#8: Mike Chat – Overcome Obstacles and Unlock the Creative Process

“Highest Degree of Discipline is Self-Awareness.  It can only be achieved through thousands of constant repetitions.” – Mike Chat

 My Guest this episode is Mike Chat who is a Martial Artist, Actor, Producer and Stuntman known for his role as the Blue Power Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue.  He is the founder for Xtreme Martial Arts or XMA which is a combination of Martial Arts, Acrobatics and Gymnastics, with an emphasis on showmanship.  Mike was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1992 and has captured over 50 National and International Forms and Weapons Championships.  He is also an elite Stunt Coordinator developing the next generation of Stunt Performers with 87 North.

 This episode is all about creating art.  We dive deep into the Mike Chat’s creation of XMA and how he developed a new wave of performance martial arts by adding gymnastics and acrobatics to traditional martial arts forms.  My key takeaway is that perseverance and overcoming obstacles is an essential element to the creative process.  We must be able to deal with loss, extract the wisdom from the experience, so that we can transform and grow into a higher version of ourselves.  World Class performance on championship stages and in Hollywood Blockbusters requires honest self-expression, dedication, discipline, and determination.  Tune in for a great conversation with a martial arts trailblazer.