What does real transformation look like—not in theory, but lived through the body, mind, and spirit? In this powerful conversation, Swami Kripananda shares his journey from addiction and recovery to deep immersion in yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice. Drawing from decades of experience—including training with masters such as B.K.S. Iyengar—he offers a raw and unfiltered look at what it means to truly change. This is not a discussion of surface-level wellness or technique. It is a direct exploration of discipline, addiction, embodiment, and the realities of spiritual awakening. Swami Kripananda speaks openly about: • The dangers of practicing without guidance • Addiction as both obstacle and doorway • The difference between experience and transformation • Kundalini, breath, and the mechanics of inner change • Why most people misunderstand meditation and stillness His insights challenge common assumptions about yoga and spirituality—cutting through idealism to reveal the work required for real transformation. This episode is for those who are serious about practice—not just as an idea, but as a lived process. ABOUT SWAMI KRIPANANDA Swami Kripananda is a yoga teacher and spiritual practitioner whose path has been shaped by direct experience, discipline, and recovery. Having trained under influential teachers including B.K.S. Iyengar, his work integrates classical yoga, breathwork, and meditative practice with a grounded understanding of the body and mind. His teachings emphasize personal responsibility, experiential knowledge, and the necessity of guidance in serious practice. More content at www.InnerLifeWithMarkWiley.com  

What if most self-defense training is teaching the wrong thing? In this episode of Transformations with Mark V. Wiley, Teja VanWicklen breaks down why traditional self-defense often fails women—and what actually works in real-world situations. Drawing from decades of martial arts training, personal experience, and deep research, Teja introduces the concept of Protective Offense—a radically different approach that moves beyond techniques into awareness, psychology, behavior, and survival. This is not about memorizing moves. It's about changing how you perceive danger, make decisions, and respond under pressure. In this conversation: • Why traditional self-defense models fall short • The psychology of fear, freezing, and aggression • Situational awareness and recognizing intent early • The self-defense continuum—from prevention to recovery • Emotional regulation and self-de-escalation • What actually works in real-world encounters Teja's work reframes self-defense as a complete human system—not just physical skill, but perception, decision-making, and lived awareness. GUEST BIO Teja VanWicklen is a writer, researcher, and self-defense specialist focused on reimagining how women approach personal safety. With decades of experience across martial arts, physical training, and behavioral study, she developed the concept of Protective Offense—a system that integrates awareness, psychology, and real-world survival strategies. Great content at www.InnerLifeWithMarkWiley.com  

Sifu Alan Yee is a 5th-Generation practitioner of Choy Lee Fut who lives in Sydney, Australia. His teacher was 4th Generation Grandmaster Li Yiu Ling who was one of only two direct inner chamber disciples of 3rd Generation GGM Chan Yiu Chi, the grandson of the Founder of Choy Lee Fut, Chan Heung Gung. Chan Yiu Chi's other inner chamber disciple was his eldest son, the late-GM Chan Wan Hon. Alan Yee started his Choy Lee Fut journey with Li Iu Ling in January 1975. He did not teach outside his family until around 1995. Over the years he has only taught small classes. He has never taught in a commercial environment because he believes genuine transmission of true kung fu traditions are best achieved in small groups. Students are admitted selectively. Together with kung fu brother, Victor Wong, Yee is the entrusted joint-lineage holders of the Chan Yiu Chi - Li Yiu Ling lineage of Choy Lee Fut. Yee teaches is directly from his late-Sifu characterized by internal power using Chi, swift light footwork, and fluid whip-like strikes.

Phil Matedne was born and raised in the city of Stockton, California. As a teenager, he began his martial arts training in the Kajukenbo style of Karate under Sifu John Valdez. As a young adult Guro Phil began his extensive training in the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) with many of the West Coast teachers since 1983 and now has close to thirty years of experience. The teacher primarily responsible for Phil's foundation in the FMA is the late Grandmaster of Bahala Na Escrima International, Leo M. Giron. Phil trained exclusively with Grandmaster Giron for seven years; after which Giron certified him as an instructor and conferred upon him the title of Guro ("teacher"). Phil continued to train with GM Giron's successor, GM Antonio Somera. After relocating to the East Coast in 2008, Guro Phil was the Full Instructor at Valor Martial Arts Academy in Frazer, PA. Guro Phil now brings his knowledge and experience to Dragon Gym, teaching his blend of Filipino, Indonesian and Thai systems in a unique combative art that allows a practitioner to flow without interruption from the different fighting ranges — "As one technique ends, another begins." His philosophy is to empower each student with Martial arts skill sets for the purpose of self-preservation, Preservation of family, loved ones, friends and to aid the defenseless. To cultivate values of Respect, Discipline, Loyalty, Valor and Honor necessary for the development of a warrior philosophy. LINKS Website Face Book TAMBULI MEDIA  

