The Martial Maze
By ISRAEL LOPEZ
Why? Mike..... Why?
Konnichiwa! In this episode, we discuss the Mike Tyson/Paul fight. Which begged the question. Was it fixed? Or was Mike Tyson just too old? Does age matter in the martial arts? We hope you enjoy and once again, thanks for watching and listening. 
The Martial Maze podcast Are you being blackballed?
Konnichiwa! In this short Lopez sensei talks a little about misogyny and how it has no place in today's Martial Arts. Along with are you being blackballed? A brief insight into the Martial maze vetting process. We hope you enjoy
Is the grandmaster title the same as a 10th° black belt?
Konnichiwa! In this episode, we explore some controversial Martial arts cannon. This canon suggest that a grandmaster in the Martial Arts is not the same as a 10th° black belt. We have a returning special guest Blackhawk! We hope you enjoy! Also feel free to comment on this one, like I said this topic is very controversial and we'd like to know what you think. Just keep in mind all comments need to be respectful. Thanks again for listening.
Keeping your skills brutally sharp! with the Queen of S.W.A.M. Sidagoo Dr Odette Russell
Konnichiwa! If you don’t know who this woman is when it comes to the study of martial arts. You might been living under a rock. Because when it comes to the who’s who in the martial arts. She is a rockstar! Dr. Odette Russell Is a female martial artist recently featured on the cover of Masters of the Martial arts magazine. As well as Nathan Ingram’s The Deadly Art of Survival magazine. She’s one of the most dangerous women on the planet. Also not to mention being a Martial Maze Modern Combatives alumnus. Dr. Odette Russell, also known as SiDaGoo is the Queen of SWAM. We hope you enjoy!!
Can a phony martial artist taint your event?
Konnichiwa! In this episode we explore the question can a phony martial artist taint a event simply by showing up? This topic comes up a lot in Martial Arts circles. Also a brief statement on the folly of the traditionalist. We hope you enjoy!
Women in Jujitsu should be beating up the trial class guys! With special guest Angelina Hernandez of Close Quarters Jujitsu
Konnichiwa! In this episode, we welcome Brazilian Jujitsu practitioner and competitor Angelina Hernandez from Close Quarters Jujitsu located in West Deptford New Jersey as we discuss her Instagram reel Jujitsu hot take. Woman in Jujitsu should be beating up the trial class guys! It was great having her on the show and we hope you enjoy!
Structure over strength revisited part one of two with special guest, Randy Haskins
Konnichiwa! In this episode, we revisit a past discussion with special guest Randy Haskins sensei. We dive deep into the discussion structure versus strength, and does size really matter? Sport versus combat context everything here, folks! We hope you enjoy.
The growing disconnect in the study of Martial Arts.
Konnichiwa! In this standalone episode, I'm without my partner in crime Barak Yalad Shidoshi . This topic is near, and dear to me because it comes up often between myself and other martial art practitioners. I hope you enjoy.
Should women be treated the same as men while training in the Martial Arts?
Konnichiwa! This episode originally aired June 19th, 2024
Should women be treated the same as men when studying Martial Arts? We at the Martial Maze feel that this is a very controversial topic. There are some in the Martial community that tend to believe that women are inferior, where there are some that tend to believe that women are not inferior. It tends to come up often and we wanted to address it. We hope you enjoy, and we hope to get some positive feedback. Thank you once again for listening.
Why we need to do better! An in-depth discussion with special guest four time Olympian silver medalist Jason Morris
Konnichiwa! In this weeks episode, we have an in-depth discussion with four-time Olympic silver medalist Jason Morris sensei. We talk about all things judo and how we in the judo community should be doing better. A definite can't miss episode. We hope you enjoy!
What are you training martial arts for?
Konnichiwa! In this episode, we discuss some of the complexities of why people train in the martial arts. Another can't miss episode. Also we have some special announcements about the Martial Maze Awards 2024, where we reveal our special guest host for the award ceremony! We hope you enjoy.
Karate stop doing this! With special guest, Randy Haskins sensei
What's wrong with Karate!
Konnichiwa! In today's episode, we discuss a very controversial topic. What's wrong with Karate! This episode was inspired by a Brazilian Jujitsu reel. A definite must listen. We hope you enjoy.
