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 of the Elite Podcast, host Lee Matthews sits down with Ollie Ollerton, a man whose journey from the Royal Marines to the Special Boat Service (SBS) and eventually to the TV screens of "SAS: Who Dares Wins" is a masterclass in resilience and mental fortitude. Ollie opens up about the internal battles that preceded his military success, including a near-fatal chimp attack as a child and the "unconscious unhappiness" that drove him to chase dopamine and chaos.

They discuss the psychology of high performance, the "worm of self-doubt" that almost stopped him on day one of Special Forces selection, and his philosophy of "just doing today" to overcome insurmountable odds. Ollie also shares his transition to life after the military, finding a new mission in Dubai, and how he finally assigned purpose to the trauma of his past.

[CHAPTERS]
00:00 - Introduction and Dubai Life
02:12 - Finding Purpose After the Military
04:03 - Childhood Trauma: The Chimp Attack
06:25 - The Dream of the Royal Marines
07:59 - Reality vs. The Brochure
09:54 - Manifestation and the SBS Goal
12:44 - Transitioning to Special Forces Selection
14:58 - Borrowing Confidence from Others
17:23 - Day One: Overcoming the Mind's Negativity
19:14 - The Power of "Just Do Today"
21:51 - Breaking the Cycle of Self-Preservation
23:42 - Stripping the Ego in Special Forces Training

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 Dr. Calum Robb, a former Scottish, British, European, and World Karate Champion. Calum is one of the most decorated Scottish karate fighters of recent times and remains the only Scottish practitioner since the millennium to win a world WKF senior medal.

Beyond his incredible physical achievements, Calum holds a PhD in immunology and spent a decade as a research scientist before transitioning into high-level scientific sales. Lee and Calum discuss the mindset of an elite fighter, the "ruthless" switch that occurs at the top level, and how the discipline learned in the dojo translates directly into professional success.

They also delve into the evolution of modern karate, the "fast game of tag" it has sometimes become, and why new platforms like Total Kombat are essential for returning to the true "warrior spirit" of martial arts.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro: The PhD Scientist and World Champion
00:01:21 - Meeting Calum Robb
00:01:49 - Transitioning from Karate to Scientific Sales
00:02:37 - Transferable Skills: Martial Arts in Professional Life
00:03:54 - Calum’s Competitive Career and WKF Success
00:04:30 - Traditional Wado Kai vs. All Styles
00:05:32 - Developing a Ruthless Mindset at Age 12
00:06:43 - The Influence of Family and Funding a Career
00:08:54 - The Instant Vibe Between Elite Fighters
00:09:49 - The Energy of the Pit and Total Kombat
00:10:48 - Total Kombat’s TV Deals and 2026 Vision
00:12:16 - The "Big Three" Tatami Sports: Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing
00:13:00 - The Uneven Playing Field of Government Funding
00:14:11 - Fighting in "The Oval"
00:15:22 - Outstanding Fighters, Frustrating Rule Sets
00:17:07 - Modern Karate: A "Fast Game of Tag"?
00:19:12 - Bringing Back the Warrior Spirit
00:20:11 - The Power of Viral Knockouts and Social Media
00:21:42 - Michael "Venom" Page and A-List Exposure
00:23:01 - The Growth Mindset: No Egos, Just Results

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 speaks with Aaron Cook, a three-time European Champion and former World #1 in Taekwondo. Aaron opens up about his career, sharing stories of his intense rivalry and friendship with fellow fighter Damon Sansum , and the "Golden Age" of British Taekwondo. He discusses the difficult and controversial decision to leave the GB Academy to train independently and details the heart-breaking moment he was not selected for the London 2012 Olympics despite being the world number one. Aaron provides an insider's account of the scandal, the legal battles that followed, and the immense toll it took on him and his family.

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 is joined by the "Brooks Brothers," Matt and Joe Brooks, for a special dual-guest interview. Fresh off their incredible success at the WAKO World Championships in Abu Dhabi, the brothers discuss their journey to becoming world champions in multiple disciplines, including Points, Light Contact, and Kick Light.

They dive deep into the differences between top-tier amateur circuits and professional fighting, arguing that the volume and variety of fights in amateur championships often present a harder challenge than the pro game. The conversation explores their recent transition into full-contact fighting with Total Kombat, the electric atmosphere of walking out to a massive crowd, and the pressure of maintaining their winning streak.

Finally, Matt and Joe open up about their "origin story"—growing up in their father's dojo, the resilience built through "old school" training, and their commitment to maintaining high standards as coaches themselves.

00:00 Intro and Welcome
01:04 Winning Gold at WAKO Abu Dhabi
03:49 Why Amateur Championships Can Be Harder Than Pro
07:57 Mastering Multiple Disciplines: Points vs. Kick Light
11:10 Transitioning to Full Contact (Total Kombat)
17:40 Walking Out at the O2 Arena
20:00 Fighting with a Broken Foot
23:17 Origin Story: Growing Up in the Dojo
31:54 The Problem with "Paper" World Champions
36:19 Sibling Rivalry: The "Kray Twins" of Kickboxing
40:05 Guardians of the Gate: Black Belt Integrity
47:20 Joining Team Top Ten GB
54:30 Partying with Darren Till
56:00 Future Plans

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, Dale Fenton, a former paratrooper and bare-knuckle boxing champion, shares his journey from military service to the boxing ring. He discusses the challenges of training with injuries, his advocacy for mental health among veterans, and the thrill of bare-knuckle fighting. Dale emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation through combat sports and the support he receives from the community. He also reflects on his future aspirations in the sport and the ongoing battles he faces with his health and compensation claims.

Chapters
00:00 From Soldier to Fighter: The Journey Begins
07:23 Mental Health Advocacy: A Personal Mission
10:22 The Impact of Injury: A Soldier's Story
21:57 Bare-Knuckle Boxing: The Thrill of Combat
30:46 Future Aspirations: The Road Ahead

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 speaks with Ben the Bane Davis, a seasoned play-by-play commentator in the combat sports arena. They discuss Ben's journey into the world of combat sports, his experiences working with various organizations, and the unique dynamics of broadcasting. The conversation also touches on Total Kombat, the importance of networking in the fight game, and the evolving perceptions of martial arts. Ben shares insights on the art of commentary, the significance of connecting with fighters, and the thrill of competition, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Combat Sports Commentary
02:41 The Journey into Combat Sports
05:46 Networking in the Fight Game
09:04 The Art of Broadcasting
11:49 Total Kombat Experience
15:02 Upcoming Events and Expectations
17:54 Highlighting Talented Fighters
21:06 Changing Perceptions of Martial Arts
23:49 Personal Experiences in Fighting
26:48 The Impact of Competing on Commentary
29:41 Conclusion and Future Endeavors

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