Eskrima, the Filipino martial art. From his humble beginnings as a six-year-old enthusiast in 1979 to his present-day endeavors, Jason's journey has been one of relentless pursuit, unwavering commitment, and remarkable accomplishments. With over 40 years of experience in Eskrima, Jason is the inheritor of the esteemed Inayan System of Eskrima. Following in the footsteps of his father, Mangisursuro Mike Inay (GM Mike Inay or Suro Mike Inay), Jason proudly carries forward the legacy of this system, perpetuating its teachings and principles. Jason's martial arts prowess extends far beyond Eskrima. With certifications as an instructor in Eskrima, Kali, Silat, Panantukan/Pangamut, Jun Fan Gung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, and Self-Defense, his expertise encompasses a wide array of disciplines. Furthermore, his 25 years of practice in Tai Chi/Chi Kung and 20 years of experience in Kenpo/Karate-Ju Jitsu have enriched his knowledge and understanding of various martial arts forms. Jason's contributions to the world of martial arts have garnered him numerous accolades. Notably, he was inducted into the Master's Hall of Fame in 2003, receiving the pioneer award, and was honored by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2006 as an Escrima Grand Master. The Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame recognized him in 2012 as the Most Outstanding FMA Practitioner, followed by his induction as a Grand Master member of the World Head of Family Sokeship Council. In 2014, the Master's Hall of Fame bestowed upon him the Silver Lifetime Achievement award for his remarkable dedication spanning over 30 years in Eskrima. His accomplishments culminated in 2015 when he received a lifetime achievement award in Angel Cabales - Serrada Eskrima. In addition to his martial arts expertise, Jason has ventured into the realms of security and law enforcement. Drawing upon his experiences in these fields, he founded the Spyder Dumog System, a unique amalgamation of modern martial arts and practical techniques. This system emphasizes self-defense and personal safety, integrating Jason's extensive knowledge and real-life applications. LINKS https://www.inayan-eskrima.com/ https://www.facebook.com/suro.inay https://www.instagram.com/inayanbase/  https://www.TambuliMedia.com 

For over 30 years, Derek Notman has dedicated himself to the study of physical culture and philosophy. This pursuit has led him all over the world including time living in China and Southeast Asia, studying with traditional masters of martial, movement, and healing arts. Derek has always sought to extract the essence of the traditions while connecting the common elements. Despite the uniqueness of each art and human form, there is a commonality to being in a body and so themes emerge. Derek has made it his life's work, to investigate and understand these themes and share them with others in a paradigm of traditional wisdom through embodied practice. @markvwiley Time Stamps 0:00 Release the body to improve the mind 0:48 Introduction 1:01 Derek's entrée into Asian philosophy and embodied practices 3:15 Philosophy and cultivation of wisdom 5:35 Considered viewpoints, the need for curiosity, the nature of mind 8:21 Neijia Quan – Taiji, Xingyi, Bagua 9:23 Xinyi Liuhe Quan and Sifu Shi Shueng Peng 11:07 Self-awareness through a broader view and practice of the body 13:37 Everything is trapped in your body 15:41 Shen Fa body movement, the art of the art 17:50 Xinyi Liuhe Quan vs Xing Yi Quan 20:52 Qigong and Neigong practice 24:24 Developing the martial art body 26:38 Release the body, recognize the mind 30:19 The Heart-Mind 31:03 Awareness and the nature of thought 34:55 Indian club swinging and rope flow 38:14 Body movement therapeutics 41:05 Gyrotonics and Tai Chi 42:36 Egoscue Method, body structure and intelligence 44:35 Jin Shin Jyutsu 48:22 Being present in the body 50:52 Tools in a toolbox 51:34 Social media and the value of movement for a disembodied culture 53:25 Resolve physical pain with meditation 55:30 Zhang Zhuan, shoulder tension, mental identification, headless Zen 1:00:49 Simplicity of difficult practice and recognition of the self 1:003:16 Closing remarks DEREK'S LINKS Website Instagram  

