"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

Join us as Christopher Ryan shares his inspiring story of overcoming homelessness, addiction, and life challenges to becoming a skilled martial artist, gym owner, and sobriety advocate. Discover the power of resilience, discipline, and giving back through fitness and self-defense.

00:00 - Introduction and shout-out to North Bay Cigar Company
02:00 - Christopher's martial arts background and mixed skillsets
04:00 - Why Krav Maga attracted him for real-life self-defense
06:00 - Filling holes in martial arts skills through Krav Maga
09:00 - Grew up in tough neighborhoods of New York, survival mindset
12:00 - Development of resilience and street smarts
15:00 - Homelessness, addiction, and hitting rock bottom in his 20s
17:00 - Turning point: wake-up in jail and decision to get sober
20:00 - The path of sobriety and its impact on his life and career
22:00 - Starting gyms, The Monkey Bar Gym concept, and the pandemic's impact
25:00 - Authentic lineage and quality training in martial arts
27:00 - The influence of wrestling and grappling on self-defense
29:00 - Practical street fighting lessons and ego management
32:00 - The importance of de-escalation and walking away from fights
35:00 - Real-life bar fight stories and handling rowdy situations
38:00 - Integrating Krav Maga techniques into fitness classes
40:00 - Nutrition strategies, supplement use, and body transformation
43:00 - The role of kettlebells and functional training in lifelong fitness
47:00 - Building credibility as a trainer and martial artist with lineage
50:00 - Launching "The Sober Edge" podcast to help others in recovery
53:00 - Future plans: expanding gyms, podcast goals, and mentoring
55:00 - Final thoughts on respect, discipline, and community in martial arts

• North Bay Cigar Company
• Christopher Ryan - Instagram
• The Sober Edge Podcast
• Connecticut Krav Maga
• Soulcraft Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Apex Krav Maga in Hamden, CT
• John Hines & Monkey Bar Gym

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this engaging conversation, Tony Jones interviews Kung Fu Kendra, a martial artist and author, who shares her journey into the world of Kung Fu, the philosophy behind Wing Chun, and her experiences as a female instructor in a male-dominated field. Kendra discusses her personal motivations for starting martial arts, the importance of self-defense, and the legacy of her lineage from Ip Man. She also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on online learning, her nutrition philosophy, and her recent book, 'Push Your Way Through,' which applies ancient Kung Fu principles to modern life challenges. Kendra emphasizes the importance of resilience, personal growth, and the accessibility of martial arts for all ages and backgrounds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kung Fu Kendra
03:18 Transforming Trauma into Strength
06:22 The Journey into Wing Chun
10:11 Understanding Kung Fu Philosophy
12:21 The Legacy of Ip Man
17:07 Women in Martial Arts
19:25 Future Plans and Courses
23:16 The Evolution of Online Martial Arts Courses
25:52 Breaking Age Barriers in Wing Chun
27:17 The Challenges of Competitive Martial Arts
29:35 Adapting Training During COVID-19
30:42 Nutrition and Fitness Philosophy
32:41 Personalizing Training for All Ages
34:15 Overcoming Personal Injuries in Training
35:52 Motivation in Solo Training
37:08 Inspiration Behind 'Push Your Way Through'
39:28 Reception and Future of the Book
41:54 Looking Ahead: Keep Pushing
43:53 1756849464234 (2).wav

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!

"Send us a text and let us know how we're doing"

In this episode of 'Old Man On The Mat', host Tony Jones dedicates the show to his late mother, who had a deep love for wrestling. He interviews Angel Medina, a professional wrestler, who shares his journey from being a fan to becoming a wrestler. They discuss the culture of wrestling, the injuries wrestlers face, and how training and recovery have evolved over the years. Angel emphasizes the importance of financial wisdom, personal growth through divorce, and the need for humility in martial arts. The conversation also touches on Angel's experiences as a police officer and his upbringing in Queens, New York, as well as the joys of traveling the world as a wrestler. In this engaging conversation, Angel (Kingpin) Medina shares his experiences in wrestling, the connections he has made with fans, and the wild stories from his time on the road. He discusses the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel and emphasizes the importance of staying active and healthy as he transitions from wrestling. The conversation also touches on the significance of humor and laughter in life, showcasing Medina's vibrant personality and storytelling ability.

Support the show

Support Our Podcast:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldmanonthemat

Like and comment on our social media below:

(1) Facebook

https://x.com/oldmanonthemat1

https://www.tiktok.com/@old.man.on.the.mat

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanonthemat

www.youtube.com/@oldmanonthemat

Check out our AMAZING T-Shirts, Hoodies and Rash Guards @ www.OldManOnTheMat.com

support us at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2351260/support


Thank you for listening!