Born and raised in Chicago, Daniel Pesina has been immersed in martial arts for over five decades. With a career that spans film, video games, and live instruction, he’s best known for his iconic roles as Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Reptile in the original Mortal Kombat games. Beyond the gaming world, Daniel appeared as … Daniel Pesina – Mortal Kombat – Ep217
Mark Larson’s martial arts journey is one of passion, perseverance, and global impact. From excelling in high-level athletics—playing ice hockey in both the USHL and NCAA—to immersing himself in the world of martial arts, Mark’s path has been anything but ordinary. He began with Wing Chun and Goju-ryu karate before finding his true calling in … Mark Larson – MN Aiki Shuren Dojo – Ep216
Today’s guest is a true icon in the world of martial arts and tactical training. Avi Nardia is a world-renowned martial artist with decades of experience teaching across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. He is the founder and head instructor of KAPAP (Krav Panim El Panim), a practical self-defense system rooted in real-world applications, blending … Avi Nardia – KAPAP/Krav Maga – Ep215
Dan Blizniak began his martial arts journey over two decades ago in Dayton, Ohio. Early in his training, he purchased a Brazilian Cherry bokken for class, but it wasn’t long before his roots in woodworking—passed down from his father, a skilled carpenter from Buffalo, New York—sparked a new path. Driven by curiosity and craftsmanship, Dan … Dan Blizniak – Blizniak’s Bokken – Ep214
Episode Title: Exploring Katori Shintō-ryū with Paul Frank Today, I’m joined by Paul Frank, the chief instructor of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū at the Budo Society. With a martial arts journey that began in 1982, Paul holds a 3rd Dan in Aikido and ranks in Karate and Tae Kwon Do, along with experience in iaido. … Paul Frank – Katori Shintō-ryū – Ep213
Today’s guest, Vlad Koulikov, began his martial arts journey at the renowned Sambo 70 academy, one of the most prestigious training institutions in the world. His early success in competition includes earning gold and silver medals in two All-Soviet Cups. After moving to the U.S., Vlad continued to make his mark, medaling in three U.S. … Vlad Koulikov – Sambo Fusion – Ep212
In this episode, we welcome Jesse Jackson Jr., a man whose life journey spans martial arts, activism, politics, and media. Jesse has studied multiple martial arts disciplines, including Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu. As a teenager, he and his brother played an active role in supporting their father’s civil rights efforts. During the 1984 … Jesse Jackson Jr – Jhoon Rhee TKD – Ep211
In this episode, we’re joined by Rodger Martin, a dedicated martial artist with nearly 30 years of experience. Over the years, Rodger has competed in both MMA and boxing, showcasing his skills in the ring. Beyond competition, Rodger played a key role as the fight choreographer and featured actor in the short film One Last … Rodger Martin – Bad Ace Martial Arts – Ep210
My guest today is a true martial arts veteran with over 50 years of experience. A 7th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, he spent two decades running two of the largest martial arts schools in the country, teaching over 800 students each week, while also co-managing 11 other schools in the San Jose and … Tom Callos – Ultimate Black Belt Test – Ep209
John Borter has been training in martial arts for over 30 years, earning black belt ranks in five different systems, including a 6th-degree black belt. While his expertise spans multiple disciplines, he is best known for his dedication to reviving and preserving Irish stick fighting—the traditional martial art of Ireland. As the founder of the … John Borter – Irish Stick Fighting – Ep208
