Managing Violence Podcast with Joe Saunders

Russ Jarmesty is a hard man. He's a throw back to the traditional days of the English doormen, direct from the mold of Geoff Thompson or Awesome Anderson. He's an accomplished martial artist, full time instructor, and pulls no punches articulating what he feels is lacking in martial arts and society in general. This episode will hurt feelings! Don't listen if you're a sensitive soul. There are some bad words in this one, so please be mindful if you have children around. Don't forget! Go follow us on social media everywhere, support us on Patreon and please leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. All five star reviews will receive a free copy of my first book: Bouncer Stories.

In this episode, Joe is joined by the owner of Big Dog Security, Kurt Schultt-Schrepping. Kurt is not only an experienced crowd controller and businessman, but also holds academic qualifications in security, counter-terrorism and risk management. He has a particular interest in the causative factors behind violence in licensed establishments and speaks with real knowledge and passion about what can be done to create safer communities. This is a real diamond in the rough of an interview with someone you probably haven't heard from before, but will have a much bigger media presence in the next few years. Quote of the episode: "When we say that the violence [in licensed venues] is fuelled by alcohol, it ignores the complexity of the assemblages of violence and precludes all of these other factors and constituting forces that make up what is alcohol-fuelled violence to the point where I don’t even like that term."

Gabe Cohen has a fascinating story. Born to a Jewish family in Long Island, growing up in an affluent neighbourhood, Gabe fell into a drug habit as a teenager. He was arrested at the age of 16 for a shooting, and spent the best part of the next 25 years behind bars on seven different occasions. Alternating his younger years between prison, homelessness, violence and drug abuse, Gabe has a unique understanding of violence and a perspective no other guest has offered. However, his story doesn't end there. Upon his release for the final time, Gabe found Krav Maga and threw himself into the study of the martial art. Gabe now runs his own krav maga organisation and teaches civilians and police essential personal safety. Gabe also runs the Kings and Priests Christian jail ministry. This is a great story you don't want to miss.

This episode is a tonne of fun as Joe chats with long-time friend and best-kept-secret in martial arts, Mr Jim Armstrong. Jim is regarded by some of the legends of the self-defence game as one of the best in the world. He has won praise from luminaries such as Lee Morrison, Richard Dimitri, Brian Ebersole, and many more. Jim has an established pedigree in ring sports (boxing, kickboxing, freestyle karate), Filipino Martial Arts (competed in world stick fighting championships) and of course real world self-defence having become an instructor in both Urban Combatives and Senshido along with his own unique blend, Barebone Combatives. He's also a wonderful human being and speaks at length about why that is important.

I'm joined by an absolute legend of the martial arts on this episode. He is the founder of Dog Brothers Martial Arts, a pioneer of full-contact weapon training, a warrior philosopher and a cult figure within the hardcore martial arts. "Crafty Dog" Marc Denny shares his story of finding martial arts at the age of 30 after a wild life growing up in New York (as well as being arrested and put in a Mexican jail while attending law school) and the formation of a system of fighting that the early UFC called "too extreme even for us." Crafty Dog also touches on the psychology and philosophy that underpins the Dog Brothers movement and what he is doing now in his 60's that keeps him excited about training.

On this episode we are joined again by the phenomenal Rory Miller, author of many titles including Meditations on Violence, Facing Violence, and Conflict Communication. In this chat, Rory shares his thoughts on verbal de-escalation as well as gives some insight into a fascinating new project he has in the works. Note: There are some audio issues in this episode due to Rory being in a weak signal area at his home. Please persevere because the content is definitely worth it!

From a bullied kid with asthma who was diagnosed with PTSD in his teens through serious violence, to multiple blackbelt, bouncer, bodyguard, martial arts champion and now best selling author. Matt will share his amazing story.

Ellis Amdur is one of the most prominent trainers in United States on verbal de-escalation of aggressive and mentally ill individuals. He is a dynamic public speaker and trainer who presents his work throughout the U.S. and internationally. His work focuses on communication specific for professionals to calm and control people manifesting mental illness and emotional disturbance, particularly those who are exhibiting potentially dangerous behaviours. He has been a lead trainer for close to four hundred law enforcement and correctional institutions, social services agencies, schools and various businesses, all on crisis intervention related subjects. He is noted for his sometimes outrageous humour as well as his profound breadth of knowledge. Ellis’s vivid descriptions of aggressive and mentally ill people and his true-to-life role-playing of the behaviours in question give participants an almost first-hand experience of facing the real individuals in question.