Everyday Martial Artist

Brian Doucette
  • 4.8 (18)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Every week we will chat with a different martial artist and hear their story.

  1. 1d ago

    Ice Young – EP286

    Ice “The Iceman” Young is a lifelong martial artist, fighter, instructor, and creator of a reality-based combat system shaped by decades of training, competition, and real-world experience. His martial arts journey began as a child under the guidance of his father, who helped lay the foundation for a life built around discipline, perseverance, and personal growth. Over the years, Ice has trained across a wide range of disciplines, including karate, kenpo, kung fu, jujitsu, kickboxing, boxing, grappling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His dedication to training eventually led to an impressive amateur and professional fighting career. But Ice’s story extends far beyond martial arts competition. Throughout his life, he has faced significant challenges, including the loss of both parents, serious accidents, and physical setbacks that could have brought his martial arts journey to an end. Instead, those experiences became part of a story defined by resilience and an unwillingness to give up. A promise made to his father during his final days would eventually inspire Ice to return to competition and continue pursuing the path that had shaped so much of his life. Today, that commitment continues to influence his approach to martial arts, teaching, and life. Alongside his martial arts career, Ice is also involved in faith-based mentorship and community outreach, emphasizing the importance of service, loyalty, humility, and perseverance. Please welcome my guest, Ice “The Iceman” Young. https://www.facebook.com/share/19XUP8QjRx

  2. Aug 20

    Steven Franz – Franz Karate – EP285

    Steven Franz has dedicated nearly five decades to the study, practice, and preservation of traditional Okinawan karate. A Nanadan (7th Degree Black Belt) in Shorin Ryu Shorinkan and a longtime student of Eddie Bethea Kyoshi, Steven has built a lifelong commitment to authentic training, disciplined instruction, and practical martial arts. In 1991, Steven founded Franz Karate with the goal of creating a full-time traditional dojo where students could develop through proper progression, strong fundamentals, technical precision, and a clear emphasis on character development. More than three decades later, Franz Karate continues that mission with locations in Bryan, Ohio, and Auburn, Indiana. As a longtime instructor, Steven has become known for a direct, principle-based approach to teaching and for his dedication to maintaining the traditions and values of Okinawan karate. His approach extends beyond simply learning techniques, emphasizing the importance of discipline, respect, perseverance, personal responsibility, and continued growth. For Steven, martial arts is a lifelong journey. The lessons developed through years of training have the potential to shape not only how a student performs in the dojo, but how they approach challenges and responsibilities in everyday life. With nearly 50 years in the martial arts and more than 35 years leading his own dojo, Steven Franz represents a generation of instructors committed to keeping traditional karate alive and passing its principles on to the next generation. Please enjoy my interview with Steven Franz. FRANZ KARATE – AUTHENTIC OKINAWAN KARATE AND EFFECTIVE SELF DEFENSE FOR ALL AGES Instagram

  3. Aug 13

    Steve Cooper – United Kenpo Karate Studios – EP284

    With more than three decades dedicated to the study, competition, teaching, and leadership of the martial arts, Mr. Steve Cooper has built an impressive legacy within the American Kenpo community. A 9th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo, Steve began his martial arts journey in 1990 under Mr. Steve Spry before continuing his training with the legendary Mr. Bob White. His studies have also extended into other martial arts, including Lua and Aikido, contributing to a broad and diverse martial arts education. Steve’s accomplishments as a competitor are extensive. He has earned numerous national and international titles in fighting, forms, breaking, and self-defense, demonstrating his versatility across multiple areas of tournament competition. His influence as a coach has been equally significant, helping guide numerous competitors to championship-level success. His competition team, Team International, reached the pinnacle of the NBL tournament circuit, earning the distinction of being the number one ranked team for six consecutive years. Steve’s contributions to martial arts extend well beyond his own training and competition career. He serves as Executive Producer and Executive Director of both the Long Beach Internationals and Martial Con International, playing an important role in organizing and promoting major events within the martial arts community. His dedication to martial arts, leadership, coaching, and the development of future generations has earned him recognition through multiple martial arts Hall of Fame inductions. Please enjoy my interview with Stever Cooper United Kenpo Karate Studios | The best voted martial arts school in OC

