Father of US Army Modern Combatives Matt Larsen
Chief Executive Officer at Bravo Research Group Byron Rodgers
Judo Olympian Rhadi Ferguson
52 Blocks Professor Mo
From the podcast to video production
From a popular podcast. To Modern Combatives on YouTube. We’ve only just begun. So who are we……….
Israel lopez: Israel Lopez is the writer, producer, and director of the Martial Maze podcast, as well as co-producer and co-director of Martial Maze presents Modern Combatives series. With over 40 years of martial study, he has achieved the rank of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan) in Seni-Ryu Budo,4th degree (Yondan)black belt in Taiho Jutsu, and a 3nd degree black belt (Sandan ) in Judo. In 2004, he completed the necessary qualifications in the martial art of Seni-Ryu Budo to be given a Menkyo(license) of Sensei. Israel Lopez is a certified coach with the United States Judo Association and is still active in teaching the martial art of Judo in Western Massachusetts.
The Tenrai Seishitsu Dojo was founded in 2011 by Barak Yalad.
Barak Yalad Shidoshi is the co-host of the Martial Maze podcast, as well as co-producer and co-director of the Martial Maze presents Modern Combatives series. Barak Yalad has 40 years experience in the martial way. He had started his training at the age of 6 under his father who taught him some of what he learned in the military, which was a combination of Hapkido, boxing, and Karate. In 1988 Barak Yalad began training under Professor Kalaii Kano Griffin where he learned Kajukenbo Karate, Vee Arnis jitsu, Chinese Kenpo, Aikijitsu. he earned a first degree black belt in that system. In 1990 he was under the tutelage Sensei Matoyoshi Nakayama(BudoTaijutsu/Shinobijutsu earning a third degree black belt and awarded the title of Sensei. In 2000, he was under the tutelage of Soke Hatsumi Masaaki ( Founder of Bujinkan Taijutsu Ninpo) earning a 5th degree black belt and awarded a Shidoshi Menkyo.
Meet the New Voices of The Martial Maze
Baba Blackhawk
Founder, Tobutori No Kurai Jujitsu | Co-Host, The Martial Maze
Baba BlackHawk brings over 30 years of combat arts experience to The Martial Maze. A student of O’Sensei Grandmaster Dr. Leonard Evans, he founded Tobutori No Kurai Jujitsu in 2008 with his teacher’s blessing, integrating Japanese Jujutsu with his Afro-Caribbean heritage. He holds a sixth-degree black belt in Petronelli’s Te Combat Kuntao JuJitsu, alongside black belts in Koga Ryu and SANUCES Ryu Jiujitsu. His multidisciplinary training and cultural perspective bring depth to conversations about martial arts, tradition, and modern application.
Shian Glen Beck
Security Specialist & Master Instructor | Co-Host, The Martial Maze
Glen Beck brings 35 years of security experience spanning executive protection, investigations, nightlife, and tour security management. An eighth-degree martial arts master instructor and former dojo owner, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1983–1987 and has owned a licensed, bonded, and insured New York City security company since the mid-1990s. A former co-owner of Deadly Art of Survival magazine, he helped expand its international reach. His background brings practical insight into protection, leadership, and martial arts culture to The Martial Maze.