to talk about martial arts instruction and various responses to common scenarios on the mats.

Learn more about Mr. and Mrs. Ruddock at https://www.nckbellingham.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Episode 54 with Sabumnim Jeff Rosser  

Lifelong martial artist, published author, international competitor, and owner of Mudo Korean Martial Arts in North Carolina, Sabumnim Rosser joins us to talk about similarities and differences between traditional martial arts and the impact of their cultural origins on how they are practiced and perceived.  

Learn more about Sabumnim Rosser at https://mudokma.com/ 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ 

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5th Dan Black Belt instructor and owner of South Orlando Martial Arts, Master Samuel joins us to talk about the benefits of martial arts for older adults and students with disabilities.

Learn more about Master Samuel at https://southorlandomartialarts.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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A lifelong martial artist and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Sabumnim Brosseau joins us to talk about martial sport, Korean martial arts, internal martial arts, and travelling the world.

Learn more about Sabumnim Brosseau at https://koreanmartialartsnc.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Lifelong martial artist and head instructor at Decatur Martial Arts in Illinois, Master West joins us along with Mrs. West to talk about martial arts relationships, different types of sparring, and effective sparring techniques before they visit the dojang later this week!

Learn more about Decatur Martial Arts at https://www.facebook.com/Decatur-Mart...

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Lifelong martial artist and Head Instructor at Impulse Martial Arts in Easton, Pennsylvania, Sensei Veitch returns to the show to discuss rank integrity, the challenges of standardization, and much more.

Learn more about Sensei Veitch at https://impulsemartialarts.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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A dedicated practitioner for many years, and owner of Focused Passion Martial Arts (FPMA) Karate, Sensei Foreman joins us to talk about the importance of fitness, as well as mindset, receptiveness, and more.

Learn more about Sensei Foreman at https://www.facebook.com/Focsuedpassi... and check out their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy0q...

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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A man of myriad talents, accolades, and years of wisdom, Grandmaster Conway joins us to talk about martial arts traditions, evolutions of styles, generational continuity, and much more.

Learn more about Grandmaster Conway at https://scotwith1t.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Lifelong Aikido practitioners and training partners, Sensei Alex & Sensei Nick join us to talk about Aikido, training as brothers, and more.

Example of Toshu Randori: https://youtu.be/WoQQlOEnSFI

Further examples of Tomiki Aikido: https://youtu.be/F4qXuVAtXUs

Learn more about Sensei Alex & Sensei Nick at http://wissportaikidoclub.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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8th Degree Black Belt and owner of Vision Martial Arts Center in Plano, TX, Grandmaster Kirby joins us to talk about leadership, women in the martial arts, instructional philosophy, and more.

Learn more about Grandmaster Kirby at https://vmacplano.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Lifelong Kung Fu practitioner and owner of Spring Martial Arts in Spring, TX, Sifu Arenstein joins us to talk about incorporating Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of kata, martial arts theory, and more.

Learn more about Sifu Arenstein at https://www.springmartialarts.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Lifelong karate practitioner and instructor at Legends Martial Arts, Mr. Burleson joins us to talk about how martial arts training changes over years, decades, and lifetimes.

Learn more about Mr. Burleson at https://www.legendsmartialarts.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Owner and Head Instructor at Asphalt Anthropology, Ms. Baker joins us to talk about the use of improv in improving one's martial art, and the necessity of awareness in urban self-defense situations.  

Learn more about Ms. Baker at https://www.asphaltanthro.com/ 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ 

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Owner and Master Instructor at Championship Martial Arts, which has three locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Master Nevels joins us to talk about community building, in the martial arts and in general!  

Learn more about Master Nevels and Championship Martial Arts at https://coppelltkd.com/ 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ 

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Owner and Master Instructor at Martial Arts Institute North in Overland Park, KS, Master Popper joins us to talk about the benefits of training as a family and more!  

Learn more about Master Popper and Martial Arts Institute North at https://mainorth.com/ 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ 

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Head instructor at Elite Mixed Martial Arts Center in Northampton, PA, Sensei James joins us to talk about his approach to working with diverse student populations and more.  

Learn more about Sensei James and Elite Mixed Martial Arts Center at https://elitemmactr.com/ 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ 

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professor and Kuk Sul Do Master Jason Zakrajsek returns to the podcast to talk about some fundamental principles of self defense and cornerstone BJJ techniques ahead of his upcoming seminar here at Rising Phoenix!  

Learn more about Master Jason at https://www.kuksuldoacademy.com/ 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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This week we spoke with Mr. Brick about his forthcoming book "There I Was When Nothing Happened", a collection of anecdotes and meditations on reducing physical violence in self-defense situations.  

