Everyday Martial Artist

In this episode, we sit down with James McSweeney, an internationally recognized martial artist, fighter, and coach whose career has spanned more than two decades at the highest levels of combat sports. James is a 6-time World Muay Thai Champion, 3-time World MMA Champion, and a veteran of some of the biggest promotions in the world — including the UFC, ONE Championship, K-1, and Glory Kickboxing. Born and raised in the UK, James’s journey has taken him around the globe — from the fight camps of Thailand to the gyms of Australia, and now to Dallas, Texas, where he serves as Co-Owner and Head of Operations at McSweeney MMA & Performance. With ten gym locations across the Dallas area, James continues to shape the next generation of fighters while helping everyday students build strength, discipline, and confidence both on and off the mats. Outside the gym, James is a devoted husband of 15 years, a proud father, and even runs his own farm — proving that his drive for excellence extends far beyond the cage. Please welcome my guest today — James McSweeney. Home – McSweeney MMA Home – Lonestar Fight League

Francisco Casaroti is a lifelong martial artist, teacher, and cultural ambassador with nearly three decades of experience in the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira. Born and raised in Brazil, Francisco’s journey through movement, rhythm, and expression began at a young age — shaping not only his martial path but also his understanding of community and culture. In addition to Capoeira, he is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor representing the prestigious Roger Gracie Academy in North Dakota, carrying forward a legacy built on technical precision, respect, and discipline. Francisco has taught and performed around the world — from the streets of Brazil to the studios of London, where he spent 15 years teaching, and even as far as Beijing, China. His work has taken him across Europe as well, leading workshops and masterclasses in France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. He is also a co-founder of Grupo Capoeira Arte — an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural and social impact of Capoeira on a global scale. When he’s not on the mat, Francisco brings his creative vision to the classroom as a Design Professor at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, blending artistry, movement, and education into every aspect of his life. Please welcome my guest today — Francisco Casaroti. Capoeira Arte – Est. 29 April 2000 Mestre Bimba – Capoeira Online

Kenn Scott is an accomplished actor, martial artist, filmmaker, and author whose passion for the martial arts and storytelling has taken him from the dojo to the bright lights of Hollywood. Born in New York and raised in North Carolina, Kenn followed his dreams west to Los Angeles, where his talent and determination led him to one of the most iconic roles of the 1990s — portraying Raphael in the original live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films. Beyond his work in the Turtles franchise, Kenn starred in the international martial arts cult hit Showdown and went on to appear in and direct numerous film and television projects. Throughout his career, he’s had the honor of working alongside some of the most respected names in the industry, including Pat Johnson, Cynthia Rothrock, Billy Blanks, Art Camacho, Gary Daniels, and Jeff Imada. A lifelong martial artist with over 45 years of training, Kenn’s background spans Goju-ryu, Shaolin Kung Fu, American Kenpo, Tai Chi, Muay Thai, Lima Lama, Isshin Ryu, and more. His deep experience both in front of the camera and on the mat has given him a unique perspective on discipline, creativity, and perseverance. Kenn is also the author of the Amazon Top Pick Teenage Ninja to Mutant Turtle: Becoming the Reel Raphael, where he shares his journey from a young martial artist in North Carolina to embodying one of pop culture’s most beloved heroes. Please welcome my guest today — Mr. Kenn Scott. Kenn Scott Author | Home Kenn Scott – IMDb

Geo Corvera is a veteran fight choreographer, stunt coordinator, action designer, and stuntman whose passion for martial arts began at a young age. Born in El Salvador and raised in the Washington, D.C. area of Virginia, Geo quickly made a name for himself on the competition circuit, earning Top 10 NASKA and NBL rankings in forms, weapons, and sparring. In 2000, he made the move to Hollywood, launching what would become a remarkable career in film, television, and streaming. Since then, he’s worked on over 170 productions, including major projects for both Marvel and DC Comics, as well as a long list of other hit series and films. His incredible work has earned him recognition from the Screen Actors Guild, winning Outstanding Performance Awards for Iron Man and Pirates of the Caribbean. He’s also received nominations from MTV and the Taurus World Stunt Awards for Best Fight in The Rundown. Not just a behind-the-scenes talent, Geo has also appeared on screen in popular shows like Cobra Kai, The Vigilante, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and many more. When he’s not performing or designing action, you’ll find him training and sharing his knowledge with others. Please welcome my guest today — Geo Corvera. Geo Corvera – IMDb

Chris Kent has over five decades of experience in the martial arts and is recognized worldwide as one of the foremost authorities on Jeet Kune Do. In 1973, he became the youngest, and final, member admitted into Dan Inosanto’s legendary “Backyard JKD” group during Bruce Lee’s lifetime. He went on to study with and assist Guro Inosanto for more than 13 years, refining his skills and traveling nationally and internationally as Inosanto’s personal assistant for seminars and public demonstrations. In 1982, he became one of the first students to be awarded the prestigious title of Full Instructor under Inosanto. Known as a “teacher of teachers,” he’s dedicated to developing instructors who share the same passion and authenticity for JKD that Bruce Lee inspired. His recent book, Liberate Yourself! – How to Think Like Bruce Lee, along with its companion workbook, explores how individuals can apply the principles of self-actualization that Bruce Lee lived by to their own lives. He has shared his expertise in Hollywood, professional sports, and beyond. I could keep going — but let’s jump in. Please welcome my guest, Chris Kent. Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do | liberation catalyst (1) Facebook chris kent (jkd4life) – Profile | Pinterest Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do – YouTube Chris Kent’s ’15 Second Martial Arts Coach’ – YouTube Chris Kent’s “Think Like Bruce Lee” – YouTube (1) Instagram Amazon.com: Chris Kent: books, biography, latest update

