Toby Cowern has an extensive background in military intelligence, survival and preparedness. We discuss geopolitics and how global dynamics impact everyday citizens. The bonus episode with Toby is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/114869786 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/149 Listen to our previous conversations here: https://wimsbl…

Iain Abernethy is a karate expert who focuses on applying techniques and principles from kata. We talked about our training, how it changed as we got older, and much more. The Bonus Episode in which Iain answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/113858813/ The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/148 Su…

Brian Frias is a retired Marine with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, a former LEO, BJJ black belt under Andre Galvao, and a full-time instructor at ShivWorks. We talk about self-defense, training, instructing, and much more. The Bonus Episode in which Brian answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/112599434 The …

We live in extremely polarized times and it can be difficult to avoid being radicalized. In this episode I go over common factors involved in (de)radicalization and how you can avoid it. The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/146 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos…

“Super Dan” Anderson is the founder of American Freestyle Karate, multiple times World Champion, prolific author, and much more. We had an excellent conversation and also recorded a bonus part available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/108197249/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/145 Enjoy. Support the podcast and get inst…

Toby Cowern has an extensive career in the military, including in intelligence, and also teaches survival and preparedness courses. We talked geopolitics and I added most of my preparation on the show notes page mentioned below. In the second part of the episode, Toby answers questions from my Patrons, including how to get started with OSINT. The s…

Brian asked if I could talk about how to avoid going too far in a self-defense situation. How to stop yourself from throwing that one punch too many that makes you go from self-defense to becoming the aggressor? The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/143 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS…

Lucius Pomerantz, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former MMA fighter and BJJ black belt. We talk about combat sports injuries, how to treat them and much more. The second part of the episode is here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/101357817/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/142 Support the podcast and get ins…

Xavier Knox is a South African knife maker, self-defense practitioner, and much more. We talk about the craft of knife making for self-defense, his work with Kelly McCann, and much more. The second part of the episode is on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/99925565 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/141 Support the podcas…

There are many misconceptions about self-defense. In this episode, I discuss the most common ones and add some nuance. Enjoy. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/140 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notifica…

Jan Quaeyhaegens is a Belgian MMA fighter in Cage Warriors. We talk about his career and what it is like to be a professional fighter. The bonus episode with Q&A from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/96490581 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/139 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episode…

We kick off the new year by adding entries to our Bingo card for the year: what do you expect will happen? The goal is to be serious and silly at the same time because if you can't laugh at reality, what can you laugh at? The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/138 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes an…

In the group, we discussed training in multiple martial arts styles or self-defense systems, why doing so, and what you can learn from that. Some thoughts on the discussion. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/137 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patr…

René Dreifuss is a former MMA competitor, and coach, but also studied Political Science & East Asian /Japanese studies. Our conversation went far and wide and I enjoyed it tremendously. I hope you do too. The bonus episode is available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/94209886/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/136 Support the p…

Toby Cowern is a survival expert, among many things, but in this episode, he mainly speaks from his background in military intelligence. We discuss the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and look to the future to see what else is coming at us. The bonus episode is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/92655113/ The links mentioned are here: htt…

Self-defense is not only about social or criminal violence. At times, ideological and political violence can be just as dangerous to you. In this episode, I talk about the polarized times we live in, why they are this way, what some of the contradictory positions are, and in the end: how to avoid ideological capture. The links mentioned are here: h…

Doug Patteson is a former CIA spy, technical advisor to movie and TV projects, firearms instructor and a lot more. We talked about his life, what it's like to be a spy and covered much ground. Enjoy! The bonus episode on Patreon where Doug answers questions is here. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/133 Support the podcast and get …

Mike Tyson losing to James Buster Douglas was a surprise to many people. The way they expected the fight to go was caused by the same thinking we see nowadays in society: war in Ukraine or Israel, politics, history, etc. Single-variable thinking is omnipresent. In this episode, I explain why it doesn't work and what to do about it. Enjoy! The links…

Social media videos are reshaping the public perception of what violence and martial arts look like. Through clever editing tricks, they make things seem much more impressive than they are. In this episode, I talk about how they trick you into believing them. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/131 Support the podcast and get instant…

Schalk Holloway is a former self-defense instructor, and author, but is also involved in ministry and writes novels. In this episode, we talk about all these things and so much more. The bonus episode is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/89373986 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/130 Please like, share, and subscribe to help the …

Many practitioners of martial arts and self-defense systems have opinions on the self-defense laws of their area. But all too often, they are mistaken or ignore the reality of the law. In this episode, I give some examples from all over the world on how not understanding the legal aspects of self-defense can get you in trouble. Enjoy! The links men…

Wayne Black has more than forty-five years of professional security experience in both the public and private sectors. He has personally supervised protection details and special threat assignments all over the world. Wayne is a qualified expert witness regarding security in US Federal and State courts, a nationally certified firearms instructor, a…

Andy Benfield is an adventurer, author, martial artist, and more. His adventures in the Himalayas, searching for proof of the existence of the Yeti were recently released on BBC Radio 4 and as a podcast. The bonus episode with Andy on Patreon is here. Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow. Support the podcast and get instant ac…

Liam Jackson is a martial artist and had a full career in law enforcement: Deputy Sheriff and Training Officer, U/C narcotics officer, Chief of Police, Counter-terrorism trainer and Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Justice, and more. We talk about his career, being in a horrendous gunfight and actually plac…

Dr. Mike Piekarski is a Doctor of physical therapy, MMA, and BJJ competitor. He specializes in helping combat sports athletes recover from injuries and get back into training and competing. The bonus episode in which Mike answers my Patron's questions is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/84611268/ All the links mentioned are here in the show note…

