#13: Ron Van Clief – We Have to Be Strong Enough to See our Way Through the Bad and Find the Good

“Martial Arts is a people building device, it teaches you how to live in a chaotic world and be happy.  If we make the best of our lives by doing our best in life, we can create the life that we want.  And that’s really what life is about, being kind, courteous, respect, and respect for yourself.  Do things that make you feel good and help people to be kind.” – Ron Van Clief

My guest this episode is Ron Van Clief, The Black Dragon.  Mr. Van Clief is a multi-style Martial Arts Pioneer, a decorated Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran, and an actor in Hollywood and Hong Kong Films.  He has competed in over 900 tournaments, a 5-time world Karate/Kung Fu Champion and a 15 time All American Champion.  At the age of 51 he competed in UFC 4 against at that time the Undefeated Royce Gracie.  In 2023 at the age of 80 he received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt and is actively competing in BJJ Competitions.  He is the 2002 Black Belt Magazine Instructor of the Year and has taught over 200,000 students over his career.  His extensive experience in Martial Arts covers Goju Ryu Karate, Wing Tsun, Modern Arnis, and BJJ.  

This episode was all about the love of martial arts and how to stay young in the body, mind, and spirit.  We dive deep into Mr. Van Clief’s story, starting from his early beginnings with Grand Master Moses Powell, to his Military Service, to his Hong Kong Films, to his UFC Fight against Royce Gracie, to his current quest of earning a BJJ Black Belt.  His story is one of great inspiration and mental fortitude.  We discuss his bouts with Racism and PTSD, he was lynched in the 1960’s and his Helicopter was shot down in Vietnam.  My Key Take away is that martial arts can be used as a vehicle to heal from unimaginable traumatic experiences and live a life filled with great joy, happiness, and kindness.  We will all be faced with challenges, how we face these challenges is what will determine the quality of our lives.  We have to be strong enough to forgive and make the best of our lives by doing the best in our lives.  Life is really about respect, for yourself and for others.  The ultimate purpose of martial arts is to be kind, courteous, and help others by first helping ourselves.  We also dive deep into his training experience in many different styles, and his realization that no one style has it all, and that through extensive research and study we get to the point of finding our own unique style.  This is a special martial arts lifestyle episode that will inspire you to train and redefine your concept of aging and what is possible.