For over six decades, Grandmaster Rene J. Navarro has been on a mission, traveling the globe to learn from extraordinary masters of impossible skills, and to then develop those skills within himself. From the depth of Yang family Tai Chi Chuan to the refined and arcane techniques of Internal Alchemy, from poetry and music to deadly kung-fu, from meditation to discovering the Great Dao, Of Fire and Water brings alive the astonishing travels, discipleship, teachings, and commentaries on life of a man traversing the lonely and difficult path of energetic, cultural and spiritual self-cultivation. Through 32 inspiring essays, Of Fire and Water: Alchemy and Transformation will change the way you think about yourself, your body, and the interconnected nature of reality. Get your copy, today. @markvwiley #ReneNavarro #InternalAlchemy #TaiChi #Qigong #KungFu #FMA #MagusofJava #JohnChang Discussion Chapters 0:12 The grandmaster's life reflections 8:30 Early apprenticeship with Masters Johnny Chiuten, Lao Kim, Chan Bun Ti, Han Ching Tan studying Yang Tai Chi, Lohan Boxing, Ba Gua, Arnis. 19:29 The mysterious Grandmaster Lao Kim an his Fujian Lohan Kung Fu 26:22 Hidden Codes in Tai Chi, acupuncture meridians, postures and the I-Ching 34:38 Lao Kim's Lohan Fujian Temple kung-fu. It's not Hung-ga 37:55 Tai Chi Chuan, Sifu Chan Bun Ti, Leung Shum, Gin Soon Chu, Mantak Chia, Microcosmic Orbit, Fusion of the Five Elements, Different aspects of qi and alchemy 44:13 Nei Dan, Enlightenment of Fire and Water, Inner Smile Meditation 50:01 Uncle Rudy and Classical Music nuance, healing, meditation, movement transformation 59:05 John Chang the Magus of Java, superhuman power and skill 1:06:46 Mantak Chia's curriculum, fusion of five elements, Immortal Dao, fire and water, 1:11:37 The Dantian and Ming Men, location, definition, and understanding, Hermits of Huang Shan 1:18:54 Wrap up and final words   Book - Of Fire and Water: Alchemy and Transformation Website - www.ReneNavarro>org

Antonio Aloia has been training a mixture of aikido, judo, and Olympic Fencing since 2002. He also holds a Master's degree in history from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. In 2020, he published his Aikido Comes to America, a history of aikido in the United States. Antonio runs the online martial arts chronicle Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, where it houses many interviews with martial artists and historical essays. Currently, Antonio is writing a biography of a judo pioneer and researching the answers to aikido's modern questions. Antonio's Links BOOK - Aikido Comes to America Amazon Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow  Aiki Now Facebook  Martial Arts Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Facebook Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Instagram 

Datu Shishir Inocalla is a pioneer of wellness and the creator of the BMST (body mind spirit training and living system). He is a grandmaster of Arnis Maharlika, a Filipino martial art, and master of Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation and natural healing. He was the wellness trainer at the World HQ at David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Champions Gate, FL. He started martial arts training at the age eight and become a Yogic monk in India at age 15. He was persecuted for his spiritual belief and was detained in Tihar, Jail, India during 1975 Martial Law for 1 year at age 18. From 1980 he moved to Vancouver, BC. Canada where he started his holistic martial arts schools. He competed and won over 50 martial arts Championships and has been Featured in over 30 Films and on TV. He became the action hero "Michealangelo" in the Ninja Turtles Movie and TV series. In 2011 he moved back to his ancestral land in Bicol province in Camarines Norte and started an Arnis Wellness self-sufficient farm. He is the author of several books on meditation and balisong. #FMA #Arnis #Yoga #Meditation #spiritual #mystic #ninjaturtle Website Amazon Page Instagram Free Meditation Video Free Breathing Exercise Video

Tai Chi teacher Hal Mosher discusses his journey in studying Tai Chi, including his time with Robert Smith and his experiences in Taiwan. He shares insights into his conversations with Robert Smith about the CIA and the importance of not trusting everything on TV. Mosher also highlights the evolution of his training methods and the emphasis on song gong and syncing in Tai Chi. He concludes by discussing his book on peng lu ji an and the significance of yielding in the practice of Tai Chi. In this conversation, Hal Mosher discusses the creation of peng jin and its importance in Tai Chi. He explains that peng jin is not created by specific hand and leg positions, but by the balance of yin and yang in the body. Hal emphasizes the importance of expanding in all directions and maintaining central equilibrium in order to maintain balance and prevent collapse. He also discusses the importance of creating an electromagnetic field in the body and the role of peng jin in healing and uncompressing the joints. Hal explains the importance of the six alignments and the integration of form pieces in Tai Chi practice. He also discusses the importance of application in Tai Chi and the transition from gross to subtle movements. Hal emphasizes the importance of opening the body and the role of the Earth and Heaven jin in Tai Chi practice. He concludes by discussing the importance of the transition between postures and the combination of loosening exercises and standing practice. LINKS https://wisdomwarriortraining.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/halmosher  Amazon book Brought to you by Tambuli Media