Elite Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Nathan and Joe Goulding join Lee Matthews to share their journey from tough beginnings to building success in martial arts and business. As a father and son, they open up about the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons learned through adversity, and how discipline and consistency helped shape both their lives and careers.

They discuss their experiences growing up around conflict, transitioning from street fights into structured martial arts, and how those experiences influenced their mindset, leadership, and approach to business. This episode dives deep into resilience, personal growth, and what it truly takes to become elite.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
01:45 Growing Up & Early Challenges
08:30 Street Fights & Lessons Learned
15:20 Discovering Martial Arts
22:10 Transition Into Business
30:45 Building a Martial Arts Brand
38:20 Mindset & Overcoming Setbacks
45:15 Advice for Young Men
52:00 What It Means to Be Elite
58:30 Final Thoughts

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, host Lee Matthews sits down with brothers Luke and Dan to discuss their lifelong dedication to martial arts and how they are continuing their father's legacy at the United Karate Association.

The brothers open up about their contrasting paths to success. Dan details his intense competition background, including winning the IKU World Championships in Brazil, and the severe eye injury that forced him to pivot from fighting to coaching. Luke shares his journey of pursuing a soccer scholarship in America before a knee injury brought him back to his true passion on the tatami. They also dive into the realities of scaling a martial arts business to over 2,000 students, the importance of maintaining strict traditional standards, and how childhood discipline and constant competition built the ultimate resilience for life and entrepreneurship.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Travelling from Essex
03:26 - Continuing the United Karate Association Legacy
04:03 - Maintaining Traditional Martial Arts Standards
05:27 - Dan's Career and Winning the IKU World Championship
06:37 - The Fight That Caused a Detached Retina
07:13 - Luke's US Football Scholarship and Returning to Karate
10:25 - Scaling the Business to 2,000 Students
12:33 - Growing Up in the Dojo and Teaching at 10 Years Old
14:05 - Channeling Hyperactivity into Daily Sports Training
14:49 - The Power of Losing and Building Resilience
16:46 - The Mindset and Discipline of a True Martial Artist

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, Lee sits down with Robbie Lavoie, a true legend in the world of sport karate and kickboxing — a World Champion who’s competed across the globe, evolving from traditional tatami competition to the cutting edge of Total Kombat.

Robbie shares the mindset, discipline, and philosophy that shaped his career — from his early days on the mats in Canada to representing his country on the world stage. With decades of experience, Robbie breaks down the psychology of competition, the importance of mental preparation, and what separates good fighters from great ones.

You’ll also hear stories about:

The evolution of sport karate and WAKO competition 🥋

How the Total Kombat format brings out new levels of creativity and danger

Training routines, visualization, and lifelong discipline

What it means to stay humble, hungry, and motivated after world titles

His advice to the next generation of fighters entering combat sports

This is an episode packed with insight, experience, and inspiration from one of the most respected figures in the game.

00:00 Intro & welcome
00:32 Early beginnings in martial arts
02:20 Discovering sport karate and his first world championships
05:05 The mindset behind becoming a world champion
07:45 Training discipline and consistency over the years
10:18 Competing on the global stage with Team Canada
12:54 How sport karate evolved into modern formats
15:30 Transitioning into Total Kombat and adapting to new rules
18:20 The psychological edge – staying composed under pressure
20:05 What separates top athletes from the rest
23:40 How visualization and mental rehearsal changed his approach
26:15 Lessons from loss and long-term motivation
29:00 Advice for young fighters entering the sport
32:05 Staying connected to the martial arts community
35:10 Legacy, purpose, and the next chapter
37:55 Closing thoughts & thank yous

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

This episode, Lee sits down with Tony "The Axe Man" Stephenson, the man behind the world’s fastest knockout in Total Kombat history — a viral finish that’s been viewed over 9 million times across social media.

Tony shares the story behind his spectacular knockout, the mindset that drove him to bounce back from controversial losses, and how years of Tatami kickboxing and Olympic Taekwondo shaped his unique striking style.

