Podcasts about usa taekwondo

Olympic medalists Juan Moreno, TJ , and Herb Perez pull no punches in this raw, unfiltered examination of what's happening behind the scenes in American taekwondo.Coach Moreno shares fascinating insights from his training camp in Uzbekistan, where he's witnessed a thriving system with nine full-time coaches for their senior team, impressive test matches, and remarkable depth of talent. The contrast between this environment and the current USA program becomes the springboard for a deeper conversation about leadership, accountability, and inclusion in American taekwondo.The coaches reveal their frustrations with USA Taekwondo leadership's systematic exclusion of Olympic medalists and experienced coaches from the national program. Despite reaching out directly to program directors, these accomplished coaches receive no response whatsoever – a stunning lack of professional courtesy that reveals deeper organizational issues. As Coach Perez pointedly remarks, "The program has been historically run by non-performers."What emerges is a troubling picture of an organization that, despite significant financial resources, struggles with athlete development and maintaining competitive depth across weight divisions. The coaches question why leadership remains unchanged despite years of underwhelming results, noting that in any other professional sport, such performance would trigger immediate changes. Their proposed solution centers around creating true "buy-in" from the broader taekwondo community – building an inclusive environment where experience is valued and everyone feels respected.Whether you're a taekwondo practitioner, coach, or simply interested in sports organization development, this episode offers rare insider perspective on what it takes to build truly successful athletic programs. Listen now to hear these Olympic medalists speak truth to power about the sport they love.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing USA Taekwondo, from centralized training models to athlete development disappointments, while celebrating TJ's exciting announcement of a new Peak Performance Training Center in Charlotte.• TJ announces the opening of his new Peak Performance Training Center in Charlotte, North Carolina• The Grand Prix Challenge ticket prices are unexpectedly high at $50 per day• Taekwondo has failed to expand its Olympic presence while other sports continue adding events• Modern competitive Taekwondo technique has deteriorated compared to previous generations• UFC fighters like Jair Rodriguez show impressive Taekwondo skills at the highest level of MMA• Centralized training models have proven ineffective with only two male athletes participating• Junior development funding is virtually non-existent, creating a broken pipeline for future champions• Eight years of current leadership has shown little improvement in international results• The U22 tournament received inadequate support despite being crucial for Olympic development• A results-oriented approach with accountability is needed to revitalize USA Taekwondo

The Warehouse 15 crew delivers a no-holds-barred assessment of the recent Pan Am Championships in Queretaro, Mexico, where competitors battled not just opponents but also 90-degree heat in outdoor tents. The tournament's chaotic organization—from confusing registration processes to midnight schedule changes—prompts a larger conversation about respect for athletes in international Taekwondo.The discussion takes a critical turn toward USA Taekwondo's development pipeline after noting the junior team's underwhelming gold medal count. Unlike other sports with sophisticated talent identification systems and multiple development pathways, Taekwondo in America lacks structured approaches to cultivating future Olympic talent. Financial support comes under fire too, with reports that athletes receive minimal backing for world championships—just registration fees and uniforms while self-funding travel and accommodations.The episode's highlight is a fascinating exploration of game-changing athletes throughout Taekwondo history. From Steven Lopez's revolutionary leg check (which eventually led to rule changes) to Jung Myung-sam's gravity-defying aerial techniques, the hosts analyze competitors who didn't just excel within the existing paradigm—they forced the sport to evolve around them. Other transformative figures discussed include Dae Hoon Lee, Gabriel Mercedes, Arlene Limas, and Hadi Saei, each bringing unique innovations that permanently altered how future generations approach the sport.Whether you're a competitive athlete, coach, or passionate fan, this episode offers rare insights into both the current state of Taekwondo governance and the extraordinary individuals who've redefined what's possible within the sport. Share your thoughts on game-changing athletes by emailing the hosts—they're eager to hear from listeners who've stuck around for this deep dive into Taekwondo's past, present, and future.

Navigating the complex terrain of taekwondo politics requires more than just technical skill—it demands resilience against systems that sometimes work against their own athletes. In this revealing conversation, Coach Lee joins the Warehouse 15 podcast to share his perspective as both an Olympic coach and someone who's experienced the double standards prevalent in USA Taekwondo.The episode uncovers the controversial selection process for the upcoming Grand Prix Challenge in North Carolina, originally designed for athletes ranked outside the top 70 but now opened to everyone—yet mysteriously capped at just 50 participants. This limitation has forced countries to implement their own selection criteria, resulting in questionable decisions that appear to favor certain athletes through carefully timed qualification periods and subjective standards.Most troubling is how these politics trickle down to affect junior athletes. Coach Jennings shares a heartbreaking story of a parent who declined his coaching assistance for fear that association might harm their child's standing with USA Taekwondo—evidence of a culture where technical expertise takes a backseat to political alignments. Meanwhile, certain officials face no consequences for behavior that would result in severe punishment for others.The hosts compare American taekwondo's struggles with Europe's thriving programs, highlighting how geographical and funding challenges in the Pan American region have contributed to declining participation while European camps continue to grow. Yet despite these obstacles, success stories emerge from alternative development pathways like the TOPS program, which has produced athletes now qualifying for national teams and international competitions.What shines through this candid discussion is the unwavering passion these coaches maintain despite the challenges. As they put it: "We're still here, we're still giving, we're still mentoring." Their commitment to developing athletes and improving the sport transcends the politics that threaten to overshadow what makes taekwondo great—the opportunity to cultivate excellence regardless of who you know or which political lines you toe.

In our inaugural guest episode, we dive deep with Dan Lewis, a geologist-turned-data analyst who's revolutionizing how we understand Taekwondo trends in America. Lewis shares shocking statistics about USA Taekwondo's decline - participation has dropped from over 7,000 competitors in 2019 to just 4,500 today, with some regions seeing a devastating 75% decrease in athletes.What makes this conversation particularly compelling is the financial paradox Lewis uncovers. While USA Taekwondo sits on unprecedented cash reserves of nearly $1 million, junior development programs crucial for Olympic success remain woefully underfunded. The data paints a clear picture: American Taekwondo athletes peak around age 13, then participation plummets just as international competitors are winning Olympic medals at 16-19 years old.We explore how constant changes to competitive pathways, rising event costs, and questionable regional structures have contributed to widespread disillusionment. Lewis's analysis of World Championship results from 2011-2023 reveals no meaningful improvement in American performance, challenging official narratives of program success.This eye-opening conversation exposes the disconnect between organizational wealth and athlete development. If you care about the future of American Taekwondo or want to understand how data can reveal truths that official statements might obscure, this episode is essential listening. What changes would you make to fix our broken development system?

