Join the Invisible Sensei and the Anxious Black Belt—two karateka, two continents, one powerful conversation. From the dojos of Guildford to the shores of Wellington, we catch up each month to talk karate, mental health, personal battles, and the journey of healing through movement and mindfulness. No filters, no belts needed—just open, honest kōrero and a shared mission to break the stigma and bring awareness to the unseen fight. 🎙️ New episode every month. 💬 Real talk. Real struggles. Real c...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 4 min
What does it really take to succeed in karate—not just in the dojo, but in life? In this inspiring episode of The Anxious Black Belt, we break down the top principles from the eBook Rules for Success in Karate, compiled by Les Bubka. Free Book: https://lesbubka.co.uk/pubs/Rules_For_Success_in_Karate_eBook.pdf Featuring insights from 10 world-renowned martial artists, explore powerful rules like consistency, commitment, mentoring, balance, and the importance of showing up. Whether you're a beginn...
Jul 08, 2025•13 min
Vince Morris BA(Hons.) 9th Dan Kissaki-Kai (9th Dan I.S.O.K.) Now in his seventies, with more than 60 years Martial Arts experience, Vince Morris is a leading authority in the world of karate and his effective no-nonsense approach to his art has earned him worldwide respect. He regularly taught Tactical Officer Protection courses at the Antwerp Police Academy and for a variety of other Law Enforcement agencies which has brought him many commendations and citations for his extraordinary skills al...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In the world of karate, some masters earn their place through tradition. Others... carve it with their fists. He was a fighter, a street brawler, a man of noble blood who defied convention. Feared by many. Respected by all. This is the story of Motobu Chōki — the rebel of Okinawan karate, whose fists spoke louder than words. Whether you're curious about martial arts or seeking new approaches to mental wellness, this video offers insight, inspiration, and a fresh way to look at Karate—not just as...
Jun 30, 2025•7 min
Long Overdue chat with Ken Knight Sensei Book mentioned: https://amzn.to/3IfTB2o Whether you're curious about martial arts or seeking new approaches to mental wellness, this video offers insight, inspiration, and a fresh way to look at Karate—not just as a fighting skill, but as a potential mental health ally. Karate for Mental Health Book: https://amzn.to/43FgMf5 Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD Free Action Plan: https://payh...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 23 min
🥋 Mas Oyama: The Ultimate Truth of Karate | Kyokushin DocumentaryDiscover the legendary story of Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. From his early life in Korea to training in isolation on a Japanese mountain, Oyama became known as "The Godhand"—a warrior who fought bulls barehanded and created one of the most powerful full-contact karate styles in the world. Whether you're curious about martial arts or seeking new approaches to mental wellness, this video offers insight, inspira...
Jun 23, 2025•8 min
Syllabus as Strategy: Teaching with Purpose or Just Tradition? In this insightful conversation, Sensei Russ Smith shares his perspective on the role of a syllabus in karate training—examining its purpose, practicality, and potential pitfalls. Together, we explore how a well-structured curriculum can guide progression, preserve tradition, and support consistent teaching standards, while also questioning whether rigid frameworks may limit adaptability and personal growth. This dialogue challenges ...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min
They say he could catch arrows mid-flight… break stone with his fingers… fight 20 men at once without breaking a sweat. But is any of it true? In this captivating short story, a seasoned witness recounts the tales of an unbeatable martial arts master to a group of eager students. As the tale unfolds, it becomes clear that each retelling over the years has added more flair, more fantasy — until the line between reality and myth vanishes completely. 🔹 Moral of the story: Don't blindly believe eve...
Jun 19, 2025•10 min
Can a martial art really support mental well-being? In this podcast, I explore how Karate is becoming a powerful tool for mental health, especially through my work with students from a mental health charity who train regularly as part of their therapeutic journey. While Karate isn't officially recognised as a therapy yet—like dance therapy—we're working to change that. I also share my personal story of how Karate helped me overcome anxiety and imposter syndrome, offering structure, confidence, a...
