“Respect Needs to Go Around for Every Martial Art.  We can learn Something from everyone.”    -Michael Jai White 

 My guest this episode is Michael Jai White, a highly trained martial artist & actor.  Michael has broken barriers as a Hollywood star and is an International Box office sensation. He is a national martial arts champion, a special education teacher, and a Black Belt under the legendary Bill “Superfoot” Wallace.  He was awarded Black Belt Magazines, 2015 Man of the Year.
This episode is filled with golden nuggets.  My key take away is all about the philosophy of looking to get better every time you train. Michael’s “growth minded” approach allows him to keep an empty cup as he seeks out the best martial artists on the planet to test himself against and to be exposed to their methods.  Because Martial Arts is not about fighting, it’s not about dominating your opponent, but about overcoming yourself.

This Episode is brought to you by Black Belt.  Black Belt is the world's leading self-defense magazine and is dedicated to both the classical and the modern eclectic martial arts.... Black Belt also publishes instructional books, DVDs from a variety of disciplines, including jujutsu, mixed martial arts, reality-based self-defense, grappling, jeet kune do & more! Black Belt also publishes online courses like Sifu Harinder Singh’s “JKD for Black Belts: Advanced Attack Strategies”.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

Follow Sifu Singh @sifusingh and Black Belt Magazine @blackbeltmag

Show Notes

#1 - Michael Jai White – Martial Arts is About Overcoming Yourself

00:00:29 – Michael Jai White(@officialmichaeljai) Introduction and Key Takeaway 

00:01:39 – Goal of The Black Belt Podcast

00:02:08 – How do Martial Arts become a Way of Life?

00:05:56 – The gift of Traditional Martial Arts

00:11:22 – Tai Chi is the most Beneficial Martial Art on the Planet

00:12:01 – “Respect needs to go around for Every Art. We can learn something from Everyone”-Michael Jai White

00:16:47 – A Philosophy for becoming a Better Fighter

00:24:56 – In Combatives the Mindset is Paramount – You must overcome yourself

00:29:15 – From Forms to Fighting

00:31:09 – Bridging the Gap between Traditional Martial Arts and Fighting in the Ring

00:40:20 – Who’s the Baddest Man?

00:45:10 – First thing in Self Defense

00:50:45 – The Psychology of a Predator

00:55:28 – Michael Jai White used to be a School Teacher

01:01:27 – “Bill Wallace is my Martial Art Dad” – Michael Jai White

01:03:36 – The importance of Deception and Hiding Techniques

01:08:23 – Developing a Legitimate Weapon

01:10:28 – Shout Out to Jackson Wink in Albuquerque, @jacksonwink_mma

01:11:24 – On Sparring Jon “Bones” Jones, @jonnybones

01:13:00 – Conor McGregor’s Ability to Re-Adjust to the Target @thenotoriousmma

01:14:20 – GSP(@georgesstpierre), Israel Adesanya(@stylebender), and Anderson Silva(@spiderandersonsilva) are Masters of Time and Space

01:16:18 – Bulging Muscles vs Masterful Skill

01:17:44 – Is Watching, Observing and Reading your opponent the Master Key to Fighting?

1:20:51 – Not enough Focus on Defense

1:21:53 – How does one develop the Fighters Eye and Fight IQ?

1:29:48 – “Know Yourself and Know Your Enemy” – Sun Tzu

1:30:46 – How Do You Truly Find Out Who You Are?

1:40:31 – The need for Security, Control and Approval robs us of our Happiness

1:44:57 – What does a Black Belt Mean to Michael Jai White?

Make sure to follow Michael Jai White on: 
Instagram: @officialmichaeljai 
Twitter - @MichaelJaiWhite 
Facebook – The Real Michael Jai White 

“You are going to die.  Accept Death, but move forward in life, and do everything you can to make it a good life” – Jocko Willink

 My guest this episode is Jocko Willink a former Navy Seal Commander & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. He led Seal Teams in the battle for Ramadi during the Iraq war and was honored with the Silver and Bronze Star.  Jocko is a Best-Selling Author and the host of the successful Jocko Podcast.

