Mats and Mags

by Glen

Evolution, not revolution, with Micha Hershman of Forge Krav Maga

I chat with Micha Hershman, owner and head coach at Forge Krav Maga in San Francisco, about what it means for Krav to evolve rather than stay frozen in time. We also delve into Jiu-Jitsu in a self-defense context, how Dutch Kickboxing differs from other styles of kickboxing, and Micha's experiences with a few different knife defense programs.

Strength, boundaries, and femininity, with Eliza Brooke of Valeria Protection

In this episode I interview Eliza Brooke, owner of Valeria Protection based in the Charlotte, NC area, and an avid Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and USPSA competitive shooter. We get into why learning how to set boundaries is crucial for self protection, tips to help reduce risk in one's daily life, and how it's possible to be feminine and a capable fighter at the same time.

Fight stress and the brain, with Michiel Mulder of Urban Combatives School of Self Protection

Michiel Mulder is a self-protection instructor based in the Netherlands who teaches across Europe and in the United States as well. His approach draws on lessons learned working as a bouncer and studying Urban Combatives under Lee Morrison. In this wide-ranging interview we explore what fight or flight stress does to the brain, ways to incorporate stress inoculation into training, and how martial arts may not always provide realistic solutions for defending against real-world violence.

Combat sports and grappling in a weapons-based environment, with Sam Ferguson of Galo Combatives

Sam Ferguson is a police officer in Lexington, KY, an experienced competitor in combat sports including wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, and the owner of Galo Combatives Group. In this episode we explore topics such as how grappling needs to adapt when there could be weapons or multiple attackers, the value of competitive shooting matches, and the history of barbecue in Kentucky.

Longevity in BJJ, competition, and checking your ego, with Jon Helton of Monroe Jiu-Jitsu Academy

In this episode I catch up with Jon Helton, head coach at MJJA in Monroe, NC. We dive deep on topics including how competition can help you learn to perform under pressure, the value of physical therapy and strength training for Jiu-Jitsu longevity, and a recent seminar at MJJA with Keenan Cornelius — famed in the Jiu-Jitsu community for innovations such as Worm Guard. Then we take a brief detour to talk Winnie the Pooh and Pixar's Inside Out.

Melee weapons, social skills, and a moral code, with Zane Forrest of Greenville Combatives Academy

For this episode, I chat with Zane Forrest, owner of Greenville Combatives Academy in Greenville, SC. We cover topics including our takeaways from a ShivWorks ECQC class we both attended at Apache Solutions in Yadkinville, upcoming seminars at GCA focused on combatives and wrestling, and Zane's philosophy for teaching kids useful life skills.

Krav Maga, concealed carry, and forging blades, with Jeremy Brown of Treadstone Defensive Tactics

In this episode, I interview Jeremy Brown, owner and head instructor at Treadstone Defensive Tactics in Fort Mill, SC. Our conversation hits on topics including how self-defense training should be comprised of more than just fighting skills, why hand-to-hand training is crucial for those who carry a firearm, and how he got into the craft of bladesmithing.

Sambo, Aikido, and how to choose a martial arts gym, with John Miller of Modern Gladiator

For the very first episode of the Mats and Mags podcast, I chat with John Miller, head coach at Modern Gladiator Fight Training Academy in Roanoke, VA about combat sports, traditional martial arts, self-defense training and even the history of fighting in ancient Greece plus a little Japanese philosophy.