From building a custom Total Kombat-style oval in his garden to earning praise from legends like Michael “Venom” Page, Tony dives deep into how technique, mindset, and creativity forged his viral moment.

You’ll also hear powerful reflections on:

Turning disappointment into motivation 💪

The grind of amateur martial arts and what it teaches kids

Competing for GB Taekwondo and lessons from Olympic-level training

The balance between fighting, family, and fatherhood

His future goals — and plans for even more knockouts at Total Kombat

This is a story of humility, mastery, and redemption — from one of the most exciting strikers to ever step into the oval.

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.

00:00 Viral KO cold open (9M+ views)
01:09 Welcome + TKO2 context
02:12 Background: light-contact kickboxing & Taekwondo
04:42 The Oval ramp—why it traps fighters
06:34 KO breakdown: side kick → axe kick → finish
09:10 Training on a home-built Oval
11:16 MVP ovation & Fighter of the Night
16:35 From Bantry to confidence (overcoming a stammer)
18:59 Tatami grind: resilience & mat time
24:44 Olympic path, Jiu-Jitsu & “Axe Man” origin
29:24 TKO1 controversy → mindset & redemption
34:44 Goals for 2026 + shoutouts, then sign-off

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Website - www.leematthewsof

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, Lee sits down with Oisín “The Natural” Brady, the young Irish kickboxing sensation whose jump spinning back kick knockout went viral with over 9 million views at the time of recording (now 20 million) at Total Kombat TKO 2 in the O2 Arena.

From humble beginnings in Bantry, West Cork, Oisín shares how his family’s small-town gym became the training ground for world champions — and how his father, coach, and brother form the tight-knit team behind his success.

He opens up about his mental training routines, visualization techniques, and the deep mindset work that keeps him calm under pressure. Oisín also discusses fighting in memory of his late cousin and best friend, Oisín, whose passing gave new meaning and purpose to every performance.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Tatami fighters, the reality of light contact kickboxing, and how Total Combat’s oval arena is changing the game — blending styles from kickboxing, MMA, and Taekwondo for a new generation of fighters.

The Elite Podcast is a 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.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:49 Viral knockout goes global — 9 million views (now 20 million)
04:54 From Bantry to the O2 Arena
09:14 How Oisín mastered the jump spinning back kick
10:53 Training with his dad and brother — building champions at home
14:11 Mental strength, visualization & gratitude training
19:06 The cost of amateur competition & sacrifice for success
23:19 Why Total Kombat is changing the fight game
25:41 The problem with “light contact” kickboxing
30:02 Fighting for his cousin Oisín — turning tragedy into purpose
36:18 Setting goals for 2026 & eyeing a world title
38:06 Future opponents — the German fighter & Matt Brooks
40:29 The Total Combat Oval — no ropes, no hiding
45:50 Closing thoughts & thank yous

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram

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, host Lee sits down with Lindsay Bruce, former SAS operator turned self-development and mindset coach. Lindsay shares his journey from struggling with self-esteem and dropping out of school to finding a sense of community and brotherhood in the Army. He discusses the importance of dismantling the 'emotional armor' built during military service to navigate the next phase of life. Exploring coaching primarily for men over 40, Lindsay emphasizes the need to reconnect with their true selves and rediscover purpose. The conversation delves into his experiences with psychedelics for self-discovery, the significance of being present, and balancing aggression with empathy. Lindsay's story is a compelling blend of personal struggle, professional achievement, and transformative growth.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:37 Lindsay Bruce's Coaching Focus
03:17 Challenges of Military Transition
33:48 Personal Development and Overcoming Self-Sabotage
39:15 The Challenge of Habit Change
41:29 The Importance of Delayed Gratification in Habits
55:42 The Role of Visualisation and Self-Discovery
01:14:46 The Importance of Being Present
01:18:57 Final Thoughts