This episode is filled with leadership wisdom from first-hand experience in life and death situations.  I consider Jocko Willink to be the Modern Miyamoto Musashi and my key take away is that Detachment from Emotions is the essential element to Success in Leadership and in Life.  Emotions cloud our judgement, make us reactionary, and lead to panic, stress, fear and anxiety.  In this episode Jocko details a step by step method to stay calm, not get caught up in emotions, and make better choices.

 What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

Follow Sifu Singh @sifusingh and Black Belt Magazine @blackbeltmag.

Show Notes 

#2: Jocko Willink – Detachment From Emotions is The Master Key to Success

 00:00:29 – Jocko Willink(@jockowillink) Introduction and Key Takeaway 

00:01:38 – Miyamoto Musashi’s Early Influence on Jocko 

00:02:55 – Most Valuable Teaching = Step Back, Detach and Don’t Get Caught Up in Emotions

00:06:00 – Jocko’s Morning Routine

00:07:28 – What is Extreme Ownership?

00:08:48 – Humility is the Key to Leadership

00:09:35 – Jiu Jitsu will Humble You

00:12:08 – The Ego does not like to be Uncomfortable

00:12:40 – “Make Yourself Comfortable in Uncomfortable Situations” – Rickson Gracie, @ricksongraciejj

00:13:18 – Overcoming Discomfort by Moving Towards It

00:15:22 – “BUDS was Fun” – Jocko Willink

00:16:50 – How do You Discover Your Purpose?

00:17:28 – Balance is Essential to Leadership and Martial Arts

00:19:10 – How do You Teach People to Find Balance?

00:20:20 – How to Manage Emotions and Make Smarter Choices in Chaos

00:23:36 – Advice for Martial Arts School Owners During Pandemic

00:24:25 – Be The Watcher and See The Bigger Picture

00:25:58 – How do You Get Out of Your Head and Into the Flow State?

00:27:25 – An Open Mind is Essential for Growth in Martial Arts

00:28:10 – Why are some Martial Artists not willing to be Open and Evolve?

00:32:05 – How to Find the Best Training Partners for Growth

00:33:00 – The Pyramid Structure of a Martial Arts School

00:33:50 – Martial Artists are Teachers, Technicians, Fighters and Have an X-Factor

00:35:36 – What is the Fighter of the Future Look Like?

00:37:36 – The Importance of the Ability to Be Like Water and Transition in Martial Arts

00:39:30 – Success = Escaping in Transitions and Knowing When to Abandon Positions

00:40:50 – Masters Can See the Future and Know What You Are Going to Do

00:45:14 – Death Teaches Us That Life is Important. Accept Death and Live a Good Life

00:47:19 – Acceptance of Death Allows You to Let Go and Focus on Your Job

00:48:32 – Overcoming Real FEAR vs Projected FEAR

00:50:00 – How Do You Express Yourself Honestly?

00:51:55 – Jocko’s Message to Martial Artists  – “Stay HUMBLE”

00:52:52 – “If You Know The Way Broadly, You See It In All Things” – Musashi

00:53:22 – Jiu Jitsu’s Influence on The Battlefield, In Leadership, and Life

00:55:08 – Sun Tzu’s Art of War - “Know Yourself & Know Your Enemy”

00:55:56 – What Does A Black Belt Mean to Jocko Willink?

00:57:45 – How To Find Jocko Willink, Victory MMA in San Diego California @jockowillink, Jocko Podcast, Origin Maine Jiu Jitsu Gi Company

“Do Things for the Love of It” vs “The Fear of Losing It” – Herb Perez

 My Guest this episode is the 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, in Tae Kwon Do, Master Herb Perez. He is the owner of Gold Medal Martial Arts Centers, the creator of the Torch Program, a Lawyer, and the former Mayor of Foster City, Ca.

This episode is literally filled with gold, and I consider Herb Perez a master of high performance.  My Key take away is “The Art of Setting and Achieving Goals”.  We discuss failure, doubt, and how to rise above self-limiting beliefs.  Master Perez also shares his powerful Visualization Techniques to Win Matches in Your Mind, and how physical & mental training found in Martial Arts are the Foundations of all Success.