How does one navigate the unpredictable world of sporting events and weather chaos? Join us at Warehouse 15, where I, the Grandmaster of Disaster, along with TJ and Coach Moreno, share personal updates and the latest weather conditions from California to South Florida. Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we spotlight the recent USA Taekwondo Open Tournament. We celebrate the amazing triumphs and acknowledge the challenges faced by athletes and coaches, with a special nod to Aaron Vorpal's commendable contributions to the Wisconsin taekwondo community. Travel stories weave their way into our discussion, highlighting the storms we've braved and the incredible memories made along the way.Unraveling the intricate issues of tournament organization, we explore the hurdles coaches face with limited resources, scheduling conflicts, and electronic scoring failures. The unexpected drop in international participation at the US Open sparks a dialogue on the need for better planning and management. Drawing parallels with other sports, we stress the importance of high-level competition and national team cohesion for future success on the international stage. With an emphasis on leadership integrity and meritocracy, we advocate for improvements within Taekwondo organizations to foster a more inclusive and expertise-driven environment.As we conclude, the spotlight turns to the vital support required for national team athletes. The conversation challenges the current system, urging a reevaluation of resource allocation to better prioritize athletes' needs and ensure they feel valued and supported. With upcoming opportunities like the Cadet and Junior Pan American Championships on the horizon, we underscore the dedication required from coaches and the importance of nurturing young talent. Celebrating the commitment of our taekwondo community, we reflect on the achievements of recent tournaments, including a playful nod to the challenges of visiting Reno, and gear up for the exciting opportunities ahead.

Ever wondered if the "capital of Taekwondo" could be right here in the U.S.? Our latest episode takes you to Portland, Oregon, where the excitement of the U.S. Team Trials unfolded. We kick things off with a heartfelt reflection on personal growth and the importance of those who challenge us in our athletic journeys, highlighted by a memorable reunion with former Olympic roommate Naeem Hassan. The Warehouse 15 podcast continues to grow, and we're giving you an exclusive peek at some exciting merchandise coming your way, all while emphasizing the power of open dialogue within the sports community.Shifting gears, we unpack the ripple effects of weight category changes on athletes. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by competitors like Will Cunningham and Maya Mata, spotlighting their standout performances and the evolving competitiveness across divisions. We also raise critical questions about the development required to secure a robust future for the sport. Our discussion touches on both the men's and women's divisions, offering insights into the shifting dynamics and necessary growth areas.Finally, we take a hard look at the complexities of the team trials selection process and the leadership of USA Taekwondo. Pondering whether the current system truly identifies the best athletes or favors those who can endure, we offer a critique of the organizational structure and decision-making processes. Amidst these discussions, we celebrate exceptional young talents like Nathaniel and Joshua, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation. Join us as we explore the challenges and celebrate the promising future of Taekwondo, highlighting the excitement and potential that these young athletes bring to the sport.

What if leadership decisions are pushing USA Taekwondo further from Olympic glory rather than towards it? Join us for a stimulating conversation with Grandmaster Perez as he voices his concerns over the reappointment of the current executive team at USA Taekwondo. Citing a history of underperformance, Perez argues that the pursuit of stability should not overshadow the need for ambition and growth. His candid insights challenge the acceptance of mediocrity and highlight the potential long-term consequences of clinging to a leadership that has failed to inspire excellence on the world stage.Grandmaster Perez paints a vivid picture of what visionary leadership could do for USA Taekwondo. He emphasizes the necessity for leaders who prioritize athlete well-being, foster a collaborative environment, and are unafraid to take risks. Perez's call for a cultural overhaul within the organization is not just about personnel changes, but about creating a culture of accountability and innovation. This episode is a passionate plea for transformative change, serving as a wake-up call for those invested in the future of Taekwondo and its athletes.

Who knew that a sequel could be both a source of laughter and nostalgia? We kick off with a look at Beetlejuice 2 and the new Gladiator, comparing them to their legendary predecessors. Tucked between our cinematic banter, a personal anecdote about a daughter's unexpected first words turns into a family running gag that might just resonate with you. Our chat takes a thoughtful shift as we explore old-school versus new-school approaches in taekwondo, pondering the genuine toughness and diverse perceptions of fighters across eras.Moving to the heart of the sport, we unpack the crucial role of coaching in shaping future taekwondo stars. Our conversation is enriched with insights drawn from our own experiences and the globally successful coaching strategies of countries like Korea and China. We discuss the often-overlooked challenges coaches face when transitioning between different competition levels and highlight the need for systems that appreciate the unique skills demanded at each stage. Expect a lively debate on how open dialogue and potential improvements can sustain sports success and athlete development.Our deep dive into taekwondo coaching paints a vivid picture of mentorship's impact on developing elite coaches. We celebrate legendary figures such as Ko He-min and Kim Se-hyuk for their monumental contributions to the sport, while also reflecting on the challenges within the U.S. coaching community. Through personal stories, we underscore the necessity of a meritocratic system to nurture the best talent. We conclude with a nod to leadership challenges in USA Taekwondo and a wider societal reflection on youth and decision-making, leaving you with food for thought and a few laughs along the way.

Charlotte, NC (September 30, 2024) - USA Taekwondo has been honored with the prestigious title of #1 Member National Association (MNA) in Governance by World Taekwondo at the recent General Assembly held in Korea, finishing ahead of the other 200+ member countries. This recognition highlights USA Taekwondo's commitment to excellence and transparent leadership within the global taekwondo community. The top five MNAs were USA, Korea, Italy, France and Great Britain. This acknowledges USA Taekwondo's devotion to efforts in implementing best practices in organizational governance and strategic planning. The achievement follows the organization's success last year when it was named the best MNA in the Pan American region. TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE: https://www.usatkd.org/news/2024/september/30/usa-taekwondo-best-mna-in-governance *This episode is presented by Bet Online

Special Team Trial For New Poomsae Divisions.  With the announced new recognized pairs and teams divisions being contested at the upcoming 2024 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong from November 30 - December 3, USA Taekwondo will hold a special Team Trials event at the 2024 U.S. Final Taekwondo Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma September 20 - 22. This team trial event will only select pairs or teams for select divisions that did not have a winner declared at the January Team Trials in Charlotte, North Carolina. *This episode is presented by Bet Online

Master Marc Zirogiannis talks about the recent Suspension of USAT National Team Coach Gareth Brown, and subsequent reinstatement after a thorough investigation. On April 27, 2023 USA Taekwondo announced the suspension of Team Coach Gareth Brown based upon allegations made against him, and a Safesport investigation being conducted.   Last week, after a full, independent investigation the allegations were considered unfounded and the suspension was lifted clearing the path to Coach Brown to head to Baku for the World Championships. Master Marc looks at the facts, as well as the Social Media gossip surrounding the suspension and the statement of the person who actually filed the allegations. *Presented By Bet Online.   Use the Promo Code: BLEAV to get your 50% welcome bonus

The USA Taekwondo pathways to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics in Taekwondo have been released to guide athletes and coaches as they attempt to represent the United States as a Taekwondo Olympiad. Master Marc Zirogiannis gives an overview of the pertinent points for qualification for US Taekwondo competitors.   The complete written pathways are available for viewing here: https://www.teamusa.org/-/media/USA_Taekwondo/2023-National-Team-Info/2024-TKD-OG-Athlete-Selection-Procedures.pdf?la=en&hash=2C972073F7FE93DC918B1B95E304ECDC014E7FD1 Please Like and subscribe to us for all the upcoming Taekwondo and Olympic news and more. This episode is presented by Bet Online.  Use the Promo Code BLEAV to get your 50% Welcome Bonus.

