In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we speak with Carl Thomas, a world record holder, extreme athlete, and owner of Team Energize, one of the UK's top tournament fighting teams. Carl shares insights from his esteemed career in martial arts, achievements with Team Energize, and personal challenges, including running ten marathons in ten days and pulling a 1.25-ton plane for a marathon distance.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:56 Interview Start
01:42 Success of Team Energize in Competitions
03:28 The Role of Parents and Support Networks
08:40 Carl's Martial Arts Journey and Family Connection
12:02 Starting a Martial Arts School
15:49 The Importance of Good Coaching
23:15 Recognition and Respect in Martial Arts
30:03 Frustrations with Fight Tactics
31:58 Endurance Challenges and World Records
32:38 The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
37:27 Cycling Challenge Across the UK
42:15 Guinness World Record: Marathon Pulling a Plane
52:13 Future Plans and Aspirations

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join Lee as he interviews Joe, a seasoned military professional, about his remarkable journey through military ranks and his eventual shift to civilian life. Joe delves into his experiences with the King's Regiment, his leadership roles in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and his insights into the restructuring of regimental units into specialized infantry, such as the Ranger units. He also discusses his post-military endeavor of developing a leadership course to enhance character development within the army and beyond, including schools and veteran support. Tune in for an engaging look at military life, leadership evolution, and innovative concepts in training and development.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Joe's Military Background
01:53 Transition to Reservist and Current Role
03:45 Growing Up in Liverpool
06:16 Joining the Army
08:44 Basic Training and Early Army Life
16:47 Boxing in the Army
20:11 Deployments and Operations
37:46 Reflecting on Early Military Experiences
40:55 Rising Through the Ranks
42:23 Challenges and Triumphs in Training
45:58 Transition to Specialized Infantry
01:00:18 Formation of the Rangers
01:06:07 Current Role and Leadership Insights

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we have Andrew Williams, a former paratrooper, MI5 officer, firefighter, and author. Andrew shares his harrowing experiences in Afghanistan's Sangin Valley, struggles with PTSD, and the life-altering diagnosis of cancer that led to his medical discharge from the military. He recounts the daunting early years, his journey into the Parachute Regiment, and the intense battles faced in Helmand Province. The conversation delves deep into the mental health challenges he endured upon returning, his failed suicide attempt, and the path to recovery through writing his book 'Beyond the Drop Zone.' Andrew now continues to share his story to help others and serves as a firefighter, cherishing his second chance at life.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
01:29 Training and Early Military Life
03:20 Unorthodox Childhood
04:48 Life in Saudi Arabia
07:18 Return to North Wales
11:05 Joining the Parachute Regiment
19:50 Boxing in the Military
25:15 Career Decisions and Boxing Challenges
26:27 Training and Experiences in Kent
27:37 Transition to Support Company
30:05 Deployment to Iraq
31:59 Introduction to the Book
33:37 Struggles with PTSD and Health Issues
51:24 Life After the Military
57:53 Final Reflections