What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.  Follow Sifu Harinder Singh @sifusingh and Black Belt Magazine @blackbeltmag.

Show Notes  

#3: Herb Perez – The Art of Setting and Achieving Goals

00:00:28 – Master Herb Perez (@goldmedalmartialarts) Introduction and Key Takeaway

00:01:57 – The Purpose of The Black Belt Podcast

00:03:01 – How has Martial Arts Allowed You to Achieve So Much Success?

00:04:45 – The Art of Setting Goals 

00:07:18 – Where does Self Belief come from?

00:10:06 – Passion (What’s In Your Heart) + Be Honest With Yourself + Do The Work = Success

00:11:11 – “Doubt is the Greatest Weapon You Can Give Your Enemy”.  – Sifu Welch

00:11:46 – Dan Milliman’s “The Peaceful Warrior” and The Enemy in Your Head, @danmillmanpw

00:12:09 – Overcoming Doubt Against The Korean Tae Kwon Do Powerhouse

00:13:20 – “You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don’t Take” – Michael Jordan, @michaeljordan

00:14:24 – “Confidence is Born Out of Practice & What You Have Done Before” – Herb Perez

00:14:42 – How Do You Pull Yourself out of a Doubt Filled Mind?

00:16:50 – Fighting Matches in Your Head the Night Before to Prepare for a Competition

00:17:40 – Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body

00:19:26 – Practice Dealing with Emotions, Fears, and Being Calm

00:20:30 – Raise Yourself Up vs Diminish Others

00:21:50 – Why Are We Not Training the Mind as A Weapon in Martial Arts Schools?

00:24:10 – How to Use Visualization Skills to Win the Olympics

00:27:23 – Advice for Martial Artists – How to Go from Visualization to Actualization 

00:28:56 – 3 Steps to Overcome Discomfort by Choosing Courage and Letting Go of Fear

00:32:00 – “Do Things for the Love of It” vs “The Fear of Losing It”

00:34:39 – Using Self Expression to Make Your Art Yours

00:38:50 – “What We Do Is Way Too Valuable to Be Shared with the Masses” – Herb Perez

00:44:00 – Do We Need a Professional Martial Arts University?

00:46:44 – What Should We Be Teaching? Philosophy, Role in Society, Self Defense?

00:53:16 – You Must Understand Your Personal Challenges and Build Your Own Success Matrix

00:55:46 – How Did You Develop a Strategy to Beat the Korean Tae Kwon Do Powerhouse?

00:58:20 – Do a SWOT Analysis on Yourself and Understand How to Break Patterns

01:00:00 – Martial Arts Provides the Arena to Discover Your True Self Through Fighting

01:03:25 – Learn The Art of War and How to Apply it in Fighting and Life

01:04:55 – Defining the Flow State and How to Enter It

01:06:00 – Choosing to Attack vs Choosing to Wait

01:08:17 – How to Be Ahead of Your Opponent with Time and Space Awareness

01:12:26 – The Fear of Losing vs The Love of Winning

01:13:58 – You Have to Believe You Can Win and Make Your Opponent Lose

01:15:13 – How Do You Take Losses and Turn Them into Growth Experiences?

01:22:20 – Where is the Future of Martial Arts Headed?

01:25:26 - What Does A Black Belt Mean to Herb Perez?

“Live to Love and Fight for People” – Justin Wren

My guest this episode is Justin “The Big Pygmy” Wren, a humanitarian, author, speaker, and a professional mixed martial arts fighter who has inspired millions.  He is the founder of “Fight for the Forgotten” a non-profit organization dedicated to defending the weak, loving the unloved, and empowering the voiceless around the world and in our own neighborhoods and schools.

