Martial Podcasts and Vidcasts
Technical
There are two ways to listen to these audio files. First, simply go to the listed web site and download the audio files to your computer. Not all sites support this option, but most do. Once the file is downloaded, listen to it on your computer just like any other file, transfer it to an MP3 player, or even burn it to CD.
The second method is podcasting. Download and install Podcast Software that allows you to automatically download podcasts to which you have subscribed. For a list of Podcast Software, see http://www.podcastingnews.com/topics/Podcast_Software.html. Once you have that installed, simply add the Feed listed below or on the podcast web site to your aggregator software. Because some of the shows reviewed below are only listed through iTunes, I have included an iTunes feed in addition to a general feed wherever possible. For more information on podcasts in general, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast.
Podcast Reviews (in alphabetical order)
Beatdown with T.J. De Santis
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=104105493&s=143441
Content: Slick presentation-- the format is that of a radio show, with recognizable music intros/outros (not the norm for podcasts because of licensing costs). Besides the radio show feel, there are two things that set this show apart from other MMA podcasts: 1) the MMA guests are consistently top shelf, and 2) the knowledge base of the hosts. I can't see any other podcast consistently pulling this many A-level MMA fighters and top commentators for interviews. As far as the knowledge, the hosts cover A-level fighters, but also include some smaller shows/fighters as well. Better yet, if they can't talk knowledgeably about a fighter or event, they invite a correspondent that can.
Sound quality: Generally good, but phone connections of guests can be mixed. Frequently the sound mix is odd because one host is in the studio and the other is on the phone.
Frequency: Twice weekly, Mondays and Thursdays. This show is new, but T.J. De Santis has a long track record with a previous show called MMA Evolution. Length is 60 minutes.
Advertisements: Heavy, with doses of commercials pushing the sponsor and its products; each commercial set lasts a couple minutes.
Highly recommended for: MMA fans.
Review date: January 2006.
Bushido Magazine.com
http://www.bushidomagazine.com/#
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=117123409&s=143441
Content: Only one episode so far, which was coverage of Pride Shockwave 2005. Web site promises the podcast will cover the "latest news and reviews in the martial arts world." First episode included detailed recaps of the bouts, but one host clearly has a much better technical grasp of MMA than does the other.
Sound quality: Good; first episode recorded with low volume.
Frequency: Plans for monthly show; length is 60 minutes.
Advertisements: Brief commercial for supporting web site.
Recommended for: Possibly MMA fans, but too early to say with only one episode.
Review date: January 2006.
Fightcast
Feed: http://www.fight-cast.com/podcast.php
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=80157879
Content: Covers MMA events such as UFC, Pride, Pancrase, and Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), plus related promotions such as K-1. Mainly predictions for future fights or fight recaps, but also includes occasional news and reviews; no interviews. Web site is a companion MMA blog. The fight analysis is tolerable, but striking gets less nuanced coverage than grappling.
Sound quality: Fair to good.
Frequency: Sporadic; currently 9 shows over 4 months; length is 12-25 minutes.
Advertisements: None.
Recommended for: MMA fans.
Review date: January 2006.
FightWorks Podcast
http://thefightworkspodcast.blogspot.com/
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=81263515
Content: The show is based out of Fightworks Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school in Sterling, Virginia. So, not surprisingly, the show is heavy on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. But the interviews so far have included name MMA fighters, BJJ experts, and a top wrestling coach. Some BJJ tournament information given periodically. Note that this is an "enhanced podcast," so if you are listening/viewing through iTunes, you can view content such as images and hyperlinks offered by the podcaster as you listen; it's kind of a "podcast plus" as far as content goes. The musical transitions between bits are sometimes lengthy for no apparent reason.
Sound quality: Generally good, but some field interviews are only fair.
Frequency: New shows every 2-3 weeks; length is 15-35 minutes.
Advertisements: No explicit ads, little/no school promotion even though based out of a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school, some PSA-type tournament promotions, interviewed guests may mention a product/web site.
Recommended for: BJJ/GJJ as well as MMA fans.
Review date: January 2006.