122. Sanyin Siang - Superpowers “Every score is built on an assist. Someone has to pass the ball to that person who never makes the score…they record assists in hockey. They record the first assist and the second assist.Why don't we do that in the workplace?” - Sanyin Siang “..the F word. Feel. We.. feel feelings…if we're really good about behavioral outcomes, do we also think about emotional outcomes and . he emotional journey? Feeling.” - Sanyin Siang Guest Bio: Sanyin Siang is an investor and advisor to tech founders, VCs, boards, sports industry execs and Fortune 500 CEOs - bringing expertise in culture, leadership growth, and team cohesion as well as a diverse network of influencers. Recognized by Thinkers50 (the Premier Global Ranking of Management Thinkers) as the world's Most Influential Coach & Mentor, Sanyin coaches C-Suite Teams and develops enterprise leadership programs to unleash human capital and tap unseen potential to thrive in an exponentially changing world. She also has a deep love for working with students- sharing with them insights on what it takes to succeed at the different levels of one's career progression and cultivating their innate and distinctive strengths. Sanyin is the founding Executive Director of Duke University's Coach K Leadership & Ethics Center at its Fuqua School of Business. The center regularly convenes think tanks to explore cutting-edge issues and is also a leadership laboratory that helps in a baseline leadership experience for every Daytime MBA student. Drawing on her science & engineering background, Sanyin is also an adjunct associate professor with Duke's Pratt School of Engineering, and a Sr. Fellow with Duke Divinity School's Ormond Center, sharing her insights for their work on building thriving communities. A globally recognized thought-leader, she shares out insights with her LinkedIn following of more than 1 million and was named a LinkedIn Top Global Influencer Voices in both 2017 and 2018. She authored the award-winning The Launch Book which gives readers an action plan for leveraging change using behavioral science concepts. Her ideas have been featured in New York Times, INC, Forbes, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal. As a speaker, she has addressed audiences from The White House to military officers, Fortune 500 companies, and CHROs. She is host of the Global Sports Owners & CEO Summit's Series - Conversations with Legends. Sanyin is a leadership advisor for GV (formerly Google Ventures), Ripcord, The Sports Innovation Lab, and DukeCE. Her board service has included the Museum of Life & Science, The Emily Krzyzewski Center, The US Congressional Award Foundation Advisory Board, National Governing Board of USA Taekwondo. She is an alumnus of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (the US Department of Defense's most prestigious civilian program). Sanyin received her MBA and BSE in biomedical engineering from Duke University.  R.O.G. Takeaway Tips: Be who you are. What is your superpower?  The value of reflection. Be curious and ask questions. Acknowledge the assists, give recognition and praise for those who are enabling others. Leadership is also a matter of being, not just doing. Character matters. Our values matter.  Know who we are and who we choose to become. Close the gap between being the person that you aspire to become and the person you are now. Resources: Sanyin Siang on LinkedIn (in/sanyin) Superpowers with Sanyin Newsletter MIT Coaching Column Sanyin Siang -  Dialogue Review Network Diversity Index Quiz Coming Next: Episode 123, Building Bridges Coaching Tips for Generous Leaders with Shannon Cassidy. Topic: Habits Credits: Sanyin Siang, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Talking the USOPC NGB Audit of USA Taekwondo.  Master Marc Zirogiannis provides a discussion of the recent United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee's (USOPC) NGB Audit of USA Taekwondo's practices and procedures as they related to USAT as the National Governing Body of Taekwondo. Master Zirogiannis breaks down the findings and corrective actions and compares the actual findings of the report to the rhetoric posted on social media about the nature of the findings, and the current state of USA Taekwondo and its leadership. *This episode has been presented by Bet Online.   Be sure to to use the Promo code: BLEAV when opening your account to receive your 50% WELCOME Bonus.

Master Marc Zirogiannis discusses The Biggest USA Taekwondo Team Trials in History.  The 2023 USA Taekwondo Team Trials wrapped up this past weekend, as the Big Game was getting under way, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 2023 Team USA National Team Trials took place right here in Tulsa Feb. 10 through 12 at the Cox Convention Business Center. This year's team trial event was only for senior, junior, cadet, and ultra world-class sparring and poomsae athletes. Qualified athletes include those who medaled at a USATKD Major event and athletes who are ranked highly in both the World Taekwondo and U.S. National rankings. *Presented by Bet Online.  Use the Promo Code BLEAV for your 50% Welcome Bonus.

USATKD is proud to announce the 2-year appointment of our National Poomsae Coaching Staff: Head Coach Dan Chuang and National Coaches Jung Jin and Huy Nguyen. The coaches have worked together since 2016 and are excited to launch from the immense success of the 2022 World Poomsae Championships where Team USA captured 3 gold, 8 silver, and 15 bronze. With the goal of developing a team deep with talent, the staff will focus on our Talent ID Program, National Poomsae Academy, Poomsae University, and high level domestic and international competition. Poomsae High Performance Manager Barbara Brand is certain that our staff has what it takes to achieve USATKD's ultimate goal, “I'm confident that this well-experienced coaching team will ensure that our development programs prepare US athletes to dominate the medal podium at every international championship." This episode is presented by BET Online.   Head over to Bet Online and enter the code: BLEAV for your 50% welcome Deposit.

Marc Zirogiannis takes a look at the April/May 2022 issue of Taekwondo Life Magazine which is available now in digital and print. https://tkdlifemagazine.com/subscribe... The issue includes an in-depth interview with Amster Tony Byon. To see his full interview see: https://youtu.be/ze-aPy9OHJA The issue also includes content from the Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo, USA Taekwondo and the IOC. Dr. Casey Jones, Todd Jonas, Grandmaster John Ha and Grandmaster Douglas Cook all have great contributions to this edition. *This episode is presented by BETONLINE. Visit http://www.betonline.ag and enter the code BLEAV to obtain your 50% welcome bonus.