In this deep and highly personal episode Justin Wren shares how he used the martial arts to bravely overcome depression and addiction and how he has dedicated his life to fighting for other people.  My key takeaway, to quote Justin is that we can “defeat hate with love”.  We are all fighting a war within, and we need a support system and a higher purpose to overcome our obstacles and challenges.  We can then use the lessons we learned to “live to love and fight for people”.  I was honored to interview Justin a true example of the Martial Spirit.

Show Notes 
#4 : Justin Wren – Be resilient, Never Quit and Overcome all Obstacles
00:00:27 – Justin Wren (@thebigpygmy) Introduction and Key Takeaway
00:02:52 – Where does “Live to Love and Fight for People Come From?”
00:05:11 – “I was a depressed drunk drug addict because I was only fighting for myself”. - Justin
00:06:27 – 2 Things that will awaken the Martial Spirit = A Battle to Fight + An Adventure to Live
00:08:35 – Rafael Lavato Jr(@lovatojrbjj) “You are a Martial Artist First and a Fighter Second.”
00:10:21 – The Path of the Martial Artist is Warrior, Healer, Scholar, and Mystic
00:12:00 – “Work on Yourself till you are of Service to the World” - @sifusingh
00:14:35 – “No act of kindness, no matter how small, ever gets wasted.”- Aesop
00:14:50 – “I was a missing person for 8 weeks during a relapse” – Justin Wren
00:18:10 – Asked the Divine what do you want me to do with my Life?
00:19:36 – Saw a Vision of a rainforest and a tribe in Africa, and came out with the word “Forgotten”
00:23:28 – My encounter with a Mystic named Caleb who pointed me to the Pygmy People in the Congo Basin from my Vision
00:29:50 – The traumatic path of depression and the way back out of it 
00:30:50 – “We are programmed to succeed; we learn to fail.” – Sifu Singh
00:34:30 – “We get so comfortable being comfortable that we don’t want to trade our comfort for discomfort ever.” Jiu-Jitsu teaches us to be resilient. 
00:37:48 – Chaos is Nature’s Way and Peace is a Choice inside of Chaos – Sifu Singh
00:41:31 – “Comparison is the thief of Joy” and that’s the society we live in today
00:44:28 – Getting the Name Efeosa = “The Man Who Loves Us”
00:46:18 – Witnessing firsthand death due to water born diseases, due to lack of clean drinking water and mobilizing a yearlong effort to provide clean drinking water in Africa.
00:47:00 – Malaria almost Killed Justin and he was almost in an irreversible coma.
00:48:30 – “I learned from martial arts to follow my instinct and intuition.” – Justin Wren
00:51:11 – The Warrior's Way is to dig deep and overcome on and off the mats.
00:53:55 – How do you teach Resilience and Self Respect to People?
00:55:20 – “A good leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way” – John Maxwell
00:55:38 – Rayden’s Story and Heroes in Waiting (Anti Bullying Program).
01:06:00 – You have to work on yourself first before you can create a healing space for others.
01:07:00 – This last year was the worst and best year of my life.
01:10:30 – Depression is a silent killer.
01:14:00 – “Rehab is not a punishment, it’s a gift.” – Justin Wren
01:15:15 – We need to be tough and vulnerable enough to allow people around us to help us.
01:18:30 – Mr. Miyagi says it’s not about winning the fight, it’s about how we fight.
01:19:11 – The Warriors Creed by Robert L. Humphrey

#5:  Dave Kovar – Professionalism & Empowerment through a Growth Minded Passion Driven Approach

“There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts.” – Dave Kovar

My guest this episode is Hanshi Dave Kovar who is known as “The Teacher of Teachers”.  He is the founder of Kovar’s Satori Academies and PROMAC, the Professional Martial Arts College.  He is a prolific author and the epitome of professionalism and humility.  His formulas for integrity-based success coaching have transformed martial arts training, teaching, and business across the globe.  This episode is filled with guidance and wisdom from a true pioneer of the Professional Martial Arts Industry. 

My Key takeaway is that “There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts”.  I absolutely love Hanshi Kovar’s Growth Minded Passion driven approach.  We discuss how to empower people of all ages to become more confident, healthy, happy, and contributing members of society.  Hanshi Kovar also shares what it takes to provide high quality martial arts instruction, how to develop professional instructors, and most importantly how to remain a student for life by being open, and enjoying and having fun in your training, and loving the process of learning.

