• From Obese Kid to Martial Arts Master: Nakapan Phungephorn's Journey
    Mar 24 2026

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

    In this engaging interview, Nakapan Phungephorn shares his journey through martial arts, from overcoming childhood health challenges to becoming a multi-disciplinary martial artist and school owner. Discover his philosophies on training, community, and the evolution of martial arts in modern society. In this engaging interview, Nakapan Phungephorn shares his journey from martial arts enthusiast to successful school owner and mentor. Discover insights on growing martial arts schools, training older athletes, and balancing passion with business acumen.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Martial Arts Journey
    03:02 Overcoming Adversity: The Start of a Martial Artist
    04:51 The Influence of Martial Arts Movies
    07:18 The Evolution of Martial Arts Training
    10:09 Cultural Connections and Martial Arts
    11:29 The Transition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
    14:36 The Importance of Community in Martial Arts
    18:42 Navigating the Politics of Martial Arts
    21:10 Philosophies of Training and Learning
    22:26 The Value of Diverse Martial Arts Training
    24:18 Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy in Martial Arts
    27:23 The Role of Respect and Discipline in Martial Arts
    28:38 Managing a Successful Martial Arts Academy
    31:27 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Martial Arts
    35:30 Building a Community Through Martial Arts
    37:33 The Financial Realities of Running a Martial Arts School
    40:07 Encouraging New Students to Start Martial Arts
    42:18 Embracing Aging in Martial Arts
    46:40 The Importance of Community and Support in Martial Arts
    51:03 Gi vs. No Gi: A Personal Journey
    57:31 Preparing for Competition: The Road to the Triple Crown
    01:01:50 1756849464234 (2).wav

    Resources:

    Beta Academy - https://betaacademy.com
    Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Jiu-Jitsu
    Muay Thai - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai
    Pedro Sauer Jiu Jitsu - https://pedrosauer.com
    UFC History - https://www.ufc.com
    Bruce Lee Philosophy - https://www.amazon.com/Striking-Thoughts-Bruce-Lee/dp/0897501744
    Beta Academy - https://betaacademy.com
    Black Belt Syndicate - https://blackbeltsyndicate.org
    Nakapan Phungephorn's Courses - https://knockuponmma.com





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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • From Alcoholic to Self-Defense Coach: Christopher Ryan
    Mar 17 2026

    "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

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    55 mins
  • Kung Fu Kendra: A Journey of Resilience
    Mar 10 2026

    "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

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    45 mins
  • From Fan to Kingpin: Angel Medina's Wrestling Journey
    Mar 3 2026

    "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.



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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Train for Life: Ryan Hurst on Martial Arts Longevity, Movement & Mental Toughness
    Feb 24 2026

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

    In this episode, Tony Jones interviews Ryan Hurst, co-owner and head coach at GMB Fitness, who shares his extensive journey in martial arts, including his experiences living in Japan for nearly 30 years. Ryan discusses his early beginnings in martial arts, the cultural differences in training, and the importance of mental toughness in practice. He emphasizes the philosophy behind his project, 'On The Mat Forever,' which aims to help individuals maintain their martial arts practice throughout their lives, focusing on personal choice and overcoming limitations. In this conversation, Ryan discusses his experiences of moving to the United States, the challenges faced, and the importance of understanding one's 'why' in life. He emphasizes the significance of posture, breath, and mindset in martial arts and fitness, and shares insights on the GMB approach to movement. The discussion also touches on cultural differences, healthcare experiences in Japan versus the USA, and the evolving social norms regarding respect. Ryan highlights the importance of training in self-defense and expresses his goals for the future of GMB.


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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Blending Styles with Isaac Wilson
    Feb 17 2026

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

    In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones engages with Isaac Wilson, a young martial artist from Florida, discussing his journey through various martial arts disciplines including Muay Thai, karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and more. They explore the influence of martial arts movies, the evolution of training styles, the importance of blending different martial arts, and the challenges of competition. Isaac shares insights on how traditional arts have changed over time and emphasizes the significance of wrestling in martial arts training. The conversation highlights the value of being open to learning from various styles and the personal growth that comes from martial arts practice. In this engaging conversation, Isaac Wilson and Old Man On The Mat discuss various aspects of martial arts, including the importance of ego in personal growth, the journey of a martial artist, the challenges of injuries and recovery, and the significance of community support. They also touch on nutrition, the role of contracts in martial arts schools, and the upcoming black belt test for Isaac, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the martial arts community.


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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Judo for Jiu-Jitsu, Sensei Cole Stanley
    Feb 10 2026

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

    In this episode, Cole Stanley shares his journey in martial arts, starting from his early days in judo to becoming a dojo owner and instructor. He discusses the evolution of martial arts in small towns, the challenges of starting a martial arts school, and the importance of community support. Cole emphasizes the significance of teaching philosophy focused on understanding and growth, as well as the role of passion in his teaching. He reflects on his experiences in networking within the martial arts community and the future of his dojo. In this conversation, Cole Stanley discusses the challenges of attracting students to his judo dojo, the importance of engaging teaching methods, and the need to tailor lessons to meet the needs of students. He emphasizes the significance of promoting judo as an accessible martial art for all ages and abilities, while also sharing his future plans for growth and community engagement. The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding judo and the importance of presenting it in a way that appeals to a broader audience.

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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • From Courtroom to the Mat: Jerry Coleman's Journey
    Feb 3 2026

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

    In this episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones welcomes Jerry Coleman, a dynamic individual who balances a career as a prosecuting attorney with his passions for photography, storytelling, and martial arts. Jerry shares his journey into martial arts, starting with judo in high school and later transitioning to taekwondo to support his son. After a long hiatus, he found his way back to the mat at the age of 67, joining Berserker's Jiu Jitsu Club, where he discovered a new passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The conversation highlights the importance of staying active and engaged, especially as one ages, and how martial arts can foster connections between generations, particularly between Jerry and his son. In this engaging conversation, Jerry Coleman shares his experiences and insights from practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as an older adult. He discusses the importance of a welcoming gym environment, particularly highlighting the presence of women in training spaces, which he believes fosters a more supportive atmosphere. Jerry recounts humorous anecdotes about rolling with younger practitioners and how he often finds himself outmatched, yet he embraces the challenge and enjoys the camaraderie that comes with training. He emphasizes the significance of starting slowly and finding a friendly gym, especially for older individuals considering taking up martial arts.


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    1 hr and 11 mins