Épisodes

  • FP #25: From Prison Guard to Coach: True Stories from the Mat

    FP #25: From Prison Guard to Coach: True Stories from the Mat
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of the Fight Podcast, Xavier visits Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, to sit down with his good friend and ICCS Portugal director, Armando. Together, they explore Armando’s journey from decades of martial arts experience—including karate, kickboxing, and especially Muay Thai—to becoming a respected coach and prison guard with real-life fighting experience. The two share stories about the old-school atmosphere in Armando’s gym, training beneath a soccer stadium, and the deep family spirit that defines their community. They dig into the importance of real, hard sparring for effective self-defense, calling out the dangers of martial arts instructors who never test their skills under pressure. Armando explains how his background—both on the streets and as a prison guard—shaped his philosophy: fighting is not for everyone, and real preparation comes from realistic, sometimes brutal, training. The conversation covers the challenges of coaching competitors, the politics of fight events, mental preparation, and the life lessons learned through losing and coming back stronger. The episode is filled with stories about humility, dedication, and the power of a true martial arts family.
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    31 min
  • FP #24: Fighting, Focaccia, and Family: A Martial Arts Homecoming

    FP #24: Fighting, Focaccia, and Family: A Martial Arts Homecoming
    Jul 11 2025
    In this comeback episode of the Fight Podcast, Sharir reconnects with his longtime friend and ICCS instructor Andrea in Genoa, Italy. Together, they take listeners on a journey through the early days of ICCS in Europe, reminiscing about their first seminars, the challenges of building a gym from scratch, and the enduring discipline required to keep pushing forward in martial arts. Andrea shares insights into his thriving school, the evolution from small kids’ classes to a full academy with striking and grappling for all ages, and the recent fight experiences of his students—complete with tough opponents and a few controversial referee calls. The conversation explores training philosophy, the importance of sparring, balancing family, coaching, and personal fitness, and how recovery and nutrition matter just as much as hard work. They discuss the changing landscape of self-defense and MMA in Europe, the value of full-contact experience, and why more experienced martial artists are joining ICCS for its “fighting solutions” mindset. With plenty of stories, laughs, and a shoutout to Genoa’s legendary focaccia, this episode is both a heartfelt reunion and a window into the passion and resilience behind building a martial arts community.
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    23 min
  • FP #23: Fake Languages, Real Fights: Gym Stories & Combat Culture

    FP #23: Fake Languages, Real Fights: Gym Stories & Combat Culture
    Jul 11 2025
    In this episode of the Fight Podcast, Sharir and Jan dive into a lively and insightful conversation about language barriers, gym culture, and the evolution of combat sports. They start by reflecting on how people learn English through martial arts communities, sharing funny stories about students who “fake” speaking different languages and the unique blend of personalities found in their gyms. The discussion then shifts to the rich world of combat sports—contrasting old-school boxing with modern styles, exploring the quirks of Savate, and debating what really makes a fighter dangerous. Sharir and Jan break down key differences between boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, discussing everything from fighting stances and guard positions to the mentality needed for street and sport fighting. Throughout, they explore the importance of aggressive defense, the role of discipline versus talent, and how true fighting confidence impacts life beyond the gym. They also share their perspectives on grappling, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and why no single martial art has all the answers. With humor and experience, they show how learning to solve problems under pressure—inside and outside the ring—builds real confidence.
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    38 min
  • FP #22: Motorcycles, Military, and Mental Health: Stories from Two Worlds