DAOS CON 4 with surprise guest McDojoLife creator, Rob Ingram
Konnichiwa! In today's episode, we are live from DAOS CON 4. It was a great event, and we were happy to be a part of it! Where there were many great Martial, Arts, and special guess. We are at the Martial Maze were blessed with the opportunity to chop it up, and talk all things Martial Arts with the founder and creator of McDojoLife!!
It's all about context, baby! Episode two with special Guest, Randy Haskins Sensei
Konnichiwa! In today's episode we are joined by our special guest, Randy Haskins Sensei of the Underground Alliance Martial Science Research Association. As take a deep dive into a better understanding of the word context! And the important role in understanding this concept in order to gain a better perspective of the art you study, or are interested in. We hope you enjoy. Also, be sure to us check out on Patreon to be entered into our monthly giveaway!
Navigating the Martial maze, season 4 opener
413 Trainers William(Black Tornado)Chapman
Talking Sambo with the USA Sambo Vice President Mikhail Kozitskiy
The principles of Deflect and Redirect with special guest Hanshi Malik Shabazz
Konnichiwa! In this episode, we have a conversation with Hanshi Malik Shabazz of the streetology Jutsu fighting system. Hanshi Malik Shabazz has 55 years of uninterrupted martial arts training. He holds a (9th Dan) Kumite Ryu JuJutusu. Go-Dan (5th Dan) ShotoKan Karate, he is also the creator of the Streetology Jutsu fighting system, as well as the Women's "Strike & Flight" self protection/self-defense system. He has been featured in karate, illustrated magazine. in the 1980s Formally of New York City, but now resides in Atlanta, Georgia here to discuss with us R.O.A.R. "Realistic-Offensive-Attack-Response. We hope you enjoy!
Trans. Male and female in the Martial Arts. Does it make a difference?
Konnichiwa! Profound statements, bring about profound thoughts. In this episode, we discuss the very controversial topic of Trans males, and females in the world of the Martial Arts as well as sports. Does it make a difference?
Brazilian jujitsu is a way of life. An interview with Gabriel Gonzaga
Gabriel Gonzaga Santos Nogueira (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɡabɾiˈew ɡõˈzaɡɐ]; born 18 May 1979) is a Brazilian professional boxer and mixed martial artist, who competed in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is perhaps best known for his upset head-kick knockout of Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 70, which earned him a heavyweight title shot. Gonzaga won a gold medal in the Ultra Heavyweight division at the 2006 Mundials, which is considered to be the top BJJ competition in the world.
Big props to the old school!!!
Konnichiwa! In this weeks episode we have a conversation, and take a walk down martial arts memory lane with Frank Bonanno Shihan of Dai Nan Wan- Ryu Ju-jitsu.
Bonanno Sensei begin his martial journey in 1975 in the martial art, known as Dai Nan Wan- Ryu Ju-jitsu under O'Sensei Richard Lazarus since that time our guest has trained in the martial arts of Judo, Shoin Ryu Goshinho Jujitsu, Aikido, Bo-kendo, running fist kung fu. and has firearms training. Notably Bonanno Sensei has Hosted numerous Judo tournaments as Director and referee, he instructed for the Merrick PAL Judo program. And has Hosted Judo & Jujitsu Seminars. A Member of USJA, USA Judo, All Japan Seibukan Association & WWA.
Distance and Timing: Interview with The founder of Sen-I-Ryu Budo Kenneth Z Miarecki
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”
Rabbi Hillel
konnichiwa! In this weeks episode, we discuss all the chaos that is going on in the world right now. With that being said, it is our hope that good may triumph over evil. But until that time. We should all take our Martial Arts training seriously...........
Body movement(Tai sabaki),and Balance. A discussion with Miyama Ryu Ju-Jitsu’s Luis Soto
A Women’s Self-Defense Tactics Instructors.
Police Defensive Tactics Instructors Our guest Luis Soto
So you think your martial arts system is the best?
