In the first episode of The SwiftKick Martial Arts Podcast, host Brian Cowell, founder and owner of SwiftKick Martial Arts, shares that the podcast will cover topics related to fitness, martial arts, culture, business, and parenting, offering insights based on his experiences as a martial artist and entrepreneur. While many episodes will feature guests, this inaugural episode is a solo introduction to his background and the philosophy behind SwiftKick Martial Arts.
Brian’s Early Martial Arts Journey
Brian begins by recounting his early introduction to martial arts. His mother enrolled him in martial arts classes at the age of three to help him overcome shyness and improve his overall motor skills, as he was born prematurely and faced developmental challenges. Although he participated in other sports like baseball, soccer, and basketball due to his father’s encouragement, he never developed a passion for them. By middle school, he realized martial arts was his true calling, especially after experiencing the dangers of attending a rough school with significant gang-related activity. Seeking confidence and self-defense skills, he dedicated himself to training in multiple martial arts disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu.
Through martial arts, Brian underwent a profound transformation. Initially a shy child who avoided social interactions, he developed confidence and the ability to speak in front of audiences. His training not only improved his physical abilities but also shaped his character. By high school, he discovered a passion for teaching and became a junior instructor at age 15. The opportunity to pass on knowledge and positively impact others motivated him, and he continued teaching throughout high school and college.
San Diego Martial Arts Collegiate Career
While studying psychology in college, Brian focused on social psychology, particularly the effects of self-esteem on academic and professional performance. He worked with leading experts in the field and initially planned to pursue a PhD in psychology. However, during his research, he realized he wanted to make a direct impact rather than remain in an academic setting. Around the same time, he suffered a significant shoulder injury that required extensive surgery. Doctors told him he would never be able to train martial arts again, a devastating blow that left him in a state of depression.
Determined to continue pursuing his passion despite his injury, Brian made a bold decision. Against the expectations of his family and peers, who anticipated he would continue in academia, he chose to start his own martial arts studio at the age of 22. This decision led to the founding of SwiftKick Martial Arts, a unique program that blends traditional martial arts values with multi disciplined, modern, and practical self-defense training.
SwiftKick Martial Art School Stands Apart
Brian explains what makes SwiftKick different from other martial arts schools. While he grew up practicing traditional Taekwondo and appreciates its emphasis on character development, he also sees the value in mixed martial arts (MMA) training, which emphasizes high-level sport-based combat skills. However, rather than being strictly traditional or an MMA gym focused on competition, SwiftKick integrates the best aspects of both approaches. The goal is to provide students with effective self-defense skills while also promoting fitness, personal growth, and community development.
Through this podcast, Brian aims to share insights gained from over 25 years of coaching and 18 years of running a successful martial arts business. He hopes to provide valuable resources for parents, business owners, and anyone interested in self-improvement. The podcast will feature discussions on leadership, discipline, and the benefits of martial arts training for both children and adults.
Please subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss great episodes like this one. If you’re in the San Diego area, consider visiting SwiftKick’s locations in Carlsbad and Rancho Bernardo for a free class, with registration available by using this link: https://swiftkickma.com/free-class-2/