Jun 12, 2025•12 min
Even after earning a black belt, many martial artists silently struggle with feeling like they’re not “good enough.” In this episode, we explore how imposter syndrome shows up in karate—especially when comparing ourselves to elite athletes or others in the dojo. Instead of chasing someone else’s path, we talk about the power of measuring progress against your past self, embracing individual growth, and redefining what success really means on the mat. Mental health course: https://payh...
Jun 09, 2025•12 min
Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD Free Action Plan: https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk 🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: https://payhip.com/LesBubka Support Karate For Mental Health CIC Support when you shop via Easy Funding https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ Grab a t-shirt! https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/ Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to docu...
Jun 05, 2025•18 min
In this episode, we explore the inspiring shift happening across the global karate community. Drawing from personal experiences teaching at national and international seminars, we highlight how practitioners are moving away from rivalry and division toward mutual respect and collaboration. Instead of criticising other styles and organisations, more and more karateka are now promoting diverse approaches and supporting one another’s growth. It's a powerful evolution — and a sign that the future of...
Jun 02, 2025•9 min
The number of bunkai (applications) for a single technique in karate depends on the practitioner's level. Beginners usually learn one clear, structured application to build a strong foundation. As skill and understanding deepen, advanced practitioners can explore multiple interpretations—adapting techniques to different contexts and even creating their own variations. The deeper the knowledge, the more open and creative the bunkai becomes. Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD...
May 30, 2025•11 min
What’s the difference between Old School Karate and Traditional Karate? In this episode, we explore how Old School karate evolved through the practical experimentation of masters who adapted techniques, shared knowledge across dojos, and prioritised the real-world effectiveness of martial arts. We contrast this with Traditional Japanese karate, established in the 1930s, which focuses on preserving lineage, strict structure, and loyalty to one style, one sensei. Mental health course: https...
May 26, 2025•21 min
Jon stands as our Chief Instructor, holding a 4th Dan in Shukokai Karate & Kickboxing alongside a Purple Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Jon's initial foray into karate as a child was short-lived, a youthful experience cut short by a few too many reprimands! However, the spark was ignited, and in his early twenties, he returned to the martial arts alongside the same friend he used to get in trouble with, joining a local dojo in Caernafon. Driven by a desire to build his own confidence, and inspire...
May 23, 2025•47 min
I really couldn't get it together. Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD Free Action Plan: https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk 🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: https://payhip.com/LesBubka Support Karate For Mental Health CIC Support when you shop via Easy Funding https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ Grab a t-shirt! https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/ Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journ...
May 19, 2025•15 min
Mal Sanchez-Jones UK KUDO International Branch Chief & Chief Instructor Goshin Karate Mal has studied martial arts for over 38 years with a foundation in Karate, Judo & Boxing (6th Dan Combat Karate, 5th Dan Goshin Karate, 1st Dan Japanese Mixed Martial Art - Daido Juku Kudo) https://www.gkadojo.com/ 🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: https://payhip.com/LesBubka Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD Free Action Plan: htt...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Real martial arts training demands something increasingly rare: grit in a world full of distractions, comfort, and excuses. This video dives into the mental and emotional barriers that hold people back—busy schedules, lack of motivation, fear of failure—and why commitment matters now more than ever. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent or questioned your path in the dojo, this message is for you. It’s not just about punches and kicks—it’s about showing up, again and again. Watch, reflect,...
May 16, 2025•14 min
Welcome to Anxious Black Belt, the podcast where martial arts meet mental health. Join two dedicated martial artists—experts in Muay Thai and Karate—as they explore how combat sports can empower emotional resilience, support mental wellness, and change lives. Learn about their grassroots organizations offering free classes to students in need, and their mission to secure funding to keep these programs alive. Whether you're a fighter, a mental health advocate, or someone seeking purpose, this is ...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between kata and personalisation in karate. Discover how choosing the right kata based on your body type, mindset, and skill level can elevate your training, improve performance, and deepen your martial arts journey. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned karateka, learn why one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply when it comes to kata — and how to find the form that fits you best. Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD Free Action Plan: ...