Does our culture dictate how we perceive violence? Catching up
Konnichiwa! In this weeks episode, we discuss does our culture dictate how we perceive violence? As well as catching up because it's been a while! Between filming and editing and the high holidays Barak Yalad Shidoshi, and Israel Lopez Sensei needed some time to just catch everyone up. We hope you enjoy
Context, Positioning, Fluid situational Intelligence. Byron Rodgers
Your perception dictates your performance. If you don’t know or understand these statements…..Then this is the episode for you! Byron Rodgers is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran turned private security professional. He has successfully conducted executive protection operations in 60+ countries and counting over the course of the last decade and has consistently worked every client demographic the private security industry has to offer. Byron is a published author of the book, “Finding Meaning After the Military” and a double psychology major with his Master’s in the Science of Psychology minoring in Forensic Psych from North Central University. As the CEO of Bravo Research Group, his mission is the same as it’s always been, “To give clients more than what they pay for and establish relationships that will last a lifetime.” He believes that through diligence, flexibility, communication and consistent learning there is no obstacle that he, his team and his clients cannot overcome in order to arrive at a formula that works perfectly and specifically for each and every one of them on an individual level. With the grittiness of an infantry Marine and the refinement of a corporate executive protection agent, Byron Rodgers brings a firmness, finesse and an intelligence to the industry that his clients, teammates and employees’ value as well as appreciate.
As a protector by nature as well as by trade he hosts a very large and influential private security podcast called, “Executive Protection Lifestyle” where the slogan is, “private security is more than just a job, it is a lifestyle.” On an individual level Byron dedicated his life to the private security industry finding a love and passion for his clients and what he does that is rare amongst professionals with in any vocation.
Understanding the DO(way) in Judo with former Olympian Dr. Rhadi Ferguson
Shock & Awe. What do we know about speed? A conversation with the CEO of the Immersion Labs Mahipal Lunia Sensei
Konnichiwa! In this weeks episode, we get together with Immersion Labs CEO and founder to discuss what we know about speed in the Martial Arts, Shock & Awe!!!
Mahipal Lunia, Sensei is a Hoplologist that weaves together his deep passion of somatics, neuroscience and mythology to his teaching of martial arts. He empowers students to connect the dots and find their personal expression of the principles he teaches.
In addition to holding ranks in Shotokan Karate, Kenpo, Wushu and KAR, Lunia Sensei continues to be a keen student of the Aiki Arts, Chinese Internal Martial Arts (CIMA) and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA).
SHOCK & AWE Nov. 3-5 ,2023 for more information, please go to:https://www.theimmersionlabs.com/
Managing your fear when dealing with an altercation
What is fear? Can we learn to control it?
The way we as people experience fear begins in the part of the brain called the amygdala. The amygdala is the part of the brain where many of our emotions are processed. simply put . The fear response.
When the amygdala is activated due to possible danger, it elicits the fear response. Now This can happen when we are in actual danger, or when we believe we are in danger, in the practice of martial arts we try to simulate that type of danger in order to create a fear base type of stimuli in order to insight the fear response so the practitioner can learn how to deal with the way they respond to fear in a safe space. Ie The dojo. While the amygdala processes emotional experiences, the frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex control things like language and impulse control. When we experience fear, our brain re-routes energy to the amygdala, slowing down processing in other areas. That is why it can be difficult to speak or make rational decisions when we are afraid. As martial artist we strain to control that response.
In this episode Barak Yalad Shidoshi and Israel Lopez sensei discuss dealing with the fear response from Martial Arts's perspective.
We hope you enjoy
Martial, Arts in the educational system with special guest Restita DeJesus
Konnichiwa! In this weeks episode, we discuss the use of martial arts training in the educational system with a very special guest Restita DeJesus host of the Dynamic Dojo podcast, and talk radio show.
a little more on Sifu DeJesus
Restita DeJesus is a martial arts professional, training since 1978 and teaching since 1982. She is the owner of Seattle Wushu Center, a Tai Chi/Wushu/Filipino Martial Arts Academy.
Teacher certifications:
Certified Instructor, Wushu Certified Instructor, Taijiquan Certified Instructor, Qigong
Butokukan Karate- 2nd degree black belt
Doce Pares Eskrima- 5th Degree black belt
FMAA Filipino Arts - 6th degree black belt
Kajukenbo-Wun Hop Kuen Do Kung Fu (under Senior
Grandaster AI Dacascos) - 3rd degree black belt
Kajukenbo-Wun Hop Kuen Do-Chuan Fa Kung Fu (GrandmasterTerry Faircloth) - 8th degree black belt
Other certifications:
Kvudo- 1st degree black belt 2007
Began teaching in 1982.
Founded 'Inner Concepts Martial Arts" 1991: Provided instruction in Butokukan Karate
Co-Founded "Yin Yang Arts Center 1994: With business partner Sherril Johnson, provided instruction in Kajukenbo and Taiiquan ("Tai Chi")
Founded "Seattle Wushu Center 2007: Currently teaching
Kajukenbo, Wushu and Taijiquan (Tai Chi).
Radio Show Host." Dvnamic Doio TalkRadio" on
BlogTalkRadio. Com. Founder of Seika Network, radio channel that features shows about martial arts, health, and fitness.
2012
Other Training:
- Reiki, Master Level
Owner of Seika Healing Arts: Reiki treatment, meridian flush Qigong treatment, Tai Chi & Qigong instruction, developed
"Tai HealthWorks" coaching program.
- laido- Japanese swordsmanship
Big Judo versus Small Judo with special Guest Gary Goltz Sensei
Gary Goltz Sensei is a past president of the Nanka Judo Yudanshakai (Southern California's Judo Black Belt Federation) as well as the United States Judo Association (USJA) where he also served as Chair of their Promotion Board, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2003. He's also a writer for Black Belt magazine. Goltz Sensei currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Hal Sharp Judo Teachers Foundation. Founder of Goltz Judo, and the Winter Nationals ©
Martial Arts grievances episode 24 with special Guest Shihan Glen Beck from the Deadly Art of Survival Magazine
Martial Arts grievances part two of three!!!
Konnichiwa!! We are added again more martial grievances! Barak Yalad Shidoshi and Israel Lopez Sensei go deeper down the rabbit hole of Martial Arts grievances. We hope you enjoy.
Kung Fu stuntman! A brief interview with actor-director, Marital artist Sifu Robert Bobby Samuels
Martial arts grievances!!!!
Konnichiwa! In this weeks episode, we discuss the things that make us very very upset in the Martial community. That's right folks Martial grievances. We had a great time doing this episode. We look forward to doing a handful more. We are hoping to have some special guest on, and if you.... Yes! You one of our listeners want to have your Martial grievance read on the air please inbox us at www.martialmaze.com. We look forward to hearing from you and once again, thank you for listening.
Self protection self-defense is there a difference?
Were Ninjas/Shinobi's real or made up fiction? Debunking the ninja's did not exist myth.
We Can Save Children an interview with Vincent Lyn
Traditional training, or life experience? When the rubber meets the road
More than just a student?
Konnichiwa! In this weeks episode we explore a Martial insight from Randy Haskins Sensei of the Underground Alliance Martial Science Research Association. "Time spent with Sensei, outside of a dojo is just as valuable, if not more valuable as the time spent inside the dojo." Which at the end of this episode, I was left with a question. Are you more than just a student? We hope you enjoy
The Ninja Master Stephen K. Hayes
Hayes returned to the United States with his wife, Rumiko, in late 1980 when his Japan residency visa expired, and began teaching and authoring numerous books and magazine articles.
In 1985, he was entered into the Black Belt magazine's Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year. He was again featured on the cover of Black Belt in the March 2007 issue. The magazine's opening editorial described him as "one of the 10 most influential living martial artists in the world". In 1993, Hayes was awarded the judan (tenth-degree black belt) in Togakure-ryū ninjutsu from Hatsumi.
In 1997, he founded the martial art of To-Shin Do, an art based in his experience of budō taijutsu.
In 2006, Hayes's name was removed from the display of active Bujinkan teachers, ending his official role within that organization. That his name plank was removed from the Bujinkan Honbu wall has been documented by both parties. However, the specifics regarding the motivation for the removal are in dispute. Some suggest Hayes was expelled from the organization. Hayes explains that he simply no longer participates as an active Bujinkan instructor. To-Shin Do is taught through his SKH (Stephen K. Hayes) Quest locations. The SKH Quest network now spans 31 schools across North America, Europe, Australia and Africa.
Hayes acted in the 1980 television miniseries Shogun and in 2004 was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary Unsolved History regarding ninja and their practices.
The Father of Modern Army Combatives Matt Larsen
Larsen has worked as a private security contractor throughout the Middle East and Africa, including managing a security company in central and southern Africa; designed Combatives systems for the Canadian Special Operations Regiment; and, consulted on the design of Combatives training systems for the US Air Force, the British Royal Marines and the British Infantry, the Polish Diplomatic Security Corps, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and Presidential Guard and the Kuwait Police Special Forces. He is currently the Director of Combatives at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Exploring the importance of Kata in Judo
In this weeks episode, we get together with the head coach of Keene YMCA, Judo Club Ken Durand to discuss the importance of Kata in Judo
Ken Durand hold a Shichiban(7th degree black belt)in Judo. He is the Head coach of Keene YMCA judo club. Founded in 1975. He continues to host two Judo tournaments per year since the 1970 He was a New Hampshire state champ in weight division as well as overall grand champion in all weight divisions. Durand Sensei, has also been a US National Masters bronze medalist, and a US National Kata Overall Grand Champion. He is the Vice chair of USJA Promotion Board, member of National Kata Committee, Certified A (National) level in eleven kata. President or member of New Hampshire Judo Board of Director from 1970’s to present. He's taught Judoka who are able bodied, young, older, blind, deaf blind, orthopedically and/or cognitively impaired. and also continues to conduct zoom judo sessions twice a week for three years attended by judoka from across the country. We hope you enjoy this episode..... Also, thanks for listening
The Ballad of Harry Mok
Harry Mok began his film career performing martial arts fight sequences in independent films. He has worked as a stuntman, actor, producer, director and writer.
The Way of the Winds
The Chief Instructor at this location is GREGORY DUNCAN, who is a son of legendary martial arts pioneer, Professor Ronald Duncan Sr. Professor Duncan was the first martial artist to introduce Ninjutsu to the American martial arts community, and he is the founder of The Way of the Winds Martial Arts System. Gregory has been involved, and exposed to various disciplines of the martial studies since childhood, with over 40 years of experience,
An interview with Shihan Jean Phoenix and Shihan Shannah. Hall of Fame 2020 Atlantic City
" My pathway, Jita-Kyoei " a glimpse into the mind of the USA World Judo team coach
The way of modern stealth Shinobi-Jutsu. Interview with Judan Ali Abdul Karim
Master Ali Abdul Karim studied Shinobi-no-jitsu (Ninjitsu) from world famous and noted Grand Master Ronald Duncan since 1969. As fate would have it, Master Karim’s older brother Richard started him off in the martial arts in 1967 and later Master Karim went on to study Shotokan Karate from some of his local friends. Richard Lewis (brother of Master Karim) wanted him to take some formal classes. Master Karim used to watch Grand Master Duncan’s classes from the window at the Dojo at 519 Court St. near his home. Richard was going to take his younger brother to study with Grandmaster Ron Van Cliff and to their surprise the dojo was closed. Master Karim’s dream came true. Richard took Master Karim down the dojo on Court St. where he would begin his long journey on the warrior’s path. Master Karim spent a lifetime pursuing perfection in field of self defense and personal security. Through his study of Asian Martial Arts and Western Combat training, he later founded the Star and Crescent School of Essential Knowledge, along with his student, Brother Daud Jalaladin in 1974. Master Karim is the director and the head The Star and Crescent Martial Arts Federation of with schools along the East Coast. Star and Crescent is associated with and is a part of the Way of the Winds Federation that is supervised by Grand Master Ronald Duncan.
Ninjitsu is the ancient Japanese martial art involving security, surveillance, and commando warfare. Some of the arts that Master Karim has studied is Aikijutsu, Kempo Jutsu, Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, Aikido under Prof. Luqman Hakeem, aspects of Shiao Lin Chin Na, Fu Jiao Pau, Pa Qua Kung Fu, Eagle Claw, White Eyebrow Kung Fu, Tai chi quan, Shiao Lin Chi Gung, Wing Chung Kung Fu, and the Monkey Style to name only a few. It only seemed natural for Master Karim to pursue the modern Western approach to balance his training. Master Karim is an expert in SWAT team operations, pistol disarmament, and special reaction security. In 1982, the Military Police Corps unit of the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, NJ awarded him a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his outstanding performance as a primary instructor for the National Association of Tactical Teams (NATT), a special reaction team for combat. Master Kareem earned a certificate of achievement for the completion of the Advanced Urban Assault Rappel course, and Advanced Elevated Urban Operations course. Master Karim is a Licensed Private Investigator and is a CEO of his own Security firm.
With his training in personal self defense, security, and combat training, Master Karim is requested to teach seminars across the Eastern Seaboard and in the Caribbean. Master Karim has also helped to organize an educational plan for youths and adults about personal protection, self defense, and conflict resolution in the community. He is currently teaching the martial arts in Brooklyn, NY, and is truly a pillar in his community.