    FP #22: Motorcycles, Military, and Mental Health: Stories from Two Worlds
    Jul 11 2025
    In this episode of the Fight Podcast, we – Shareer and co-host – share our personal experiences and impressions from both military and civilian life, always in our familiar laid-back and humorous style. We start off by discussing the quirks of podcast intros, quickly moving into motorcycle anecdotes – from our own crashes to stories of police and paramedics on motorcycles, especially in Israel. We also talk about the risks of riding without a helmet, accidents, and some of the stranger consequences that can arise. In the second part, things get a bit more serious: we dive deep into the everyday realities of military life, the unique camaraderie among soldiers, the difference compared to civilian friendships, and the special, often little-known rules and routines of army life. We talk about creative problem-solving, absurd orders, fistfights over bus seats, and the infamous “shit-in-a-bag” principle during deployments. A key focus is on the psychological consequences of combat experiences, such as PTSD: we discuss stigma, recognition, and support for trauma, differences between countries and generations, and share our own observations from both the military and civilian world. Finally, we explore how people cope with trauma, how dark humor can help, why life in crisis regions often continues surprisingly “normally” – and why it’s so important to keep going despite everything.
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    39 min
  • FP #21: Building Muscle and Endurance: Effective Training Strategies

    FP #21: Building Muscle and Endurance: Effective Training Strategies
    May 25 2024
    Jan and Sharir discuss their experiences and insights on training in extreme heat, highlighting the challenges faced during a recent heatwave in Israel. They emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and adapting to varying conditions, mentioning how both extreme heat and cold can impact training. The conversation shifts to specific training techniques, including the use of drop sets for building muscle endurance and the importance of incorporating both strength and cardio workouts. They also discuss injury management, the mental aspect of training, and the necessity of maintaining cardiovascular fitness for both sports and survival situations. Throughout, they share personal anecdotes and practical advice, underscoring the critical role of conditioning in effective training and real-life preparedness.
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    37 min
  • FP #20: De-escalation Techniques and more

    FP #20: De-escalation Techniques and more
    May 18 2024
    **Podcast Summary: Fight Podcast with Sharir and Jan** In this engaging episode of the Fight Podcast, Sharir and Jan dive into a variety of topics, reflecting on the diverse settings and unique experiences they encounter during their recordings. They reminisce about their previous podcast session in a gym in Jerusalem and compare it to their current studio setup in Germany. The conversation highlights the authenticity and dynamic nature of their podcasting style, giving listeners a glimpse into their daily routines and interactions. The hosts discuss the training regimen of a dedicated rabbi who works out daily with Sharir, emphasizing the importance of respecting his strength and dispelling misconceptions about his religious title. They also touch upon the technical aspects of podcast production, including the use of AI for sound cleaning and the impact of background noises on the podcast's atmosphere. The episode transitions into a discussion about the various people they meet during their travels, particularly in the context of the International Combat and Conditioning System (ICCS). Jan highlights the value of on-the-road podcasts in introducing listeners to the diverse individuals involved in ICCS, emphasizing that the organization is shaped by its members, not just its head instructor. Sharir shares his upcoming travel plans, mentioning pro courses in Arizona and Alabama with notable martial artists Howard and Bill Batwell. He expresses excitement about these opportunities and the wealth of knowledge these experts bring to the table. The conversation shifts to the differences in training and security protocols between Israel and other countries. Sharir explains the rigorous training and testing security guards undergo in Israel, the importance of military experience, and the challenges of maintaining high standards in security work. They also discuss the necessity of carrying firearms in Israeli security roles, contrasting it with the European approach. Jan and Sharir explore the concept of de-escalation in security work, emphasizing its importance in preventing violent confrontations. They discuss the unique challenges faced by security personnel, especially those who are not highly motivated or who have to juggle multiple responsibilities. Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on their experiences and observations, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the intricacies of security training, the importance of maintaining vigilance, and the dynamic nature of their podcasting journey. The episode concludes with a light-hearted note about staying hydrated and the challenges of recording in a hot studio.
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    39 min
  • FP #19: The Headquaters

    FP #19: The Headquaters
    Aug 6 2023
    Jan visits Sharir in Jerusalem and they have a chat in the MMA Jerusalem gym. Get to know some of the faces of the Israeli ICCS chapter and what a day in Sharir’s life looks like.
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    43 min
  • FP #18: The Italian Job - Who is Andrea?

    FP #18: The Italian Job - Who is Andrea?
    Aug 6 2023
    For the first time, Sharir and Jan introduce a guest to the Podcast. Andrea has been one of the first members of the ICCS family and he runs the ICCS-gym in Genua. Get to know him and the “Fight-Back”-story.
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    44 min