History According to Bob
Feed: http://www.summahistorica.com/podcast/rss.xml
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331096
From the web site: "Professor Bob Packett has been teaching history for thirty years. His passion for history permeates his entire life, from the thousands of primary resource materials in his personal library, to his collection of historical artifacts. Professor Bob loves to tell stories of the real people behind the often sterile descriptions found in history texts. His conversational style, filled with anecdotes, quips, and humor, will bring to life the characters of history."
Content: Not strictly martial arts, but this podcast will resonate with readers of EJMAS and especially those who are fans of KRONOS. Knowledge of material is excellent, and Packett often gives titles at the end for further study. Covers warfare and related topics often, and even those not martial art related tend to be interesting.
Sound quality: Older episodes are fair; recent episodes are now very good.
Frequency: Prolific; new broadcasts every day or two; length is anywhere from 4-12 minutes; over 160 podcasts recorded.
Advertisements: Very clean, no lead-in, no ads, a short mention at the end of the show of the host's web site where older episodes are found.
Recommended for: EJMAS readers, KRONOS fans, and fans of history in general.
Review date: January 2006.
Innovative Martial Arts
http://www.innovativemartialarts.com/wikka/wikka.php?wakka=WikiIMA
Feed: http://www.innovativemartialarts.com/wikka/wikka.php?wakka=WikiIMA/revisions.xml
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=94427023&s=143441&i=1515284
Content: General opinion/discussion about martial arts by the two hosts, includes techniques, blade work and blade construction, firearms, Scott Sonnon/RMAX, reality self defense, and other topics. Mainly references an eclectic system called San Yun Do (which includes firearms) and silat. No real discussion yet of one host's experience in African martial arts (Maasai).
Sound quality: Poor to fair; of 3 episodes so far, two have been in a coffee shop with large amounts of background noise obscuring the conversation. The other episode probably would have been fine, but was recorded at a very low level.
Frequency: Three episodes so far, released from 1-4 weeks apart; length is 45 minutes.
Advertisements: None, mention is occasionally made of products recommended by the hosts.
Recommended for: If the sound quality were addressed, the podcast would be worth checking out if you are interested in discussion/opinion on the topics mentioned above.
Review date: January 2006.
Karate Café
Feed in iTunes: http://karatecafe.com/index.xml?format=pcast
Content: Discussion on general karate and dojo topics such as sparring, conditioning, testing, burnout, etc. Because of the discussion format, it is easy for podcasts to remain at the superficial level. Yet, although the topics discussed here are mundane, at least once in each episode something mentioned by one of the hosts has made me take a step back and think a little deeper. The main host seems reasonably well-rounded, whereas the two co-hosts are much stronger in their knowledge of karate than in other arts.
Sound quality: Poor to fair.
Frequency: Varies greatly, but more recent episodes have been released every week or two; length is usually 25-35 minutes.
Advertisements: None.
Recommended for: "Karate heads" or people interested in general dojo and training information.
Review date: January 2006.
Karate Kast
Feed: http://www.karatekast.com/rss2.xml
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=75570266
From the show description at Podcast Alley: "Bringing the world of martial arts to you with your host, Master Steven Pinder. Master Pinder holds black belts in the art of Matsumura Seito Shorin-Ryu, American Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, and Matsubyashi Shorin-ryu. Master Pinder goes behind the scenes to bring you the real stories in the world of martial arts today."
Content: Uneven, but creative. The host does not limit himself to any particular show format, liberally mixing interviews, tournament play-by-play, kid segments, straight opinion/commentary (e.g., technique discussion, street tips), and more. Some great-sounding ideas just don't pan out: a dinner with experienced instructors is drowned out by background noise, the interviews with kids are so leading that there's not much point to them, and the host just isn't that great with radio play-by-play. However, he is enthusiastic and he has landed some name interviews, such as Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. Kind of a family-safe podcast with a Christian bent and expletives deleted. Not my particular cup of tea, but the host did go out on a limb and expand the martial podcast beyond the simple interview format.
Sound quality: Field interviews often poor to fair; in-studio voice work is very good.
Frequency: Prolific; new shows every 4-6 days; length varies, shows have been anywhere from 2-60 minutes.
Advertisements: No commercial ads, but occasional plugs for affiliated tournaments/organizations.