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join Lee as Trevor shares an enthralling story of military camaraderie, experiences from various operations, and personal challenges. Spanning over 30 years of knowing each other, Trevor and his friend recount a serendipitous meeting, a hair-raising car crash, and their intriguing connections through mutual friends and the military. The conversation delves into their time with the Royal Irish Regiment, the struggles and reforms within the regiment, and Trevor's personal reflections on leadership, responsibility, and the controversies that have followed him. Through tales of valour, introspection, and the harsh realities of military life, this podcast offers a raw and profound look into the life of a decorated soldier and his journey toward redemption and resilience.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:19 A Memorable Night Out
02:05 Military Service and Regimental Changes
03:23 Challenges and Changes in the Regiment
05:50 Deployment Stories and Experiences
09:13 Training and Commanding
15:40 Return to the Unit and Deployment
17:24 Engagement and Recognition
25:52 A Year of Intense Deployments
27:15 Reflecting on Leadership and Regret
28:36 The Day Before the Attack
29:40 The Attack and Its Aftermath
31:16 Dealing with Accusations and Trauma
33:11 The Impact of Rumors and Social Media
37:52 Charity Work and Public Perception
46:02 Writing as a Form of Healing
50:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join us as we catch up with Connor Hughes, a decorated British, European, and World Kickboxing champion, who has now made a significant mark in the Professional Fight League (PFL). Conor takes us on a journey through his early days in kickboxing, growing up in a family of accomplished martial artists, and his transition into the world of MMA. Hear about the challenges he faced, his training regimen, mental fortitude, and the strategic nuances of weight cutting. Discover how Conor's unique background in point fighting has shaped his striking abilities in MMA, making him a formidable contender in the PFL European League. Don't miss to learn about his upcoming fight and aspirations to clinch the PFL European and World titles.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Kickboxing Achievements and Family Legacy
01:32 Signing with PFL and Early Professional Fights
04:00 Weight Cutting Challenges and Strategies
06:46 Fight Camp Mentality and Preparation
17:36 Transition from Point Fighting to MMA
21:26 Adjusting Fighting Style for MMA
24:45 Influence of Family in Martial Arts
27:20 Transitioning from Kickboxing to MMA
30:24 Challenges and Growth in MMA
35:05 Mental Strategies for Success
43:02 Upcoming Fights and Future Goals

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we sit down with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Braulio Estima, a multiple BJJ world champion and ADCC Hall of Famer. Estima shares insights into his journey from training in Brazil to founding the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Europe, the Gracie Barra Birmingham. He discusses the evolution of BJJ as a mainstream sport, the importance of mindset and motivation in achieving success, and his involvement with the charity Reorg which uses BJJ to provide purpose and community for people with disabilities and military veterans. Tune in to hear about Estima's experiences, his approach to training, and his views on life and martial arts.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Success and Motivation
00:06 Braulio Estima's Early Days in BJJ
00:43 Catching Up with Braulio
01:17 Braulio's Family and Football
03:39 The Growth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
04:38 Braulio's Journey to the UK
07:33 The Evolution of Martial Arts and MMA
09:48 Personal Experiences with BJJ
15:35 Braulio's Background and Start in BJJ
16:21 Pursuing the Dream of Becoming an Athlete
17:15 Transition from Judo to Football
19:00 Rediscovering Judo and Discovering Jiu Jitsu
20:27 The Technical and Mental Aspects of Jiu Jitsu
23:36 Life Lessons from Jiu Jitsu
28:12 The Importance of Belief and Patience
31:44 Current Endeavours and Future Plans

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

Join the Elite Podcast as host Lee interviews Ross Levine, multiple world kickboxing champion, Karate Combat Champion, and owner of Turbo Sports Performance. Ross shares his journey from his early days in sport karate to becoming a world-class kickboxer and coach. He also discusses his transition to entrepreneurship, highlights from his competitive career, insights into his training methodology, and the importance of mental health. Don't miss this in-depth conversation with an accomplished fighter and inspiring individual.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:19 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Success
05:42 The Journey Begins: Early Martial Arts Days
15:06 Transition to Full Contact Fighting
22:40 Analyzing Fight Techniques and Mistakes
25:58 Post-Retirement Reflections and Training
28:58 Building a Business for Martial Artists
34:50 Scaling the Business and Collaborations
44:34 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, Lee Matthews interviews Lee Charles, former world kickboxing champion and rising action star. They discuss Lee's early life in Liverpool, his journey through martial arts inspired by his father and iconic action stars, and his incredible transition to the big screen. Lee shares stories about training with martial arts legends, his experiences on major film sets, and working with Hollywood icons like Jason Momoa and Sylvester Stallone. Also, they touch on Lee's commitment to giving back through his own martial arts school, emphasising the importance of persistence and self-belief.

Chapters:
00:00 Meeting Martial Arts Legends
02:10 Growing Up in Liverpool
03:43 Influence of Martial Arts Icons
09:56 Journey to Los Angeles
11:58 Training with Benny the Jet
16:50 First Big Break in Hollywood
20:06 Working with Action Stars
26:33 Early Passion for Movies
29:19 Transforming for Roles
39:14 Influence of Iconic Actors
46:00 Martial Arts and Life Lessons
49:22 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios