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Masters Alliance

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What defines a great athlete? Is it inherent talent or the influence of dedicated coaching and training? In this episode, we unpack the long-standing debate of nature versus nurture in sports. Featuring engaging discussions, personal anecdotes, and insights from three experienced coaches, we explore the complex journey that athletes undertake to reach greatness. From the excitement of training camps to unexpected fashion statements in the gym, our hosts share their personal experiences...
What separates momentary success from sustained dominance in athletic programs? In this thought-provoking episode, we dig deep into the architecture of championship development systems with insights from coaches who've produced world-class athletes. Strong leadership emerges as the cornerstone of excellence. "The team takes on the identity of the coach," Coach Moreno explains, highlighting how programs with clear philosophical approaches create consistency that weathers competitive storms. W...
When a fighter breaks an opponent's nose with a perfectly executed face shot and scores zero points, something is fundamentally broken. Welcome to modern Taekwondo, where electronic sensors have replaced human judgment, and the art of fighting has morphed into what the Warehouse 15 crew describes as "bad point karate." The hosts dissect how the PSS (Protector and Scoring System) has failed the sport despite years of promised improvements. Using a brilliant analogy, they explain that trying t...
Three Taekwondo veterans unpack controversial developments in the martial art with raw honesty and deep expertise, promising "Sorry, not sorry" to anyone who might be offended by their candid perspectives. • The new 3-2-1 scoring system being tested at the German Open eliminates spinning technique bonus points • Video reviews for head kicks being removed, raising concerns about fairness and referee influence • USAT's talent identification camp selection process lacks transparency and seeming...
The dark underbelly of competitive Taekwondo surfaces in this revealing episode as coaches Juan Moreno, Fred Borchardt, and TJ Proe dissect the technical disaster that unfolded at the recent Grand Prix Challenge in Charlotte. What began as a standard tournament quickly descended into chaos when the DADO Gen 3 electronic scoring system malfunctioned spectacularly, with officials secretly adjusting sensitivity levels midway through the competition. Through firsthand accounts, the coaches expos...
What if everything you thought you knew about creating champion fighters was wrong? In this raw, unfiltered conversation with Olympic gold medalist Herb Perez and bronze medalist Juan Moreno, we crack open the uncomfortable truth about what's really happening in American Taekwondo. The discussion begins with a critical examination of the recent Cadet World Championships, where Russia's dominance reveals a stark contrast to America's approach. Despite our supposed advantages in resources and ...
"Sorry, not sorry" might be our new theme song, but there's nothing to apologize for in this deep dive into taekwondo's evolution. Three Olympic medalists pull no punches as they debate whether modern electronic scoring has elevated the sport or stripped away its martial essence. The conversation begins with a public service announcement warning practitioners about questionable "skip dan" certification programs promising shortcuts to higher ranks. These schemes prey on martial artists lookin...
"We're saying what everyone's thinking." These words from a military veteran to Coach Moreno capture the essence of what makes The Warehouse 15 podcast essential listening for the Taekwondo community. Coaches TJ, Moreno, and Young pull no punches as they dissect the uncomfortable realities facing modern Taekwondo. The conversation weaves through multiple critical topics, beginning with a comparison of old versus new competition styles. While watching footage of past tournaments, the coaches ...
The Warehouse 15 crew delivers a no-holds-barred assessment of the recent Pan Am Championships in Queretaro, Mexico, where competitors battled not just opponents but also 90-degree heat in outdoor tents. The tournament's chaotic organization—from confusing registration processes to midnight schedule changes—prompts a larger conversation about respect for athletes in international Taekwondo. The discussion takes a critical turn toward USA Taekwondo's development pipeline after noting the juni...
A seismic shift has occurred in the Olympic world with the election of the first-ever female IOC president, and the Warehouse 15 team wastes no time diving into what this might mean for martial arts on the global stage. Masters Herb Perez, Juan Moreno, and TJ Curry unpack this historic development with their signature blend of insider knowledge and unfiltered commentary. The conversation takes a particularly heated turn when examining World Taekwondo's latest equipment innovation – protectiv...