  4. Aug 6

    Bradley Anderson – Agassiz Dojo – EP283

    Bradley Anderson has dedicated much of his life to preserving and teaching the traditional Japanese martial arts, following a path that took him from rural Minnesota to the training halls of Japan and back again. Growing up in Hawley, Minnesota, Bradley developed an early interest in martial arts that eventually led him halfway around the world. He spent 11 years living and working in Japan, immersing himself in the country’s culture while training extensively in Kendo and Iaido under respected Japanese instructors. Through years of dedicated study, he overcame language barriers, embraced the discipline and attention to detail demanded by these centuries-old arts, and earned the rank of 4th-degree black belt in Iaido. Following his return to the United States, Bradley founded Agassiz Dojo with the mission of preserving and sharing the traditions of Japanese swordsmanship. What began in Moorhead has grown into a thriving martial arts community and recently expanded into a dedicated dojo in West Fargo, providing practitioners with a permanent home for the study of Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo. Today, it is believed to be the only school of its kind in the region devoted exclusively to traditional Japanese weapons arts. Please enjoy my interview with Bradley Anderson Agassiz Dojo – Iaido, Jodo, Kendo, Kenjutsu, BuSheDo in West Fargo, ND

  5. Jul 30

    Jerry Trimble – Golden Boy – EP282

    Before martial arts changed his life, Jerry Trimble was a shy, anxious teenager who struggled with bullying, fear, and self-doubt. What began as a search for confidence at the age of 13 became the foundation for one of the most remarkable careers in martial arts history. Nicknamed the “Golden Boy,” Jerry quickly rose through the ranks, earning his first-degree black belt at just 15 years old and becoming the top-ranked point fighter in the Midwest. His speed, athleticism, and dynamic kicking ability propelled him into professional kickboxing, where he captured multiple regional and national championships before reaching the pinnacle of the sport in 1986 as both the PKA and PKC Kickboxing World Champion. His legendary hook kick was once clocked at an incredible 118 miles per hour, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters of his generation. Following his competitive career, Jerry successfully transitioned to Hollywood, building an acting résumé that spans more than 65 films and television appearances. From sharing the screen with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Heat to roles in Charlie’s Angels, The Flash, Supernatural, iZombie, Tracker, and many other productions, he has demonstrated the same drive and determination that made him a world champion. Today, Jerry travels throughout the United States and Canada as a motivational speaker, encouraging young people to overcome fear, embrace challenges, and believe in their own potential. His story is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something we build through perseverance, discipline, and the courage to take that first step. Please enjoy my interview with Jerry Trimble Jerry Trimble, Actor, Youth Motivational Speaker, World Champion Trimble Talks | Teaching teens how to stand up to their fears Jerry Trimble – IMDb

  6. Jul 23

    Marc MacYoung – Martial Mechanics – EP281

    Marc MacYoung has spent a lifetime studying violence, not as a sport or a theory, but as a reality. A longtime martial artist, security professional, author, and educator, his unique perspective was shaped by growing up in gang-infested neighborhoods of Los Angeles, where understanding violence was often a matter of survival rather than choice. His experiences in bodyguarding, bouncing, and event security further reinforced the lessons he learned on the streets, leading him to question conventional wisdom about self-defense and martial arts. Instead of searching for a single “best” style, Marc became fascinated with understanding what works, when it works, and why. That philosophy eventually evolved into what he calls “Martial Mechanics,” a framework for analyzing how techniques function under different circumstances and in real-world environments. Over the decades, Marc has become one of the leading voices on violence dynamics, conflict management, and self-protection. His work extends far beyond physical techniques, exploring the psychology of violence, threat assessment, de-escalation, communication, and the legal realities surrounding self-defense. Through his books, lectures, and expert witness testimony, he has challenged countless misconceptions about personal safety and the true nature of violent encounters. The author of more than 25 nonfiction books, Marc has shared his expertise with martial artists, law enforcement, military personnel, universities, and government agencies around the world. Today, while semi-retired due to health considerations and his wife’s disability, he has turned much of his creative energy toward writing fiction, bringing the same depth of experience and insight to a new genre. Please enjoy my conversation with Marc MacYoung. Marc MacYoung Expert Witness, Self-Defense No Nonsense Self Defense – Reliable information for dangerous situations Amazon.com: Marc MacYoung: books, biography, latest update Marc ‘Animal’ MacYoung – IMDb

  7. Jul 16

    Katie Stensgard – GRIT & GRACE – EP280

    Katie Stensgard is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai competitor whose inspiring journey into martial arts is a testament to resilience, determination, and the ability to embrace new challenges. What began as a way to rebuild her life following a difficult divorce has evolved into a passion that has transformed not only her own life, but also the lives of her four children, all of whom have trained alongside her. A single mother of four, Katie has quickly established herself as a successful competitor on both the grappling mats and in the ring. In 2024, she captured the IBJJF Purple Belt World Master’s Championship in the Master 3 Middleweight division while also earning a bronze medal in the Absolute division. She is also an IBJJF Pan American Purple Belt medalist and a Muay Thai champion, winning the 2024 TBA Classic Class C Light Welterweight title while compiling an undefeated 2–0 amateur record. Katie’s remarkable story reached a wider audience through the documentary Grit & Grace, which premiered at the Fargo Theatre and is now streaming on BEK TV. The film highlights her journey as a mother, athlete, and martial artist, showcasing the perseverance and grit that have carried her through life’s challenges. Away from competition, Katie enjoys traveling, camping, mountain biking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. She also cares for a lively household full of pets and has a well-known appreciation for a good serving of loaded mac and cheese. Whether competing at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, stepping into the Muay Thai ring, or inspiring others through her example, Katie Stensgard continues to demonstrate that it’s never too late to discover a new passion and redefine what’s possible. Please enjoy my interview with Katie Stensgard! GRIT & GRACE Fargo Mixed Martial Arts Gym – Academy of Combat Arts

  8. Jul 9

    Joseph Herreman – Dynamic Martial Arts – EP279

    Joseph Herreman has dedicated more than 25 years to the study, instruction, preservation, and promotion of traditional martial arts, establishing himself as one of the Northern Plains’ most respected martial arts instructors and school owners. His martial arts journey began in 1999 under the guidance of Hanchi Julio “Mutch” Usera in Rapid City, South Dakota. While earning a degree in biology at South Dakota State University, Joseph founded the SDSU Jujitsu Club, transforming a small practice group into a thriving collegiate martial arts organization. After relocating to Sioux Falls, he opened Dynamic Martial Arts in 2007. Over the years, the academy has grown into one of the region’s premier multi-disciplinary martial arts schools, offering instruction in Bujin Ki Ryu Jujitsu, Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate, Kobudo, Iaido, Kenjutsu, Tai Chi, HEMA Longsword, self-defense, and law enforcement defensive tactics. Through his longtime instructor, Julio Usera, Joseph was introduced to the late Ken Penland and later to George Alexander Hanshi, further expanding his training in Okinawan Kobudo, Japanese sword arts, and Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate. His dedication led to earning Menkyo Okuden, a full instructor license, in Kamagata Ryu Kenjutsu. Joseph holds advanced black belt ranks in numerous martial arts, including Rokudan in both Bujin Ki Ryu Jujitsu and Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu, along with advanced ranks in Taiho Jutsu, Matsumura Kobudo, Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate, and Eishin Ryu Iaido. Before becoming a full-time martial arts instructor, Joseph spent years teaching high school physics and chemistry. That scientific background continues to influence his approach to martial arts instruction, emphasizing biomechanics, practical application, and pressure-tested fundamentals. Beyond the dojo, Joseph is an author, media producer, and the founder of BudoTV, a streaming platform dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional martial arts knowledge. He also organizes major regional events, including the Sioux Falls Open Martial Arts Tournament and the Tourney of Blades, bringing together practitioners from traditional martial arts, HEMA, and weapons-based disciplines throughout the Midwest. Committed to honoring tradition while embracing effective modern instruction, Joseph continues to help develop skilled martial artists while preserving the history, culture, and values that define the martial arts. Please enjoy my interview with Joseph Herreman! DYNAMIC MARTIAL ARTS OF SIOUX FALLS – Dynamic Martial Arts of Sioux Falls SIOUX FALLS OPEN MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT – Home BudoTV SIOUX FALLS TOURNAMENT OF BLADES – Home

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4.8
out of 5
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About

Every week we will chat with a different martial artist and hear their story.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Doucette
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    287
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 Everyday Martial Artist
  • Show Website
    Everyday Martial Artist

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