What happens when a seven-year-old boy learns martial arts to protect his mother from domestic violence? Mike Hess, a 10th Dan karate instructor and retired police officer with 35 years of law enforcement experience, shares his remarkable journey from childhood trauma to becoming a respected martial arts teacher. (He’s been running his own school since earning his black belt in 1975.)Throughout this conversation, Mike emphasizes that martial arts teaches more than just fighting, it builds confidence, self-discipline, and the wisdom to walk away from conflict. He discusses the importance of mastering fundamentals before rushing toward belt promotions, the importance of mastering fundamentals before advancing. His philosophy extends beyond the dojo: he once talked down a suicidal man holding a shotgun by fabricating an elaborate story about walking fish, demonstrating that verbal de-escalation often trumps physical techniques.Mike integrates Christian faith into his training program, leading prayer before and after classes at his schools in South Carolina. He recounts a miraculous healing story involving a student with brain cancer. Mike represents a connection to traditional martial arts in an era he critiques as increasingly watered down by “McDojo” schools focused on participation trophies rather than authentic discipline.Why do modern tournaments feature excessive screaming and flimsy weapons instead of controlled, disciplined technique?Discover Mike’s insights on realistic training, the overuse of the title “master,” and that embarrassing brown belt test incident that ended up on YouTube.

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