The USAT Eastern Athlete Academy took place this past weekend in Gainesville Virginia at the Dojang of US Tigers. Sparring athletes, Poomsae athletes, Coaches, masters, and families traveled from all over the region to converge on Gainesville for 2+ days for training, working out, and learning under the tutelage of experienced and dedicated coaches. Simultaneously USAT certified Referees in Poomsae and Kyrugi were learning about the most recent changes in rules and working together with the camps for a real world, tournament style training experience.  Marc Zirogiannis, Taekwondo Life Magazine's host, provides his thoughts on the event. Check out USA Taekwondo's website for more upcoming events and tournaments. Presented by Bet Online. ** Presented by Nord VPN.   head over to NordVPN.com and enter the Code: BLEAV for 70% off *** Thumbnail Photo- Eastern Regional Coach Master Dennis Kim and Sparring Athlete Jillian Haxton of NY  

The USA Taekwondo team's, Evan Medell, won the historic Bronze medal as Taekwondo debuted in the 2020 Paralympics on International Taekwondo Day. Brianna Salinaro and Evan Medell were the first US Athletes to represent the USA Taekwondo program as the action got underway in Tokyo for the 2020 games (happening in 2021). On September 4th, International Taekwondo Day, Salinaro had been eliminated from medal contention; however, Medell went on to secure a Bronze medal spot behind Croatia and Gold Winning Iran. Parataekwondo sparring mirrors Olympic Taekwondo sparring but for the elimination of punches and head kicks. The game is intensified by a 3 tier kick scoring criteria for body kicks: regular (2 points), turning (3 points), and spinning (4 points).Marc Zirogiannis, Taekwondo Life Magazine host and Editor in Chief, discusses this historic event as well as the commemoration of International Taekwondo Day.Don't forget to vote for The World Taekwondo Demonstration Team, including members of the Team-M Taekwondo Team, as they have moved on to the finals in America's Got Talent.*This episode is presented by Bet Online, your online Sportsbook experts.**This episode is presented by Balance7. get FREE Shipping with the code: BLEAVSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On July 25, 2023 Team USA's 18 year old Sensation, Ana Zolotic made history as the first US Women's Taekwondo athlete to earn a Gold Medal since Taekwondo became a recognized Medal Sport. Here is a re-broadcast of our episode from 2019 as she was beginning her training in the USA National Center of Excellence, on her way to a future Olympic career. Congratulations to Ana and all of Team USA!Anastasija Zolotic is a rising star in the competitive Taekwondo landscape. She is one of the exciting young stars of the USA Taekwondo program. While her future is bright, and her career is just beginning, she has already amassed an impressive record. At just 17 years old she has already had a Gold medal winning performance at the Pan Am games. Her medal winning performance at her very first Senior Grand Prix made her the youngest Taekwondo athlete in the world to win a medal at a Grand Prix. Ana talks with Marc Zirogiannis about her love of Taekwondo and about USA Taekwondo's "National Center of Excellence" in Colorado Springs, where she will be training full time with Coach Gareth Brown. Coach Brown, together with Coach Paul Green, recently moved to the U.S to coach the her, and the rest of the USA team. Ana is on the fast track to make the 2020 US Olympic Taekwondo team.presented by Bet OnlineSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On June 25, 2021 USA Taekwondo's Grand Prix East got under way in Greenville, South Carolina. This was the 3rd major post-Covid event hosted by USAT in order to allow Taekwondo athletes to return to competition in Poomsae and Sparring in preparation for the USAT Nationals.Marc Zirogiannis, Taekwondo Life Magazine's host and editor, attended the event as a Certified USA Taekwondo Nationally Certified Referee. On this episode Marc reflects on the event, its organization, and its execution.The Grand Prix events featured live competition of Taekwondo Kyorugi, poomsae, Sports Poomsae, Demo Teams, Board Breaking, and Freestyle Forms.Check out our magazine resources, or USA Taekwondo's website for a list of all upcoming events, competitions, and seminars.*Presented by Bet OnlineSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With only two months left before the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Games in Tokyo the infection rates in Tokyo are on the rise. Vaccination rates are low. There is confusion and panic over whether the games will happen, or if they should. Marc Zirogiannis, Taekwondo Life Magazine's Editor in Chief, presents some updates on this topic and a look at the IOC's position on whether the games will happen at all. For updates on this, and other Olympic information, as well as other events please visit: www.tkdlifemagazine.com*Presented by Bet OnlinePrivacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

As the world emerges from the Global COVID-19 Pandemic, Taekwondo Life Magazine's Editor and host, Marc Zirogiannis, discusses the emergence of live Taekwondo events in the middle part of 2021. We look at some of the upcoming events, their sponsors, and caveats to look out for before traveling to out of state venues to compete in these tournaments. How has the tournament scene changed since before the Pandemic? What should you do to be ready? How will the 2020 (now 2021) Tokyo Olympics be impacted? We discuss all of this and more. For more information of upcoming AAU Taekwondo and USA Taekwondo events check out Taekwondo Life Magazine's calendar of events.*This episode is presented by Bet Online

A discussion of the overhaul of the USA Taekwondo Officiating program and a look at AAU Taekwondo's latest Referee appointment.From our April/May 20210 Issue-USA Taekwondo has completed its restructure of referee leadership following a comprehensive review and interview process, providing a strong platform moving forward for the recruitment, development and retention of current and future referees in the United States. Vastly experienced referee John Seiber has been named as the Referee Chairman for the two year 2021-2022 period, and is charged with making the program the most respected in the world and delivering the best educated and most talented referees in any country, along with developing the next generation of referees and referee leadership.Marc Zirogiannis gives an overview of the USAT Taekwondo Officials program. He discusses changes in the structure and leadership. The episode also explores the enhancements to the AAU Taekwondo Officials program with the appointment of Grandmaster Kenny Kuek to an important role.*Presented by Bet Online

