Épisodes

  • 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 min
  • 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 h et 14 min
  • 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 h et 6 min
  • 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 h et 29 min
  • 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 h et 32 min
  • 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 h et 11 min
  • From Shy to Strong: Hollie Avery's Fitness Journey
    Jan 27 2026

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

    In this engaging episode of Old Man on the Mat, host Tony Jones speaks with Hollie Avery, a fitness manager and personal trainer from the UK. Hollie shares her inspiring journey from a shy teenager who avoided sports to a confident fitness professional. They discuss the importance of body image, the challenges faced by clients, and the significance of a balanced diet. Hollie emphasizes the value of community in fitness, particularly through her experiences with CrossFit. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the importance of self-love, and the pursuit of happiness in life. Hollie shares her future aspirations, including starting a family and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Listeners are encouraged to embrace life, travel, and pursue their passions.


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    48 min
  • Breaking Records with DonnaJean Wilde
    Jan 20 2026

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

    In this episode, We sit down with DonnaJean Wilde, a Guinness World Record holder for the longest plank and the most push-ups in an hour. Donna shares her inspiring journey from fitness enthusiast to record breaking athlete, detailing how a wrist injury led her to discovering planking. She discusses the mental and physical challenges she faced with training for her records, the importance of family support and her approach to fitness and nutrition at 60. Her story is a testament to dedication and the power of setting goals

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    54 min