Learn more about Jason at http://www.brickcommajason.com/and follow him on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/SafestFamilyontheBlock 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ 

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Master Olds and Jesse talk with Sensei Ramsey Veitch about the impact of goal setting, realities of training and instruction, and the results of dedication and commitment to one's art.

Learn more about Ramsey and Impulse Martial Arts at https://impulsemartialarts.com/

Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

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Master Olds and Jesse talk with Master Ben West and Mrs. West about development of character within the martial arts.

Learn more about Master West, Mrs. West, and Decatur Martial Arts at https://www.facebook.com/Decatur-Martial-Arts-103556611574667

Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com

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Master Olds is joined by the Rising Phoenix Staff to reflect on the past and look toward the future. 

Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com 

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Master Olds and Jesse sit down with Master Joshua Hong to talk about cultivating focus.

Learn more about Master Joshua Hong and Eternal Martial Arts by visiting https://eternalmartialartshouston.com

Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts by visiting https://risingphoenixtkd.com

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Master Olds and Jesse talk with Master Lee of Vail Taekwondo about the importance of competition for the aspiring martial artist. 

Learn more about Master Wesley Lee and Vail taekwondo by visiting https://vailtkd.com

Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts by visiting https://risingphoenixtkd.com

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Master Olds and Jesse talk about what it means to be a competitor and why competition is so important.

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Master Olds and Jesse sit down with Junior Bashta of Bashta's Martial Arts to discuss working with children with disabilities, his breaking tournament, and more. 

Learn more about Bashta's Martial Arts at https://bashtasmartialarts.com  

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Master Olds and Jesse sit down with Sensei Ando Mierzwa from Happy Life Martial Arts to discuss self-acceptance, the importance of finding your own path, and more.

Find Sensei Ando at https://www.youtube.com/c/AndoMierzwaAKASenseiAndo

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Master Olds and Jesse talk African Martial Arts with Da'Mon Stith, Chief Instructor of Guild of the Silent Sword.

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Master Olds and Jesse discuss art, craft, and creativity in the marital arts, and some differences between eastern and western culture.

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Master Olds sits down with his father, Dr. G. Richard Olds, the President of St. George's University and a specialist on COVID-19, to discuss the virus.

Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com

Learn more about Dr. G. Richard Olds at https://www.sgu.edu/biography/g-richard-olds/

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Master Olds chats with Peter Sorce of Sorce Martial Arts about improving standards how one can run a successful martial arts business without sacrificing belt integrity.

Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com

Learn more about Master Peter Sorce at https://sorcemartialarts.com  

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Master Olds speaks with Grandmaster Jin Sup Hong, a 9th degree black belt in taekwondo, about the history of taekwondo and how the art has changed over the years.

Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com

Learn more about Grandmaster Jin Sup Hong at https://ritkd.com  

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Master Olds sits down with Master Jason Zakrajsek from Chagrin Fall Kuk Sul Do Academy to discuss the direction of BJJ over the last decade and what he hopes to achieve with his new program.

Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com

Learn more about Master Jason Zakrajsek at https://kuksuldoacademy.com  

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Master Olds talks with an instructor from Ireland, Sensei Emmett, to learn about his background and the style in which he trains.

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Master Olds chats with Master Greg Koval about a surprising coincidence.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor discuss the dos and don't of working with others.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor sit down to talk about friendship.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor discuss setting goals.

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Master Olds talks with Master Justin Green about fitness and nutrition.

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Master Olds sits down with Master Joe Zabka to discuss continuing martial arts despite your age.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor discuss the over-complication of westernized martial arts and simplicity of form.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor explore what a martial art is, and why pretty much every school practices its own style.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor announce the Oneway Retreat.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor are joined by old friend Sensei Aaron Kopish and talk history, including the history of the Rising Phoenix dojang.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor talk with Master Woo Chan about old times, families, and what it's like to grow up in the shadow of great men.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor talk with 4th Degree Black Belt, Professor Dande about grappling during difficult times. Professor Dande shares his wisdom and an impressive story.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor sit down with Master Ian Jensen to discuss Philippine martial arts and the pros and cons of training for different types of competition.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor discuss dojang etiquette, specifically some issues that seem to plague the white belt experience.

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Master Olds, Master Seonok, and Mr. Trevor discuss Korean dramas, old and new, and where to find them.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor kick back and talk about Cobra Kai.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor explore different ways to generate force.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor talk about always doing your best.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor explore the history of the home dojang and its place in the development of their martial arts understanding.

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Master Olds and Mr. Trevor explore the prevalence of dogma in the martial arts.

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Join us for the first episode of Conversations from the Hearth, where Master Olds and Mr. Trevor Olds talk about working with children.