Navigating the complex terrain of taekwondo politics requires more than just technical skill—it demands resilience against systems that sometimes work against their own athletes. In this revealing conversation, Coach Lee joins the Warehouse 15 podcast to share his perspective as both an Olympic coach and someone who's experienced the double standards prevalent in USA Taekwondo. The episode uncovers the controversial selection process for the upcoming Grand Prix Challenge in North Carolina, o...
In our inaugural guest episode, we dive deep with Dan Lewis, a geologist-turned-data analyst who's revolutionizing how we understand Taekwondo trends in America. Lewis shares shocking statistics about USA Taekwondo's decline - participation has dropped from over 7,000 competitors in 2019 to just 4,500 today, with some regions seeing a devastating 75% decrease in athletes. What makes this conversation particularly compelling is the financial paradox Lewis uncovers. While USA Taekwondo sits on...
What happens when power consolidation overshadows the spirit of community in martial arts? Join us as we engage with the legendary Herb Perez, an Olympic gold medalist and ninth dan Black Belt, who shares his candid insights on the controversial creation of Kukkiwon USA. Herb reveals concerns about the lack of transparency in leadership selection and the potential marginalization of established organizations that have long been pillars of American Taekwondo. This episode challenges the notion...
How does one navigate the unpredictable world of sporting events and weather chaos? Join us at Warehouse 15, where I, the Grandmaster of Disaster, along with TJ and Coach Moreno, share personal updates and the latest weather conditions from California to South Florida. Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we spotlight the recent USA Taekwondo Open Tournament. We celebrate the amazing triumphs and acknowledge the challenges faced by athletes and coaches, with a special nod to Aaron Vorpa...
What happens when martial arts expertise meets the vibrant backdrop of Canadian hospitality? Join us at Warehouse 15 as Grandmaster Disaster, TJ, and Coach Moreno unravel their experiences at the Canadian Open in Montreal. We celebrate the remarkable organization of the event and the warmth of our Canadian hosts, with special nods to high-performance director Alan and Brittany. Revel in the pride as TJ and Coach Master Perez both receive accolades that add a jubilant note to our conversation....
Unlock the secrets of success with Chris Casamassa, a renowned 10th-degree black belt and a key player in the martial arts arena. From learning invaluable life lessons with his pioneering father to emerging as a successful entrepreneur and actor, Chris’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He opens up about the profound impact of passion, commitment, and perseverance on his life, sharing personal anecdotes about the unique challenges and rewards of working with family. His story is a testa...
Experience an electrifying breakdown of the Paris 2024 Olympic Taekwondo event with legendary Olympic coach Juan Moreno. We uncover Coach Moreno's firsthand impressions of the stunning Grand Palais venue and the awe-inspiring architectural design that wowed sold-out crowds. Together, we tackle the hefty financial challenges smaller countries face when hosting such grand events, comparing Paris's success with the high expectations set for LA 2028. Dive into the nitty-gritty of Taekwondo's evo...
Discover how cutting-edge technology and financial dynamics are reshaping collegiate and professional sports in our special episode featuring the legendary Dr. Harvey Schiller. We explore how streaming services, artificial intelligence, and sponsorship deals are revolutionizing the sports industry, impacting everything from negotiations to athlete performance. Dr. Schiller provides a deep dive into the implications for young athletes and the broader sports ecosystem, offering listeners a rare...
Can mastering your center truly transform your life? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sifu Harinder Singh, a revered master of Qigong and Jeet Kune Do. Sifu Singh introduces his groundbreaking "Master Your Center" method, a technique designed to help individuals find grounding and inner peace amidst chaos. Influenced by Bruce Lee's philosophy, Sifu Singh emphasizes the importance of adaptability in achieving both personal and professional growth. This episode promises to unlock se...
What does it take to journey from a small mining town to the global stage of Taekwondo? In this riveting episode of the Masters Alliance podcast, we sit down with Master Michael McKenzie, a trailblazer in British Taekwondo. Michael shares his inspiring story, beginning from the moment he was inspired by the old Kung Fu TV series at the age of 10, to overcoming physical challenges and enduring rigorous traditional training. His anecdotes from those early days in a modest setting underscore a d...