The Martial Maze is a martial arts-focused podcast and media series that unravels the "maze" of tradition, modern practice, culture, and commerce in the martial arts world.

Two men in martial arts uniforms posing in front of a backdrop with the 'Martial Maze' logo. The man on the left is wearing a black uniform and giving a thumbs-up, and the man on the right is wearing a white uniform, making a peace sign with his fingers.

“The Journey is the Battle.”

The podcast and YouTube channel created by two veteran martial artists—Israel Lopez Sensei and Barak Yalad Shidoshi—offers candid, reflective, and often controversial takes on what it truly means to study the martial way.

What makes us unique.

The podcast doesn’t focus on techniques; instead, it takes on critical, thought-provoking topics that challenge conventional narratives in martial arts. In addition to the podcast, The Martial Maze produces a YouTube video series called Modern Combatives, featuring discussions, interviews, and martial arts insights. Examples include episodes exploring the notion of whether a black belt can be “bought”, issues of mental health and violence in martial arts, the commercialization of certain styles, cultural misconceptions, and more”

— Squarespace