Show Notes  

#5 : Dave Kovar – Professionalism & Empowerment through a Growth Minded Passion Driven Approach

00:00:25 – Hanshi Dave Kovar (@hanshidavekovar) Introduction and Key Takeaway.
00:02:39 – What Is the Goal of PROMAC?
00:06:15 – “Adversity doesn’t make the person it reveals the person.” – Dave Kovar
00:09:08  – The 3 A’s – Attitude(Aware of Frame of Mind), Adaptability, and Action
00:12:43 – The Flow State, The Zone or Satori.  When you are in the Flow State you will always make the right decision.
00:13:00 – What methods do you use to get into the flow state? Kovar Guards his Morning Routine.  First 60 min is scripted every morning that helps him get there and get back quicker.
00:16:45 – “I hate it but every morning I do a sauna and cold plunge.” – Dave Kovar
00:22:44 – 3 Questions - “How did I contribute? What did I learn? What can I do better? 
00:23:30 – My favorite word is “Savour”, it brings you to the present moment with a sense of appreciation.
00:28:55 – Do you think Martial Arts is needed more today than in the Past?
00:31:32 – Athletic Development benefits for Children.
00:34:22 – “Poor Endurance makes Cowards of us All.” – Vince Lombardi
00:37:00 – The Confidence Spiral – Failure and Success vs Confidence.
00:40:15 – Change your Physiology and Focus and that will Change how you Feel.
00:41:50 – The Concept of Ikigai = Undaunted Spirit when facing a challenge.
00:42:55 – Martial Arts is about Enjoyment.
00:45:19 – What has kept you in this Constant State of Learning?
00:50:11 – Adopting Shoshin the Beginners Mind.
00:52:55 – An Open-Minded Approach towards Sport, Tradition, and Reality.
00:55:45 – Know the Real Reason you are training in Martial Arts.
01:01:25 – What is the biggest Challenge you have had to Overcome?
01:04:55 – What is your process of molding and developing Instructors?
01:06:45 – “There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts.” – Dave Kovar
01:08:37 – “Your Job is to Believe in your Students Potential.” – Dave Kovar
01:09:45 – Do you think a Professional Degree from a University would help the Industry?
01:13:35 – The Mainstream success of Kobra Kai is driving students to Martial Arts Classes.
01:14:18 – Do you think it is the relationship between Teacher and Student people are seeking?
01:16:15 – Master Jhoon Rhee and 1,000 Push Ups a Day.
01:21:00 – Secret to Growth and Longevity.
01:25:50 – 6 Keys to Mastery – Posture, Breathing, Stride, Balance, Elegant Movement, and Intent.
01:28:22 – What does a Black Belt mean to Dave Kovar?

My Guest this episode is “The Pitmaster” John Hackleman who is one of the most sought-after trainers in MMA history.  He is the founder of the world famous “Pit Martial Arts and Fitness” which is home to UFC Champions Chuck Liddell and Glover Teixeira.  The Pitmaster’s unique approach is catered to children, adults, and professional fighters.  His Hawaiian Kempo curriculum is designed to address school yard bullying, dangerous street assaults, and professional cage fighting.

My Key take away is that “Peak Physical Conditioning Directly Impacts Mental Performance”.  I believe the Pitmaster is a creative genius when it comes to preparing his fighters for world class competition.  His innovative training methods are designed to replicate the pressures and stresses of combat.  In this episode we discuss physical and mental conditioning, what it takes to prepare world class athletes, and how to lead with confidence, loyalty, and humility.