Gavin Coleman is the founder and lead knife maker and designer at Ironside Edge Works. He lives in South Africa and makes practical, self-defense knives for daily carry and use. We talk about knives obviously, but also violence in South-African society, co-authoring the book "The Maul" and much more. The bonus episode in which Gavin answers my Patr…

After seeing a video of one kid bullying another, we discussed how to teach your children to handle conflict. Some thoughts about that in this episode. Enjoy! The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/123 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.c…

Meron Langsner is a fight director, movement specialist, playwright, writer, and more. We talk about creating fight scenes, how they relate to stage and screen, how they differ from real life, and much more. The bonus episode with Meron is here. For the show notes with all the links: https://wimsblog.com/122…

My take on how to discuss rationally, regardless if the topic is martial arts, self-defense, or even politics. Enjoy. For the show notes with all the links: https://wimsblog.com/121Av Wim Demeere, martial artist, self-defense expert, author, instructor

Marc MacYoung is a pioneer in the world of self-defense, author of numerous bestsellers on the subject, expert witness on violence, and more. We talked about the polarization in society and will probably piss off every side. Enjoy this episode anyway. For the show notes with all the links: https://wimsblog.com/120 Support the podcast and get instan…

Tommy Blom is a Krav Maga self-defense instructor, but he also teaches strength and conditioning and more. We talked about the realities of violence, his approach to teaching, his experience fighting in MMA and more. Enjoy! The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/119 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus…

Andrew Wiltse is an elite BJJ and MMA competitor who also worked as a bouncer. We discuss combat sports, self-defense and how the two interact. Enjoy. The second part of the interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/81504942 The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/118 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus…

Gulshen Bano is a self-defense instructor, businesswoman, and more. She took the time to talk to me about women's self-defense, working with teens, what it is like for a petite woman to defend yourself, and much more. The second part of the interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/81076885/ The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.c…

A video on a knife disarm drill in the group inspired these thoughts. Enjoy! The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/116 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/no…

I had the pleasure to talk with author Brian Drake about his excellent books and so much more. Enjoy! The second part of the interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/80115240 The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/115 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https…

We discussed a knife defense video in the group a while ago, so here are some thoughts on one such example. Enjoy! For all the links mentioned in this episode, go here: http://www.wimsblog.com/114 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/vide…

The next installment in this series on how to make a living with martial arts and self-defense. This episode covers social media, mostly Youtube. Enjoy! For all the links mentioned in this episode, go here: http://www.wimsblog.com/113 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://ww…

I talk with Tammy Yard-McCracken about 500 Rising, teaching women self-defense and so much more. As always, it was an excellent conversation and I learned new things. Enjoy! The second part of the interview is on Patreon right here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/78814758/ For all the links mentioned in this episode, go here: http://www.wimsblog.com…

Some thoughts on training in a specific lineage and looking at one from the outside. Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Face…

It was my pleasure to talk to John A. Curley about his work as a private investigator and his novels. He goes into detail on some of the darker aspects of society, so be warned. The second part of the interview is on Patreon right here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/77491841/ For all the links mentioned in this episode, go here: http://www.wimsblog…

Tanguy mentioned the importance of spirituality and mental aspects in martial arts training. In this episode, I share my thoughts on that. Also, a question for you on which direction to take the podcast. All the links mentioned in this episode: https://wimsblog.com/109 Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes an…

Warning, this is a NSFW episode: Montie and I swear and drink a fair amount of whiskey, so be warned before listening. It's the closest thing to actually sitting in on a conversation between us; this is how it typically goes when we hang out. Also, he demonstrates a few things, so you might want to switch to the Youtube video for that. That said, e…

Zachariah mentioned moves that look absolutely ridiculous when taught at half-power and in isolation but are scary as hell when applied with power. I share my thoughts on that in this episode. Enjoy! The links mentioned in this episode: https://wimsblog.com/107 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of e…

In this episode, I go deep into the practical information of making instructional videos about martial arts and self-defense. How to get started, which material to use, and much more. There are a LOT of links in the show notes: https://wimsblog.com/106Av Wim Demeere, martial artist, self-defense expert, author, instructor

What is something you'd wish more people knew about your martial art or system? Dan said: what it feels like to get punched in the face. I share some thoughts on that topic. All the links mentioned in this episode: https://wimsblog.com/105 Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos…

I interview Toby Cowern on what you can do to prepare for Winter and austerity in Europe. Also make sure to listen to this follow-up episode in which he goes into detail on his "Seven Pillars of Urban Preparedness" model: https://wimsblog.com/103 The no-holds-barred bonus episode for this episode is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/74172215 All …

With Europe facing much uncertainty as Winter closes in, Toby Cowern explains The Seven Pillars of Urban Preparedness. This framework gives you immediate, actionable information to get through harsh conditions, should these materialize in the coming weeks and months. All the links mentioned in this episode: https://wimsblog.com/103 Enjoy! Support t…

With Europe facing an energy crisis and a recession upon us, many people are afraid of what Winter will bring. How to handle freezing temperatures when the electricity and gas go out? How to survive in a more austere society? Andy Benfield has lived and thrived in such environments for years, all over the globe, and he was kind enough to share his …

I interviewed Kelly Sayre a few months ago https://wimsblog.com/91 and we agreed to talk some more. In this episode, we tackle questions men are typically either too afraid or hesitant to ask female instructors. It was a great talk and the bonus episode on Patreon was even better as the gloves came off then. All the links mentioned in this episode:…

Our brains are good at pattern recognition and when it comes to self-defense, this is both a good and a bad thing. In this episode, I explore this further. The links mentioned are all here in the show notes: https://wimsblog.com/100Av Wim Demeere, martial artist, self-defense expert, author, instructor