Hello taekwondo lovers, I'm glad of bringing you a new episode of taekwondo passion.In today's interview we talked with Master James Howe from Living Proof Taekwondo @livingprooftkdJames has been a USA National Team member for many years and recently he founded Living Proof Taekwondo, the academy where he shares all his knowledge, experiences and helps others through taekwondo.James was an international level athlete, with a very longeve career always fighting with the best athletes in the world.But he comes from a traditional taekwondo background, and that's why he teaches traditional taekwondo in his academy.Of course if his students want to train the sport, they'll have the option to do it at the highest standards.Why is it so important to be in a place that helps you to grow?As a young athlete, James knew that in order to be as good as he wanted he needed to move to train with a competitive team.His idea was to try with different teams and choose the one which suited better for him.The first place he went was Miami, with Juan Moreno's team Peak Performance, one of the top teams in the USA.He didn't need to look for any other place. James knew it was the right place for him.The environment that coach Moreno promoted there was exactly what James was looking for.World Championships and OlympicsJames trained at Peak Performance for more than 10 years in a journey that took him to three World Championships, being very close to medals and fighting with athletes like Joel Gonzalez and Gabriel Mercedes.In the USA trials for London 2012 James fought against Mark Lopez, an experience which he considers helped him to realize that he could beat the top fighters in the world. But the -68kg was not a weight class for him. The winner of the trials was his teammate and friend Terrence Jennings, with whom he shared many battles from the past.James was able to help the USA Team on the way to the Olympics, especially his teammates from Miami, Terrence Jennings and Paige Mc Pherson and be part of their medals.Why is family support VERY important?Taekwondo still is not a professional sport, so many athletes and their families have to fund their careers.That's been the case of many sparring athletes, like Nikita Glasnovic, Terrence Jennings and Paige Mc Pherson.And is even more common even for poomsae athletes, as is a newer sport.James family is no exception and his parents supported most of his career along with the support of USA Taekwondo.This can make us see the importance of helping youth to pursue their dreams, that will never be wasted money. If an athlete doesn't have support from his family, it will have a harder way through success.Another interesting thing is that James Howe always worked during his athletic career. He worked teaching younger athletes and also in the same warehouse as Terrence Jennings.Training with Juan Moreno at Peak PerformancePeak Performance is one of the top teams in the USA and in the world. So, how is it to train there?James mentions that it is fun but hard. The day can start at 5:30am for the strength and conditioning training that sometimes ends with some paddle drilling and situation training.And they do a second training at night with the rest of the team. Coach Moreno is a tough trainer who doesn't accept any excuses and always expects so much from his athletes.But James points that he always motivates his athletes so they know that they can be among the best athletes in the world, of course, supporting that motivation with a lot of hard work.Living Proof TaekwondoAs we mentioned in the intro James has recently opened his new facility, Living Proof taekwondo. After a long career James felt that it was the moment to open his own taekwondo academy. He teached taekwondo in the past but he wanted to do it in a place designed specifically to it with all the facilities to do taekwondo at the best level.He opened it just before the pandemic, so it was a very demanding challenge to face, but with the passion he has for taekwondo and all the experience he had accumulated, Living Proof will succeed and help the Bay Area community.You can hear the full interview following the links below. Please enjoy it and let us know your thoughts.

Marc Zirogiannis interviews 1988 Olympic Taekwondo Gold medalist, Dana Hee. Dana Hee is a Taekwondo practitioner, 1988 US Gold Medal Taekwondo Olympian, Stuntperson, actress, and motivational speaker. Abandoned, kidnapped and abused as a child, Dana Hee grew to be a young woman with no self-confidence or self-esteem. She even ended up on the streets all alone. Yet, in an inspirational story of success, she captured an Olympic Gold medal and then became one of Hollywood’s most successful stuntwomen. She chronicles her life journey in her new book, One Step with Courage: The Story of My Life From Olympic Gold Medalist to Hollywood Stuntwoman. She joins Marc Zirogiannis for a talk about how her approach of taking "one step with courage" helped her to overcome a challenging childhood and great adversity in order to stand on top the Olympic podium crowned, among the 1st women, ever to win a Gold medal in Taekwondo for the United States. Dana is a remarkable and inspiring woman.In 1988, when Dana Hee won her Gold Medal, she was coached by Grandmaster, YH Park, the US Olympic Taekwondo Coach and Grandmaster. Coach Park is also the longtime Grandmaster of Taekwondo Life Magazine Editor and Host, Marc Zirogiannis.Dana also was a stunt performer in the original Mortal Kombat (1995) film series, which is being re-booted and re-released in a new form in 2021.*Sponsored by BetOnline - Your Online Sportsbook Experts! Head to the website BETONLINE.AG or use your mobile device to sign up today and receive your 50% welcome bonus on your first deposit.

USA Taekwondo announced the opening of an alternate spot on the USA Taekwondo Olympic team for the Tokyo Games. The spot is in the Female 57 KG Category. A spot has been announced for the USA Taekwondo team for the, now postponed, 2020 Olympic Games. This is an opportunity for an athlete to match skills against other potential sparring athletes for a coveted spot on Team USA. In the event a first string athlete can not compete this athlete will have the chance to shine. Applications are due by March 10, 2021.For more information visit www.teamusa.orgThis episode presented by Betonline.ag

In this episode, we are sitting down with a world class TaeKwonDo athlete. Cassidy Wallace has been competing in TaeKwonDo since she was four, picking up two styles of Martial Arts. Cassidy also passes along her knowledge to her students. This World Cup Medallist will be talking to us all about her journey, her experience teaching and competing in the World Cup, and so much more! Tune in for a KICK of a story!

As the Global Pandemic of 2020 began to escalate Taekwondo schools around the world began to close their doors, indefinitely. Many Taekwondo schools made monumental changes in their delivery mechanisms, implementing online classes and alternative training programs to provide a lifeline to their student populations. While these programs were able to help individuals train during the pandemic there was no ability to practice sparring under the conditions of social distancing, and in a virtual setting. Sparring has always been the centerpiece of Taekwondo competition; it was the basis of the recognition of Taekwondo as an Olympic Medal sport. As the months dragged on, with no sparring, the Taekwondo community needed to do something to energize and re-engage its worldwide population. What would it take to accomplish this goal? The answer-the explosion of Poomsae practice and competition. Poomsae was an area of Taekwondo that has been around for centuries, but only recently became an area of Sports Competition. During the age of COVID, thanks to technology and the creativity of the world Taekwondo community, safe, virtual tournaments could be held, offering high level competition in the age of the Pandemic. From USA Taekwondo's Summer of Poomsae to the 2020 NY Open Taekwondo Virtual Championships Poomsae took center stage. In this episode Marc Zirogiannis, USAT Certified Poomsae Referee and host, talks about the emergence of Sports Poomsae during the Global Pandemic.Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

We are talking AAU Taekwondo on this episode of Taekwondo Life Magazine. Grandmaster Bobby Stone, the AAU Taekwondo National Chair, joins Marc Zirogiannis for a discussion on the history and purpose of AAU Taekwondo. AAU Taekwondo and its 15,000 members have been a part of the Amateur Athletic Union since 1974. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is an amateur sports organization based in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. It has more than 700,000 members nationwide, including more than 100,000 volunteers. The AAU was founded on January 21, 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever".Grandmaster Stone clarifies the distinction between the mission of AAU Taekwondo and USA Taekwondo. He outlines the components of the AAU Taekwondo program and his goals as National Chair of this important institution.To Learn More About AAU Taekwondo:Website: https://aautaekwondo.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAUTaekwondo/Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

US Taekwondo Center's Master Myoungho Jun is the cover story of the March-April 2020 issue of Taekwondo Life Magazine. In the this episode we break down the issue "cover to cover". The issue includes news from the Kukkiwon, USA Taekwondo, and World Taekwondo. Dave Young, a frequent contributor, writes about self-defense programs. Grandmaster Doug Cook contributes "The Benign Battlefield". We review Jesse V. Johnson's martial arts masterpiece, The Mercenary. The issue also features a memorial look at Grandmaster Yeon Hee Park and an interview with The Power of Nunchi's Euny Hong. Be sure to check out this look at the issue and the issue itself at www.tkdlifemagazine.comSupport the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