Must listen episode: Jim Harrison interview, 12-7-05, show #24.
Recommended for: Tournament karate, Christian martial arts, family karate.
Review date: January 2006.
Keichu Chronicles
http://www.keichu.blogspot.com/
Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/KeichuChronicles
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=110883865
Content: Only two episodes so far; looks like the topics may cover a number of areas relevant to martial artists and the parents of kids in training. Although the web site and the origins of Keichu-Do itself might give you pause, the first two podcasts could apply broadly to most schools and students, hitting topics such as schools, training, mental aspects of street defense, and nutrition.
Sound quality: Good
Frequency: Unknown, so far 2 episodes in 3-4 weeks; length from 8-24 minutes.
Advertisements: No overt ads, but discussion of school that hosts podcast.
Recommended for: Family friendly martial arts, mental martial arts (motivation, awareness, etc.), Keichu-Do, Christian martial arts.
Review date: January 2006.
Kutaki No Ha
http://www.kutaki.org/podblog/
Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/kutaki
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=81892942&s=143441&i=1669084
From the web site: "The podcast dedicated to the Bujinkan martial arts of Masaaki Hatsumi Soke, and to the spirit of cooperation and friendship in the Bujinkan community."
Content: Bulk of the show is interviews rounded out by music and lessons in Japanese language; more recent episodes have had fewer interviews and more miscellaneous topics such as poetry, announcements, mailbag, etc. Although the show and the interviews are aimed primarily at Bujinkan practitioners, the interviews are broadly accessible. Generally, I found the music more intrusive than complimentary, since the show basically stops while a song (often club sound) is played. The show format and the host's monotone conspire to keep this show from being as initially engaging as some others have been.
Sound quality: Earlier episodes are fair to good, latest episode is very good; music can be loud, some interviews are difficult to hear.
Frequency: Varies, currently it appears about weekly; length has been from 15-40 minutes.
Advertisements: None.
Recommended for: Bujinkan fans, maybe those interested in training/living in Japan.
Review date: January 2006.
Martial Secrets
http://www.westseattlekarate.com/podcast.shtml
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=80873169&s=143441&i=1445742
From the web site: "Martial Secrets is a podcast where we seek out some of the most interesting martial artists. We ask the questions and you get the benefit of their philosophy, training tips and experience."
Content: Originating from the West Seattle Karate Academy, this show is probably my favorite martial podcast. All the shows I've heard have been pretty solid, with interesting and often recognizable guests. Strictly a straight interview format, but the guest quality so far has been excellent, with the emphasis on judo/jujutsu, karate, and practical law enforcement/security.
Sound quality: Limited to a fair rating because the host's voice is often significantly louder and poorer quality than the guests, resulting in the occasional need to adjust volume. It sounds as if the host needs a better microphone. Guests, who are normally interviewed by telephone, normally sound fine.
Frequency: New shows anywhere from 1-4 weeks; length from 30-60 minutes.
Advertisements: None.
Highly recommended for: People interested in judo, jujutsu, karate, and practical security work.
Review date: January 2006.
Master Self Defense
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=81078231&s=143441&i=1089423
From the web site: "Our mission is to empower motivated students around the world with the confidence and practical skills necessary to deal effectively with security and self-defense situations. Promoting peace through understanding, goodwill and strength."
Content: This one is a bit different. First of all, don't listen to this for the history, because browsing the site forum I found this post by the host: "All modern martial arts originate from the Shaolin Temple and the teachings of Bodhidharma - approximately 500 AD." Then again, the show is meant more as a Tony Robbins-style special for martial artists rather than a history program. The well-intentioned host gives generally sensible mental tips and strategies along with occasional physical pointers for self-defense.
Sound quality: Very good.
Frequency: Looks like the full course was 6 episodes in September/October 2005; roughly 15 minutes each episode.
Advertisements: Sponsor tag for the host's nonprofit institute, but not intrusive.
Recommended for: The camp value of hearing a guy in a thick Boston accent tell you a half dozen times how he is a Shaolin Master.
Review date: January 2006.