Dana Hee is a martial artist, motivational speaker, commentator, and author who has dedicated more than four decades to the martial arts. Rising from an unstable and traumatic childhood, she used martial arts as a path to transformation, ultimately winning Olympic Gold in 1988. Her success opened the door to Hollywood, where she performed stunts in blockbuster films such as Batman Forever, Charlie’s Angels, Terminator 2, Independence Day, Spider-Man 2, The Avengers, and many more. In the early 2000s, she shifted her focus to motivational speaking, inspiring audiences around the world with her story of resilience and courage. She is also the author of One Step with Courage: The Story of My Life from Olympic Gold Medalist to Hollywood Stuntwoman. Please welcome my guest today… Dana Hee. Dana Hee – IMDb One Step with Courage: The Story of My Life from Olympic Gold Medalist to Hollywood Stuntwoman: Hee, Dana: 9798647506559: Amazon.com: Books

Robert Drysdale is a world-renowned martial artist, fighter, coach, commentator, author, and academy owner. Born in Utah to a Brazilian mother and an American father, his family moved to Brazil when he was just six years old. In 1998, during his late teens, Robert discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Quatro Tempos Academy—a decision that would shape the course of his life. His talent and dedication quickly led him to the top, earning multiple national and world titles. In 2005, he became only the second American to win an IBJJF black belt world championship. Returning to the United States in 2008, Robert pursued academic studies while training alongside legends like Randy Couture and Wanderlei Silva. That same year, he made his amateur MMA debut with Tuff-N-Uff, winning his first fight before going pro in 2010. In 2012, Robert founded Zenith Jiu-Jitsu in Las Vegas, a school that has since been voted “Best in Vegas” three times. Beyond the mats, he is also an acclaimed author—his book The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is considered essential reading for practitioners and fans alike. Please welcome my guest today, Robert Drysdale. Home – Zenith Jiu Jitsu by Robert Drysdale Zenith Jiu Jitsu

Blake Hayes has been a dedicated martial artist since 1986, training relentlessly for nearly four decades. His journey spans multiple disciplines, including Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, and Wrestling. In 2012, Blake earned his black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and has since risen to the rank of 3rd degree black belt. Three years later, he co-founded Sheepdog Response with Tim Kennedy, traveling the country to teach military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians critical life-saving skills. Beyond the mats, Blake is also an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor and Oklahoma Self-Defense Act Instructor. As Head Instructor of Sheepdog Jiu-Jitsu in Tulsa, he integrates striking, grappling, and firearms training to prepare students for real-world, worst-case scenarios. Today, he continues to expand programs in women’s self-defense, civilian preparedness, and advanced tactical training, making him a true leader in both martial arts and personal protection. Please welcome to the show, Blake Hayes. Tulsa Kids and Adult Martial Arts and Jiu-Jitsu – Sheepdog Jiu-Jitsu – Tulsa, Oklahoma Tactical Training & Gear | Sheepdog Response

Mary Beth Klock Perez is a 7th degree Master in Tae Kwon Do who began her journey training under the legendary Grand Master Jhoon Rhee. In 1988, she founded Better Families Tae Kwon Do in Miami, Florida — a school built on discipline, perseverance, and community. Just three years later, she met and married 9th degree Grand Master Diego Perez, and together they’ve created a powerhouse legacy in martial arts. Master Perez has received two Mayor Proclamations and the prestigious Diamond Award, but her greatest achievements can be seen in her students: Over 1,600 black belts earned at her school More than 25 Masters developed 11 World Champions and countless National Champions In 2010, their team brought home 21 gold and 17 silver medals at the World Games for the U.S. Her black belts have gone on to become actors and stunt performers in hit productions like Only The Strong, Mortal Kombat, Cobra Kai, Beetlejuice, and the new Superman movie. She’s also a proud mother and grandmother, with a family who grew up immersed in the art and spirit of Tae Kwon Do. I could go on… but let’s hear it straight from her. Please welcome my guest — Master Mary Beth Klock Perez. – Better Families Through Tae Kwon Do

Michael Leonard is both a visual artist and martial artist based in Rochester, NY. Unlike many who start young, Michael began his martial arts journey later in life—and quickly made up for lost time, earning the rank of Nidan. Along the way, he developed a deep fascination with traditional weaponry—not just in their practice and application, but in their rich histories and evolution through the centuries. Frustrated by the poor quality and unsafe craftsmanship of many commonly available weapons, Michael combined his extensive skills in woodworking and metalwork to create something better. From that passion, The Kodudo Studio was born. Today, his handcrafted weapons are trusted and admired by Karateka around the world. Join me in welcoming my guest, Michael Leonard. Kobudo Studio | Handcrafted Martial Arts Weapons Irondequoit Martial Arts – Irondequoit Martial Arts – Isshin-Ryū Karate-Do 一心流空手道