What is the Kukkiwon? The Kukkiwon flag hangs in Dojangs in almost 200 countries around the globe. While Taekwondo practitioners all over the world have heard and seen the name, Kukkiwon, how many understand what the Kukkiwon is? In this episode, Editor-in-Chief and host, Marc Zirogiannis, explores the history of the Kukkiwon. What are its origins. What is the history of the Kukkiwon? How was it started? What is the relationship of the Kukkiwon to the ITF, to World Taekwondo, and to the USAT? What is the Kukkiwon's role in curriculum development? These questions and more are explored in this episode. For Taekwondo practitioners under the authority of the Kukkiwon, all over the world, this episode provides some perspective and guidance about the value of their Kukkiwon issued Dan certificates.Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Sherri LaShomb is the NCTA's Medical Director. She is a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and a Certified Athletic Trainer. Her training and passion for sports makes her uniquely qualified to work with high level, competitive athletes such as Team USA's Taekwondo practitioners.Dr. LaShomb talks with Marc Zirogiannis, Editor-in-Chief of Taekwondo Life Magazine, about her representation of the USA in such competitions as the Pan Am Games (2011, 2015), The World Taekwondo Championships (2015), The World Poomsae Championships (2015, 2017), The Summer Olympics (1996, 2016) and many other national and international events. Dr. LaShomb has been named Athletic Trainer of the Year and USA Taekwondo's Outstanding Medical Staff member. She is part of the network of non-athlete professionals that help to keep Taekwondo athletes in top condition and free from injury.To learn more about Dr LaShomb visit:LaShomb Chiropractic: https://www.lashombchiropractic.comFacebook: @SherriLaShombNational Collegiate Taekwondo Association: http://ncta-usa.comInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Cynthia Correa Nazario is the face of Taekwondo practitioners in their 20's in the United States. She is an accomplished Taekwondo black belt. She began training at her father's Dojang in Queens, NY, New Beginning Taekwondo, at an early age. She became a highly ranked National Sparring competitor and has earned numerous medals and accolades in local, National, and USA Taekwondo competitions. She has continued to train and teach while maintaining an impressive 4.0 college grade point average in her pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Communications.Cynthia talks to Marc Zirogiannis about the very real struggle of Taekwondo students in the college demographic to continue to meet the financial demands of high level competition while balancing the costs of education. This is an important weakness that plagues the United States' Taekwondo community and that we have discussed it on numerous episodes. Ms. Nazario thoughtfully articulates the struggle in her personal narrative, and also tells us how practicing this beautiful art has helped her to always live her best Taekwondo Life.To Follow Cynthia Correa Nazario:Facebook: @CynthiaCorreaNazarioInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Samery Moras is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and former US Team competitor. She is a 6-time US Collegiate National Champion and Team Member in Olympic-style Sparring. She is also the owner of AMYS Martial Arts, which has two locations in Utah. Samery has one of the largest Taekwondo channels on YouTube where she shares her passion of Taekwondo through tutorials, training tips, and Taekwondo vlogs. In 2018 she was selected by YouTube as a NextUp Creator and was invited to a week-long intensive creator camp.In this interview with Taekwondo Life Magazine's Marc Zirogiannis, she not only discusses her life and training but breaks down one of her instructional video blogs on "Common Kicking Mistakes Taekwondo Practitioners Make." This is a great look at Samery as a practitioner, athlete, and unconventional instructor of the world's most beloved martial art.To Follow Samery Moras:YOUTUBE: Samery Moras TaekwondoWebsite: https://samerymoras.comInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Today’s guest is Krista Austin, Ph.D, CSCS, a sport scientist currently serving as an industry consultant and performance specialist for professional and Olympic sport athletes. Austin has worked for the United States Olympic Committee, the English Institute of Sport, England’s Cricket team and multiple national governing bodies of sport including USA Wrestling, USA Taekwondo, USA […]

Justin Faiferlick is the inaugural head coach for the Iowa Central College Taekwondo program. Faiferlick led five Iowa Central students to state championships in the spring 2015 through Faiferlick Martial Arts before ICCC started their program. Faiferlick talks with Marc Zirogiannis about his over 32 years of Martial Arts experience and his work for the Iowa Air National Guard. Justin is a 6th degree black belt in Taekwondo and holds a black belt rank in Sogo Ryu Bujutsu. He has competed at the highest level on competitions winning 6 state championships and 4 national titles and competed in international competitions for the USA. He is also the owner of Faiferlick Martial Arts in Fort Dodge, Iowa.Justin is a certified Level II coach and referee through USA Taekwondo and is a Team USA Project Coach. He is also the head coach for the U.S. Air Force. His coaching experience spans 30 years for a variety of sports including martial arts, football, wrestling, and golf. He is married to Deann Faiferlick and has two children, Kelsey and Michael.Master Faiferlick is the current Vice-President of the National Collegiate TKD Association.To Find our more about Master Justin Faiferlick:His Dojang: Faiferlick Martial ArtsNCTA: National Collegiate TKD AssociationFacebook: Justin FaiferlickSupport the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Anastasija Zolotic is a rising star in the competitive Taekwondo landscape. She is one of the exciting young stars of the USA Taekwondo program. While her future is bright, and her career is just beginning, she has already amassed an impressive record. At just 17 years old she has already had a Gold medal winning performance at the Pan Am games. Her medal winning performance at her very first Senior Grand Prix made her the youngest Taekwondo athlete in the world to win a medal at a Grand Prix. Ana talks with Marc Zirogiannis about her love of Taekwondo and about USA Taekwondo's "National Center of Excellence" in Colorado Springs, where she will be training full time with Coach Gareth Brown. Coach Brown, together with Coach Paul Green, recently moved to the U.S to coach the her, and the rest of the USA team. Ana is on the fast track to make the 2020 US Olympic Taekwondo team.To find out more about Ana and Team USAhttps://www.teamusa.org/usa-taekwondo/athletes/Anastasija-ZoloticInstagram: @ana.zolotic @_usatkdofficial_Facebook: @USATaekwondoSupport the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Team-M is a world class Taekwondo demonstration team that started in San Jose, CA in 2004. They started out as a small group of athletes in a garage dojang. Since their inception they have become an international sensation, participating in over 300 events worldwide. Team-M was inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame in 2007. The late, Grandmaster John Rhee, father of Taekwondo in the U.S., personally complimented Team-M for a job well done at our New Jersey performance. Team Captain and World Poomsae Championship Gold Medalist, Alvin Jong, spoke to Marc Zirogiannis about the Team's history, its mission, and its future. This episode provides a great inside look at the work, sacrifice and passion required to become an elite level Demonstration Team.To find our more about Team-M:Website: Team-MFacebook: @mteamtkdInstagram: @mteamtkdYouTube: MteamtkdSupport the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Join Coach Jim Haxton as he takes us on a behind the scenes look at the 2019 USA Taekwondo Nationals from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Coach Jim is the staff photographer for Taekwondo Life Magazine, a Taekwondo Black Belt, and the father of a nationally ranked sparring competitor, Jillian Haxton. Coach Jim gives us a 4 day look at his trip to the Nationals, his perspectives on the level 1 Coaching seminar he attended, a view of the weigh-ins, and his take on competition day.For those uninitiated, and those experienced, in National competition this interview provides a great overview of what occurs when 5000 competitors converge on a US city for a week of high level competition.Coach Jim is a sparring coach at the YH Park Taekwondo Academy in Levittown, NY.Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Taekwondo competitor, instructor, Master, and advocate, Erica Linthorst, joins the program to discuss "Aging Up and Staying in the Game", her impressive competitive resume, her world travels, and TKD Go For the Gold. Master Linthorst, a writer, as well as practitioner, has been published in Taekwondo Life Magazine, as well as other martial arts magazine. She brings a positive and unique perspective to the state of Taekwondo competition and her role as change agent. To find out more about Master Linthorst and TKD Go for the Gold please visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/665840370511780/about/Support the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Not only was Stephen Lambdin the USA's Heavyweight Taekwondo Medal contender in the 2016 Rio Olympics but he is also the most accomplished male Taekwondo athlete in the history of the United States. In this episode Stephen discusses his journey and progress towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, his successes and struggles, as well as his views on the question of whether he is an athlete or a martial artist? In this episode Stephen reveals his personal choice for favorite film-hint, it's not "Best of the Best". You can find out more about Stephen Lamdin at http://stephenlambdin.com or follow him on Instagram @StephenLambdinSupport the show (https://squareup.com/store/tae-kwon-do-life-magazine/item/podcast-support-donation)