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, host Lee Matthews interviews Ricky Dubidat - a former world champion martial artist, successful martial arts school owner, and business coach. Ricky discusses his journey from training in martial arts to founding his own school and eventually moving into business coaching. They delve into the critical elements of martial arts training, the importance of developing a supportive business culture, and the challenges of managing and expanding a business. Ricky shares valuable insights on personal growth, discipline, and the necessity of having a clear vision and robust systems in place for business success.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 The Power of Self-Development
02:58 Understanding Internal Conflicts
04:31 The Role of Discipline Over Motivation
05:57 The Impact of Martial Arts Training
15:06 Building a Successful Martial Arts School
20:16 Challenges and Lessons in Business Expansion
26:30 Respectful and Non-Confrontational Communication
28:44 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
31:42 Implementing Corporate Structures in Martial Arts Business
36:29 Transitioning to Business Coaching
42:41 Advice for Martial Arts School Owners
46:28 The Importance of Systems and Policies
52:26 Concluding Thoughts and 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 us for a special episode of the Elite Podcast as host Lee speaks with Andy Cleeves, one of the UK's most successful coaches, fighters, and entrepreneurs in the martial arts industry. In this deep-dive conversation, Andy talks about his journey from a small village outside Bristol to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of martial arts. They discuss Andy's early influences, the growth of his organisation Epic Martial Arts, and the importance of maintaining both quality and excitement in the sport. They also explore the fascinating new project, Total Combat, which aims to provide a professional pathway for traditional martial arts strikers. Andy shares invaluable insights on leadership, overcoming adversity, and the future of martial arts competitions. Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode!

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Elite Podcast
01:46 Andy's Background and Family History
03:48 Journey into Martial Arts
06:19 Training and Mentorship
09:32 Evolution of Martial Arts Training
19:26 Building Epic Martial Arts
22:54 Branding and Business Expansion
30:07 Collaborations and Partnerships
31:00 Industry Insights and Supply Chain Challenges
32:11 Building a Trustworthy Business
33:00 Expanding Opportunities with Top 10 GB
33:35 The Bristol Open and Merchandise Business
37:29 The Journey of Total Combat
41:14 Challenges and Future of Total Combat
55:18 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

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 speaks with Gurjit Gallon, a former British champion and fight announcer. Gurj shares his journey from his early passion for martial arts to overcoming a collapsed lung and working towards his dreams. The conversation delves into Gurj's experiences in training, the martial arts community, and his role as a vibrant and unique fight announcer. Join us for an inspiring discussion on resilience, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in martial arts.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Interview Start
01:41 Journey to Martial Arts Success
02:44 Challenges and Injuries
06:16 Return to Martial Arts and New Beginnings
14:46 Building a New Legacy
21:48 The Beard Journey
22:47 COVID and the Beard
23:14 Spiritual Beliefs and Practices
24:29 Losing and Regaining Faith
25:27 Martial Arts and Personal Growth
30:53 Total Combat Team Dynamics
39:29 Future Aspirations and Goals
41:53 Conclusion 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

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we sit down with Amy Truesdale, MBE, a four-time European champion, three-time World Champion, and Paralympic champion in Taekwondo. Amy shares her inspiring journey from starting Taekwondo at the age of eight, influenced by her parents, to conquering various challenges and achieving monumental success in the world of martial arts. She talks about her transition from the ITF style in TAGB to Olympic-style WT, her experiences at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games, and the mental and physical struggles she overcame to become a champion. Amy also discusses her future plans, including gearing up for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles and her aspirations to become a full-time coach. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness in the face of adversity.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Amy Trusdale's Journey
01:18 Early Beginnings in Martial Arts
05:43 Transition to Olympic Style Taekwondo
08:54 Challenges and Triumphs in Paralympic Taekwondo
10:03 Life as a Full-Time Athlete
11:53 Mental Struggles and Overcoming Adversity
18:20 Current Competitions and Future Plans
20:09 The Paralympic Experience and Media Coverage
21:21 The Paralympian Journey
22:12 Childhood Challenges and Parental Influence
23:51 The Drive to Succeed
25:39 Training for the Next Paralympics
26:07 The Reality of Competitive TaeKwonDo
31:04 Achievements and Recognition
34:19 Future Plans and Coaching Aspirations
37:43 Growing Awareness for Para Taekwondo
39:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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