Join host Dave Meyer as he sits down with Sensei Mike Valentine, co-founder of Practical Martial Arts in Northern California. In this deep-dive conversation, Mike shares his unique approach to martial arts—one that goes far beyond punching and kicking. Discover how martial arts can build resilience, character, and real-world strength in kids, teens, and adults alike.

Mike draws on decades of experience and a passion for neuroscience to explain how struggle, failure, and the right mindset can transform lives both on and off the mat. Whether you're a martial artist, a parent, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

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Show Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Teaching Strength in Difficult Situations
01:54 - Martial Arts Beyond Fighting: Building Resilience
03:33 - About Sensei Mike Valentine & Practical Martial Arts
05:25 - Neuroscience and Martial Arts: Developing Character
07:20 - The Importance of Struggle in Growth
09:13 - Mike’s Martial Arts Journey: From TaeKwonDo to Bruce Lee
13:18 - The Role of Mentorship and Teaching
16:37 - The Science of Struggle: Neurobiology in Training
21:31 - Coaching Under Pressure: Building Heart and Resilience
25:04 - The Parent-Instructor Partnership
27:30 - Nature vs. Nurture in Martial Arts Development
30:11 - The Value of Failure and Learning from Mistakes
34:13 - Mat Culture: Creating a Supportive Environment
37:38 - Merit, Competence, and the Problem with “McDojos”
41:04 - The Evolution of Martial Arts: Realism vs. Tradition
45:15 - The Importance of Resistance and Feedback
48:40 - MMA, Self-Defense, and Real-World Scenarios
52:27 - Generalizing Martial Arts Lessons to Life
54:05 - The Power of Narrative in Teaching
58:11 - Setting Goals: The North Star Story
1:01:47 - Motivation, Boredom, and Long-Term Progress
1:04:46 - Psychological Tools for Mindset and Confidence
1:09:06 - Fitness Routines for Aging Martial Artists
1:13:39 - Joint Mobility, Speed, and Water Resistance Training
1:18:22 - Rituals, Balance, and Focus Before Training
1:22:33 - Pattern Recognition and Rolling with Variety
1:27:27 - Recovery, Water Conditioning, and Longevity
1:31:21 - The Role of Ego and Mental Health in Martial Arts
1:36:10 - Giving Back: Volunteering and Community
1:38:10 - Closing Thoughts, Book Announcement, and Gratitude
1:41:00 - Outro: Subscribe, Support, and Stay Strong

Links from the show:

Practical Martial Arts
https://www.pmadojo.com/

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
https://www.franklincovey.com/courses/the-7-habits/

Viktor Frankl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Frankl

Steve Maxwell
https://www.maxwellsc.com/

Marv Marinovich
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marv_Marinovich

Intro Music by Robel Borja
“Disambiguation” https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A
“Erotic Spring” https://open.spotify.com/track/20RAs5iOvZGYSxQTjx8AAM?si=a0a5cead10e0441b

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, and music kindly provided by Robel Borja.