Thomas joins the show to tell us about his life in Taekwondo and what his chances are for the 2020 games!Thomas dives into his parents, how he almost fought for Afghanistan, and how having a full time job helps him be the best athlete he can be!Make sure to follow Thomas!https://www.instagram.com/trahimi30/https://www.facebook.com/thomas.rahimiFollow us too!https://www.instagram.com/ourathletes.us/https://twitter.com/Ourathletesusawww.ourathletes.usmichael@ourathletes.usThanks again to LaunchingPodcasts.com for allowing my listener to get $50 off by using Promo code MIKE!Please rate, review, share, and subscribe!

On this week's edition of Not Another Sports Show, NASSRadicalSports.com, a Radical Look at the World of Sports our yearly discussion telling people that the NFL is not a meritocracy and that the league has a real problem with institutional white supremacy when it comes to -- at the very least -- head coach hiring the Phoenix Suns' new gambits to get people on board socializing costs of private wealth development don't really work the NCAA is getting sued again for its lack of care to athletes not to be outdone, USA Gymnastics and USA Taekwondo find ways to slither even lower Maori Davenport gets reinstated our positive news of the week - former QB Ryan Leaf helping shut out government workers Send us your feedback, ideas for future shows and updates to: NASSRadicalSports.com contact page, NASSRadicalSports@GMail.com, @NASSRadSports on Twitter or Facebook.com/NASSRadicalSports

Paige McPherson joins the show to tell us about her two trips to the Olympic Games! Paige goes into what it's like winning a medal, beating the country favorite, having the crowd cheer for you, and what it was like losing when you're the favorite. She also tells us what it's like being an Olympic Athlete and what she has to do on a daily basis to make sure she can train and live her life.Follow Paige on all her socials!https://www.instagram.com/aka_mcfierce/https://twitter.com/mcfierce2012https://www.facebook.com/PaigeMcPhersonTaekwondo/Talk with us too!https://www.instagram.com/ourathletes.us/https://twitter.com/Ourathletesusamichael@ourathletes.uswww.ourathletes.usPlease rate, comment, review, subscribe, share, and like the show!

Janet O'Shea is Professor of World Arts and Cultures/Dance at UCLA. Author of 'RISK, FAILURE, PLAY', 'At Home in the World: Bharata Natyam on the Global Stage' and the co-editor of the 'Routledge Dance Studies Reader', 2nd edition, her research focuses on corporeality, interdisciplinary exchange, and the politics of everyday life. She is a practitioner of Filipino martial arts, jeet kune do, Brazilian jiu jitsu, kickboxing, and empowerment self-defense. Cathy Chapaty is a 22-year martial arts veteran and third-degree Taekwondo black belt who specializes in teaching children, many with ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, and other challenges. She is the author of two books: "No Pouting in the Dojo: The Imperfect Journey of Teaching Children Character through Martial Arts" (Sidekick Publications, 2014) and "Sports Planet: Sports Played Around the World" (Steck-Vaughn Publishing Co., 2003). Susan “George” Schorn (the nickname . . . it’s a long story) is a writer, martial artist, and self defense advocate. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two children, and trains and teaches at Sun Dragon Martial Arts and Self Defense. She writes "Bitchslap: A Column About Women and Fighting" for McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. Her first book, 'Smile at Strangers: Lessons in the Art of Living Fearlessly', was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in May 2013. As an Ambassador for the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors, Chapaty teaches workshops at girls' empowerment conferences and has helped area Girl Scouts earn their safety badges through self-defense seminars. She has also led seminars at National Women's Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF) camps, which attract hundreds of girls and women from across the United States, Canada, and Europe. (The NWMAF named her Member of the Year in 2011.) Chapaty has had dozens of essays and articles published in a variety of media on topics such as integrity in sports, anger management, and mentorship through martial arts. In 2012, she was honored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for an essay on the transformational power of Taekwondo. Chapaty is a member of the NWMAF, Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors, USA Taekwondo, and the Writers' League of Texas.

This month's AISTS Sports Medicine podcast, presented by Aditi Tyagi and Patrice Remarck, put forward the question of "What is the safe algorithm for decision making in RTP? Patrick was the head coach for the USA Taekwondo team's and he speaks about the several clinical Algorithms to execute a Safe Return to Play. Find out more below with this month's latest AISTS Sports Medicine podcast here.

This heavyweight podcast is sure to be a knockout! On this week’s episode, sports medicine physician Dr. John Neidecker (@DrJohnNeidecker) joins BJSM’s Daniel Friedman (@ddfriedman) in the ring to discuss the hot topics in combat sports today.  Dr. Neidecker is a physician for USA Boxing and USA Taekwondo, and is the vice president for the Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) (http://www.ringsidearp.org/), an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the health and protection of boxers and mixed martial artists. He serves as the ARP certification committee chair, enabling physicians to become certified in ringside medicine, and currently practices at Orthopedic Specialists of North Carolina. Dr. Neidecker is also the lead author of the ARPs Consensus Statement on concussion in combat sports that was recently published in the BJSM. In this 20 minute conversation, Dr. Neidecker explains the current medical practices and controversies in combat sports, and addresses the following topics:        concussion management in combats sports        return to fighting protocol        common injuries in combats sports        weight cutting        ethics of combats sports   Further reading: Neidecker, John, et al. "Concussion management in combat sports: consensus statement from the Association of Ringside Physicians." Br J Sports Med (2018): bjsports-2017. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2018/07/26/bjsports-2017-098799 McCrory, Paul, et al. "Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016." Br J Sports Med (2017): bjsports-2017. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/838 Crighton, Ben, Graeme L. Close, and James P. Morton. "Alarming weight cutting behaviours in mixed martial arts: a cause for concern and a call for action." (2015): bjsports-2015. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/8/446 Association of Ringside Physicians Releases Consensus Statement On Weight Management in Professional Combat Sports (2014)  http://www.ringsidearp.org/resources/Documents/Position%20Statements/Weight%20Management% 20in%20Professional%20Combat%20Sports.pdf

