Everyday Martial Artist

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

My guest today is John Giduck, a lifelong martial artist, author, and scholar with an incredible background that bridges academics, athletics, and international martial arts training. John holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State, a law degree from the University of Denver, and a Master’s Degree in Russian and Soviet Studies from the University of Colorado, which included time studying culture and language at St. Petersburg State University in Russia. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies from King’s College in London. Beyond the classroom, John is a champion weightlifter, having won numerous state and regional titles and competing in seven National Weightlifting Championships. For more than 25 years, he traveled extensively in the Soviet Union and trained with several Russian special operations units, where he became a certified Russian hand-to-hand combat instructor and earned a Black Belt in Russian SAMBO. He also holds black belts in Japanese Gio Ryu Kenpo Karate and a military special operations Karate system. In 2007, his lifetime contributions to the martial arts were recognized when he was inducted into the USA Martial Arts International Hall of Fame. John is also the author of several books, including:“1500 Years of Fighting: The Complete Book of Russian, Ukrainian and Soviet Martial Arts from Cossacks to Spetsnaz and Beyond.” Please welcome my guest today – John Giduck. Giduck Books Instagram

My guest today is Julio Rivera — an author, mental health advocate, and lifelong martial artist. With more than 25 years of training, Julio holds black belt rankings in three different martial arts styles. He once owned his own school and now shares his knowledge through private lessons and workshops. Beyond the dojo, Julio is a passionate voice for mental health awareness. His first book, Brokedown Sensei: How I Fought Trauma and Bipolar Disorder from the Outside In, details his personal journey and is available on Amazon. His latest release, Internal Jiu Jitsu: Conquering Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way, came out in May and explores the deeper connections between martial arts, resilience, and self-mastery. Please join me in welcoming Julio Rivera to the show! Internal Jiu Jitsu Brokedown Sensei: How I Fought Trauma and Bipolar Disorder From the Outside In: Rivera, Julio Angel: 9798857751572: Amazon.com: Books Internal Jiu Jitsu: Conquering Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way – Kindle edition by Rivera, Julio Angel, Garner, Telia. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

George Andersch is a lifelong martial artist and fitness enthusiast whose journey began as a teenager. Over the years, he has earned ranks in multiple disciplines, competing not only in traditional martial arts tournaments but also in kickboxing and western boxing matches. Like many, George was inspired by the very first UFC event in 1993, which led him to pursue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since then, he has competed in some of the most prestigious grappling events, including IBJJF Worlds, Pan Ams, Masters, Gracie Nationals, NAGA, Grapplers Quest, Pancrase, and more. In 2008, George and his wife Sarah opened Fargo BJJ, and just two years ago expanded with a second location in Grand Forks, ND. Beyond the mats, George proudly served eight years of active duty with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne. He’s also a passionate musician and music enthusiast, as well as a survivor of a dissected aortic aneurysm—a testament to his resilience and drive. George and Sarah are proud parents of two teenagers, balancing family life with their martial arts journey. Please welcome my guest, George Andersch. Fargo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy – Achieve Your Full Potential with Expert BJJ Training at Fargo’s Premier Facility! Grand Forks Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy – Discover BJJ Classes in Grand Forks, ND – Grand Forks BJJ Academy

Onassis Parungao, born in Rota, Spain, is of Spanish and Filipino heritage. His martial arts journey began at the age of eight, and since 1984 he has trained in Tung Kong Kalan, Judo, Wrestling, Yang Style Tai Chi, and Hung Gar. A seasoned competitor, Onassis has fought in three No Holds Barred matches, including UFC #7 and the Russian AFC. He’s also the 2018 NY KTOC Push Hands Champion, a San Shou Chinese Free Fighting U.S. Champion, and winner of both the 1997 Ohio US Invitational and the inaugural 1998 International Eagle Cup. His dedication has taken him all the way to the Shaolin Temple for training, and today his greatest passion lies in Chinese Martial Arts. Please welcome my guest, Onassis Parungao. Onassis Parungao – YouTube Onassis Parungao – IMDb (23) Onassis Parungao | LinkedIn

Reggie Darden began his martial arts journey in the 1990s and has since explored a wide range of disciplines, including Chinese Kenpo, American Kenpo, Capoeira, Boxing, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Reggie originally hails from San Diego but now calls the Dallas–Fort Worth area home. When he’s not training or teaching, Reggie enjoys diving into movies, video games, and all things tech. He’s also the host of the My Empty Hands podcast, where he shares insights and stories from the world of martial arts. Outside of the dojo and podcast studio, Reggie is a husband, dog dad to two pups, and caretaker of a betta fish and a hamster. Please welcome my guest today—Reggie Darden. My Empty Hands – Kenpo Conversations