My guest today is a living link to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one of the art’s most respected teachers. Born into the legendary Machado family of Rio de Janeiro, Rigan Machado grew up immersed in a tradition that helped shape modern Jiu-Jitsu as we know it. Under the direct influence of Grandmaster Carlos … Rigan Machado – BJJ – EP263
My guest today is Canadian self-defense instructor, author, and speaker Randy King, a leading voice in practical, real world personal safety. Randy teaches a timeline-based approach to self-defense that prioritizes awareness, decision-making, and avoiding violence whenever possible, with effective physical skills used only as a last resort. Known for his direct style and myth busting … Randy King – Self Defense – EP262
My guest today is a lifelong martial artist whose journey reflects the full spectrum of what martial arts training really looks like, the challenges, the growth, and the long-term commitment required to stay on the path. Jim Ockington began training more than 35 years ago, navigating early setbacks, demanding black belt tests, and years of … Jim Ockington – The Villages Tae Kwon Do – EP261
Arlene Limas is a pioneering martial artist and leader whose career has helped reshape combat sports, self-defense, and personal empowerment. She began training at just five years old in Shaolin kung fu before transitioning to tae kwon do, where she quickly rose to the highest levels of international competition. In 1988, at the Seoul Olympic … Arlene Limas – Pave Prevention – EP260
Joseph Bautista is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo and a proud third-generation martial artist who carries forward his family’s legacy with the true spirit of Aloha. He began training at just five years old and has spent a lifetime immersed in the martial arts. His journey spans multiple disciplines, including Kajukenbo, Jeet Kune … Joseph Bautista – Kajukenbo – EP259
Tammy McCracken is a self-defense professional, psychotherapist, and international instructor whose work lives at the powerful intersection of violence dynamics, trauma recovery, and transformational leadership. She is the Founder and CEO of 500Rising, an organization built from decades of experience in both mental health and self-defense. Through 500Rising, Tammy provides education and instructor training across … Tammy McCracken – 500 Rising – EP258
My guest today is Professor Gabe Reynaga, a lifelong martial artist whose journey began at just nine years old, and more than four decades later, he’s still competing, teaching, and making history. By the age of seventeen, Gabe was already competing at the adult level, quickly rising to the top of the sport karate world … Gabe Reynaga – Takedown City – EP257
My guest today is a lifelong martial artist, instructor, and historian dedicated to preserving one of the most important lineages in modern martial arts history. Greglon Lee is the son of James Yimm Lee — a highly respected martial artist, author, and close friend and training partner of Bruce Lee. Growing up in Oakland, California, … Greglon Lee – The Dragon and The Tiger – EP256
Melody Johnson is a lifelong martial artist, educator, and one of the true pioneers in children’s martial arts development. With more than three decades of experience researching childhood development as it relates to sports, coaching, and parenting, she has helped shape how martial arts schools around the world teach, coach, and support young students. Her … Melody Johnson – SKILLZ – Ep255
My guest today is a lifelong martial artist whose journey into self-defense began not with trophies or titles, but with necessity, responsibility, and a deep desire to protect others. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1987, Addison Plaisance is a true child of the ’90s—raised on Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, and the belief that real strength … Addison Plaisance – Tae Kwon Do – EP254