On today's episode, Jeremy talks about the USA Taekwondo lawsuit and sex scandal that involves Jean and Stephen Lopez. USA Taekwondo Lawsuit and Sex Scandal - Episode 295 This is an issue that will, directly and indirectly, affect every martial arts practitioner, instructors, school owners and even fans because of its magnitude. Two of the most prominent and biggest names that have ever practiced Taekwondo in the US, Olympic gold medalists Jean and Stephen Lopez, has been involved in a lawsuit and sex scandal that allegedly has been going on for more than a decade. This issue puts both Taekwondo and the whole martial arts community in a bad light from spectators outside the community. What do we do to help the martial arts "survive" this issue? What can we do to stop this from happening to other students of martial arts that we are supposed to protect from this? Listen to Jeremy as he gives his take on this sensitive issue.

So today's interview is with Paul Green and Gareth Brown from Todays Taekwondo. Firstly I had to congratulate them on their achievements to date 300k followers on Facebook, the YouTube channel, the website, the downloadable tutorials, and obviously for all the medals that the athletes they've coached within team GB have achieved. We chat about at the numbers 2 golds from the Olympics, 4 world champions, 8 Grand Prix golds, and those are just the ones within the top competitions, we discuss how it must have been great to be a part of those athletes achievements. Todays Taekwondo mission statement says both Paul & Gareth want to continue developing innovative methods to produce world-class athletes and coaches. I ask them when did they both sit down and decide to share their knowledge on a global scale? Did they realise how big it would become and eventually where it would take them both? The BBC sports website it states one month after resigning from team GB they had both been recruited by USA Taekwondo...... They tell our listeners exactly where they are going, doing, and more importantly if Todays Taekwondo will still be continuing its goal to help others? Next is a chat about the YouTube channel, I've watched them all......the content is impressive, I like how they hold nothing back, demonstrate it, explain it to great detail and show elite athletes also training it. it's a great way to be, to improve as coaches by giving out everything, ..... we chat about how it must keep them evolving and improving. Both Gareth & Paul must have seen so many changes in the sport of Taekwondo I ask them both if they still use methods learned back when they were competing or has it evolved so much it's a completely new set of skills and drills. We take a walk back down memory lane and I ask them if we can look back at both their lives so far, where did Taekwondo start for them both and why did they decide to take up a martial art. GB Taekwondo has been a major part of both their lives competing and coaching, they've both competed and coached at a high level. Which made them most nervous, anxious, or determined, competing or coaching? I ask them a little about Team GB here as I know after speaking to some of the GB Taekwondo guys they are missed, they have both been a major part of the success GB has had and is continuing to have so don't miss their answers. I ask them both, looking into the future where do they think GB Taekwondo will be in the tables and what do they think needs to happen to keep the standards they have both helped to achieve. What is the long-term goal for Paul Green and Gareth Brown? where do they see themselves in 5-10 yrs, does their own training centre come into it or do they want to be the coaches the countries come running to when medal counts get low......? I ask them what is each of their proudest moments. What advice do they have for up and coming athletes and also coaches looking to make a difference? And finally the one last question from me, what is it that makes Taekwondo different to other martial arts and how would they describe what it takes to be a black belt? How can you get in touch with them? See links below. Email: todaystaekwondo@gmail.com Facebook: @todaystaekwondo YouTube: Todays Taekwondo Website: www.todaystaekwondo.com It was an enjoyable interview and I look forward to interviewing them both once they settle into America.

So today's interview is with Paul Green and Gareth Brown from Todays Taekwondo. Firstly I had to congratulate them on their achievements to date 300k followers on Facebook, the YouTube channel, the website, the downloadable tutorials, and obviously for all the medals that the athletes they’ve coached within team GB have achieved. We chat about at the numbers 2 golds from the Olympics, 4 world champions, 8 Grand Prix golds, and those are just the ones within the top competitions, we discuss how it must have been great to be a part of those athletes achievements. Todays Taekwondo mission statement says both Paul & Gareth want to continue developing innovative methods to produce world-class athletes and coaches. I ask them when did they both sit down and decide to share their knowledge on a global scale? Did they realise how big it would become and eventually where it would take them both? The BBC sports website it states one month after resigning from team GB they had both been recruited by USA Taekwondo...... They tell our listeners exactly where they are going, doing, and more importantly if Todays Taekwondo will still be continuing its goal to help others? Next is a chat about the YouTube channel, I've watched them all......the content is impressive, I like how they hold nothing back, demonstrate it, explain it to great detail and show elite athletes also training it. it’s a great way to be, to improve as coaches by giving out everything, ..... we chat about how it must keep them evolving and improving. Both Gareth & Paul must have seen so many changes in the sport of Taekwondo I ask them both if they still use methods learned back when they were competing or has it evolved so much it’s a completely new set of skills and drills. We take a walk back down memory lane and I ask them if we can look back at both their lives so far, where did Taekwondo start for them both and why did they decide to take up a martial art. GB Taekwondo has been a major part of both their lives competing and coaching, they’ve both competed and coached at a high level. Which made them most nervous, anxious, or determined, competing or coaching? I ask them a little about Team GB here as I know after speaking to some of the GB Taekwondo guys they are missed, they have both been a major part of the success GB has had and is continuing to have so don’t miss their answers. I ask them both, looking into the future where do they think GB Taekwondo will be in the tables and what do they think needs to happen to keep the standards they have both helped to achieve. What is the long-term goal for Paul Green and Gareth Brown? where do they see themselves in 5-10 yrs, does their own training centre come into it or do they want to be the coaches the countries come running to when medal counts get low......? I ask them what is each of their proudest moments. What advice do they have for up and coming athletes and also coaches looking to make a difference? And finally the one last question from me, what is it that makes Taekwondo different to other martial arts and how would they describe what it takes to be a black belt? How can you get in touch with them? See links below. Email: todaystaekwondo@gmail.com Facebook: @todaystaekwondo YouTube: Todays Taekwondo Website: www.todaystaekwondo.com It was an enjoyable interview and I look forward to interviewing them both once they settle into America.

Today is special because we get to talk to an olympian who was down in Rio who fought in Taekwondo, Stephen Lambdin. this is his follow up episode, and he talks about the training down in Brazil, his competition, and meeting President Obama when he got back to the states. Follow him on facebook at stephen lambdin, or twitter with @stephenlambdin.