Show Notes  

#6: John Hackleman – Physical and Mental Conditioning are the Master Key’s to Performance
00:00:25 – John “The Pitmaster” Hackleman (@Pit_Master) Introduction and Key Takeaway.
00:02:22 – The Development of the Legendary Left Hook
00:04:03 – How to Get the Best out of Your Fighters and Help Them Develop Their Own Style
00:06:55 – Be a Martial Artist and Not a Partial Artist
00:08:15 – Get out of Your Comfort Zone so you Can Grow and Become Successful
00:11:00 – Can’t Spar your Way into Shape, You have to get Creative Heart Rate Manipulation.
00:12:27 – The Best Way to Mentally Prepare and Peak for a Fight
“The More Physically Prepared you are for the Fight, Your mental preparation goes Up.”
00:20:00 – Teach them to Actively Recover and Make Decisions in Chaos
00:22:04 – There are 4 Priorities on the Bottom, Relax and Protect Yourself, Escape, Attack, You have to find out where you can relax and go to that range.  On the bottom, against the cage, or in long range.  You need to train anaerobic threshold and the ability to bring your heart rate down, and rest in the round, and in between rounds.
00:30:00 – We Have to Practice Adapting vs Compartmentalizing Training
00:32:00 – Drillers Make Killers, Drill to Build Muscle Memory, You can’t disguise repetition, you need to embrace repetition.  Become seamless to the point of no preference. Strike Grapple Conditioning, there should be no preference.
00:34:10 - “Embrace the Repetition and Love the Fact That You are Getting Better At it.”
00:39:34 – Jack of All Trades Master of One or Master Everything(No Preference)
00:52:00 – Hitting People First vs Taking Them Down.
00:57:50 – You need a Moral Compass and an awareness of Violent Offenders.  “If you don’t have a plan for them, they will have a plan for you.”
01:01:30 – The On Guard Open Handed Bladed Stance for Aesthetics and Defense
01:05:00 – The ability to feel what is happening with yourself and the ability to Watch Observe and Read, is paramount to situational awareness.
01:12:36 – What is your perspective on Sport, Street, and Traditional Martial Arts?
01:18:15 - “God put you here fort that.  So, you owe it to the people weather you want to do it or not. -- “Tony Robbins
01:19:12 – As Martial Arts Instructors we are in the Business of Courage, Confidence, and Clarity.
01:22:10 – “Confidence saved me.  I was bullied and scared before martial arts.” – Pitmaster
01:24:00 – Everyone on my team is a part of my Hawaiian Kempo Belt System and must follow a Code of Conduct.
01:28:20 – What’s the Difference between Chaos and Peace? Peace is a Choice in Chaos.
01:32:20 – You have to run a successful business to be able to influence more people.
01:41:50 – “I’m going to protect the community, my business, and my family.”-- Pitmaster
01:48:00 – What Does a Black Belt Mean To You?

#7: Burton Richardson – Approach Your Training with Integrity and Pressure Test Everything

“Self Confidence through the Practice of Realistic Self Defense.” – Burton Richardson

My Guest this episode is Guro Burton Richardson who is one of the most cutting edge multi style martial arts masters and teachers on the planet.  He is the founder of “JKD Unlimited” which is dedicated to constant improvement through research, experimentation, and development of street affective self defense methods.  He is a full instructor under the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto, a Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame Member, and is has trained Law Enforcement, Martial Artists and UFC Fighters across the globe.

My Key take away is that “Intelligent Pressure Testing Leads to True Confidence”.  I believe Guro Burton’s Research driven humble and open minded approach towards functionalizing martial arts tactics and techniques is an honest approach towards developing true self confidence in your abilities.  This episode is all about self improvement driven by a thirst for knowledge.  We dive deep into teaching and training methods, and discuss the limitless philosophy of always getting better.

“We are all Human Weapons.” – Tony Blauer

 My guest this episode is Tony Blauer a martial artist, self defense, and combatives instructor for over four decades.  He is the founder of Blauer Tactical Systems which is one of the worlds leading consulting firms specializing in research and development of combative training and equipment for military, law enforcement and self defense communities.

 This Episode is about Tony Blauer’s research into the neuroscience of fear and the startle flinch.  My key take away is that fear impacts everything we do and that Our ability to recognize, and manage fear directly impacts the quality of our life.  We discuss physiology, physics, and the psychology of personal defense, and how that led Coach Blauer to create the SPEAR System.