May 06, 2025•12 min
In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, Les Bubka sits down for a candid, unscripted conversation with the insightful Don Came Sensei. Together, they dive into the rich layers of karate beyond the dojo floor—exploring kata, practical applications, and how martial arts can be a lifelong tool not just for self-defense, but for longevity, mobility, and personal growth. From dissecting combative strategies to reflecting on writing courses and books, Les and Don discuss how karate influences both the ...
May 01, 2025•56 min
The true path to a black belt is full of obstacles, not only technical proficiency but also dedication. For those willing to put in hard work, there is a reward; it is not the black belt. Kuro obi is just one of the milestones on the journey. Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD Free Action Plan: https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk 🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: https://payhip.com/LesBubka Support Karate For Mental Health CIC Support when you shop via ...
Apr 28, 2025•16 min
Russ expressed an interest in fighting traditions as a young teenager, and began learning Karate basics with a family friend. It wasn't until Russ was on extended visit to the Philippines nearly forty years ago that he began his formal training in Japanese Goju-Ryu under an Australian instructor, Sensei Iyan Mackenzie. Books: Principle-Driven Skill Development: In Traditional Martial Arts: https://amzn.to/4jKghFB Overview of Fujian Taizu Boxing: https://amzn.to/3YNHjDV Check out Sensei's website...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Today, we are diving into a topic close to home for many of us - the connection between mental health and the training continuum. Earpods: https://amzn.to/42FAqWf Support Karate For Mental Health CIC Support when you shop via Easy Funding https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ Grab a t-shirt! https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/ Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey: Karate Journal Link: https://amzn.to/3l9spmt If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider shari...
Apr 22, 2025•17 min
Angus Rogers has been practising Tang Soo Do for over 30 years. He founded Heads of the Valleys Tang Soo Do to share his love for the martial art with others. He is a 4th-degree Master belt and has competed in numerous tournaments throughout his career. Gus has also just written and published his book: Recipes Do Not Make Delicious Meals Book https://www.hovtsd.com/product-page/recipes-do-not-make-delicious-meals-book Check Out His YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCXzTQu6VvsuGtIFFsouYZ2w Conne...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 2 min
#236 From trolls to Training Exciting Weekend, indeed it was an exciting weekend, started of with array of comments on youtube, we had open mat event followed by my visit to Tanoshi Karate. Support Karate For Mental Health CIC Support when you shop via Easy Funding https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ Grab a t-shirt! https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/ Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey: Karate Journal Link: https://amzn.to/3l9spmt If you found value in this episode or enjoye...
Apr 14, 2025•19 min
In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, we sit down with Emily Musolf Sensei, a martial artist, self-defence expert, and the slightly caffeinated brain behind Kitsune Defense—a nonprofit dedicated to helping people unleash their inner warrior through martial arts, empowerment, and just the right amount of sass. With over 20 years of kicking, blocking, and coaching under her (black) belt, Emily has a knack for blending traditional discipline with real-world confidence-building strategies. Book: ht...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, we sit down with Tuari Dawson Sensei, a Māori martial arts master who seamlessly blends his passion for Māori culture with the discipline of traditional martial arts. A dedicated practitioner of Goju-ryu karate. Beyond his expertise in Māori martial arts and weaponry, Tuari is a storyteller, educator, and host of The Invisible Sensei podcast and YouTube channel, where he shares his insights on martial arts, culture, and philosophy. Join us as we explore his...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 29 min
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with my good friend Mary Stevens—an exceptional martial artist, a dedicated advocate for women’s self-protection, and an all-around incredible human being. With years of experience empowering women across the globe, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our discussion. Today, we reflect on the unexpected and disappointing closure of our respective projects—an outcome beyond our control but one that has deeply impacted us. Thi...
Mar 31, 2025•42 min
Richard Hang Hong is a founder of Seitou Ryu Karate, the school of choice for martial arts studies. https://www.facebook.com/seitouryukarate https://seitouryukarate.com/ Support Karate For Mental Health CIC Support when you shop via Easy Funding https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ Grab a t-shirt! https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/ Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey: Karate Journal Link: https://amzn.to/3l9spmt If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please conside...
Mar 30, 2025•53 min