On the Edge with Kelly Worden
http://www.kellyworden.com/index.html (click "Radio Show")
Feed: http://www.kellyworden.homestead.com/rss.xml (but see the web site instead)
Content: The strength of this show is the quality of its guests. However, the host's radio style and persona, the intrusive ad blocks, and the mediocre sound are grating. In addition, you will almost certainly have to go to the web site and download the shows individually. Although a podcast feed is displayed on the site, it only delivers one of the 60 or so episodes that are available for download. But don't that prevent you from checking out the web site, and seeing if there is a guest or topic you'd like to hear.
Sound quality: Fair to good, which is surprising considering this is also a broadcast radio program.
Frequency: Weekly; length is 60 minutes; archive of over 60 shows on web site.
Advertisements: Heavy; lengthy ad blocks (it is a radio show, after all); the host pushes own products as well.
Must listen: W.R. Mann interview on March 5, 2005.
Recommended for: fans of JKD, modern arnis, modern eclectic/combative styles, weapons, books, topics off the beaten path.
Review date: January 2006.
PodXor
http://www.roxormedia.com/blogger.php
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=80233101
From the Podcast Alley description: "An odd collection of D&D, Tech news, Video Games, and Martial Arts."
Content: The above description is accurate, although there is also discussion of movies and movie making, science fiction, and television. Basically, it's two self-professed geeks talking geek stuff. I believe that at least one of the hosts of this show is a student of one of the hosts of the "Innovative Martial Arts" podcast reviewed above. The martial arts discussion in this podcast, however, is few and far in between. Also, the D&D discussions can get lengthy.
Sound quality: Varies, but usually good.
Frequency: Weekly or so; length is 60- 75 minutes.
Advertisements: None.
Recommended for: Only those with significant interest in the topics listed. The show is not bad, but it is not a martial arts, or even a primarily martial arts, podcast.
Review date: January 2006.
The Ultimate Podcast
http://www.undisputedfightwear.com/
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=109690005&s=143441&i=1639732
Content: Bare bones show about the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) TV show. Fight previews and recaps, little detail offered on fight recaps, discussion of TUF show. This show gets in, does its thing, then gets out. Most recent episode was a vidcast of the TUF Ultimate Fight Night 3 weigh-ins.
Sound quality: Very good; first vidcast quality was poor to fair.
Frequency: Varies; length from 8-12 minutes.
Advertisements: None, but sponsors pushed at beginning and end.
Recommended for: UFC and TUF fans; especially those who want a pithy update on UFC/TUF bouts.
Review date: January 2006.
Martial Vidcasts
Vidcasts are similar to podcasts, except they are video files instead of just audio. They can be viewed on a computer or video-capable MP3 player and the downloading procedure is the same as for podcasts.
Martial Arts 101
http://www.martialarts-101.com/
Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/martialarts101
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewVideo?id=1621340&p=111110077&s=143441
Content: Very short video lessons of self-defense/martial arts techniques.
Sound/video quality: Good.
Frequency: New vidcast, but premised as bimonthly lessons.
Advertisements: Looks as if the vidcast is meant as a lead-in to the web site where video lesson subscriptions are sold; sponsoring web site address present on screen throughout vidcast.
Recommended for: People interested in taekwondo.
Review date: January 2006.
Modern Martial Arts
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=100590095&s=143441
Content: A clip montage is shown of the host's training style (JKD-derived alive training) as well as some discussion of his training approach and philosophy. Feels more like a prospectus for the host and his products than anything else.
Sound/video quality: Good.
Frequency: Unknown; currently only one segment from November, but there are other video clips are on the host's web site, so there may be more in the future.
Advertisements: Whole segment appears like more of an ad than serious instruction/discussion.
Recommended for: No one, because it's not much more than an ad. If the podcast is continued with further content found on the host's site, then those interested in self-defense, JKD, weapons, and alive training may want to check it out.
Review date: January 2006.
Muay Thai Techniques
http://www.misteroriginal.net/podcasts/muaythai.html
Feed in iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=116145067&s=143441
Content: Short video segment of Muay Thai techniques; first episode gives a thorough demonstration of the Thai roundhouse kick; the second a short exposition on the Muay Thai stance.
Sound/video quality: Good.
Frequency: Unknown; released weekly so far.
Advertisements: None.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in Muay Thai techniques.
Review date: January 2006.