Zac Chase holds a Masters degree from the School of Education at Harvard, a Principal's license, and currently serves as librarian of the St. Vrain public school system. But his most vaunted accomplishment is in the parenting of his two kids, ages 10 and 12, who have recently earned their green belts in karate. Zac talks about his kids' motivation, the promise of a safe environment for kids to grow, learn and thrive, and how karate instructors serve as partners for parents who want their kids to become great role models ..read more

“Spinning [kicks] are illegal.” “Things you’ll encounter in life are very unexpected.” These are the ideas discussed in this podcast, which invokes the thoughts of two neighboring parents of young kids in the midst of Black Belt training. One mom’s a nurse and photographer, one’s a dad who’s vigilant about his son’s progression into the world. “The exercise is very good,” Ms. Laura Greene says. Mr. Bashur agrees: “When you stop moving, that’s when you get old. [Ripple Effect] keeps you moving.” Listen on for a true testimonial m two Black Belt parents ..read more

How do we help kids stay strong in mind and body in these challenging times? In this episode we’re talking with Heidi Baskfield and Dr. Bruno Anthony of Colorado’s Partners for Children’s Mental Health, who advise on what you need to know about pressures kids face and how parents, teachers and martial arts instructors can help. Serious, fascinating insight from two fighters on the front for healthier kids ..read more

A couple hundred years ago, Englishman William Blake wrote a volume of poetry titled “Songs of Innocence, Songs of Experience.” No one speaks the truth like the innocence of youth. But a life lived with experience, challenges, and trials develops a more mature understanding in the heart, body and mind. That’s an introduction to Annalise, who started training to be a black belt before she even began kindergarten. Four years on, she earned her black belt rank this past May, culminating in a three-day black belt test in Estes Park. Here Annalise talks about how martial arts has helped her speak o ..read more

A degree in Psychology. An affinity for world cultures and languages. Black belts in traditional Korean and Japanese martial arts. Author with an office full of swords. These are just a few aspects describing Master Jan Lappin, founder and master instructor of Middleburg Martial Arts in Florida. She has a lot to say about how martial arts impacts the life success of kids and adults, and how it inspires people to achieve their goals. Why practice martial arts as a kid? Why practice martial arts as an adult? How to use a cane for self defense? It’s all here on the Ripple Effect Martial Arts podc ..read more

Petitions. Meetings. Leadership. Sounds like a the docket for a chief member of the House of Lords. Well, that might just be where Aspen Glenn is headed. She’s six years old, an orange belt in karate, and a force of will everywhere she goes. In this episode, we talk with Aspen, her mom Montana, and dad Jacob about reading, school, music and martial arts. BONUS: Find out two fascinating facts about Aspen (trees, that is). Stay tuned through the end of this awesome dialogue with a future black belt ..read more

Mr Chris Green has spent his professional life in hospitality. He's run hotels, resorts, hotel companies and management firms, and the teams he's led have helped guests experience landmark events as well as seen families through natural disasters. Here Chris talks about learning how to lead from difficulty and challenge, and how a mindset of curiosity breeds strong leadership, in business, the martial arts, and life ..read more

Anyone familiar with the podcast knows Ms Allie Hayes, who recently coached a team of Ripple Effect Martial Arts black belts at the annual Battle of Atlanta, one of the longest-running and most acclaimed martial arts competitions on the planet. Hear Ms Hayes talk about her experience as a coach of top-ranking competitors from Ripple Effect, including meeting one of her heroes, Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee's protege John Chung ..read more

An artist. A recent college grad. An advocate for healthy balance and self advocacy, especially for young women. A quintessential martial artist, leader, and competitor. That’s a blunt summary of the accomplishments of Ms. Allie Hayes, 3rd-degree black belt in American Freestyle Taekwondo and co-leader of the competition team at Ripple Effect Martial Arts. Listen to Allie’s honest thoughts on how martial arts can help young people—people of any age—overcome difficulties and self doubt ..read more

2nd-degree black belt and Ripple Effect Martial Arts instructor Mr Ben Stott gets personal on his own Black Belt journey. He talks about what it’s like to train as a family, how he got a feel for karate as a (once) “unathletic” white belt, sparring against other styles, and how he gained confidence through the martial arts. And Cobra Kai. And historic Cameros. Dive in ..read more