#7: Stephan Kesting – Survive First, Win Later Artwork

The Black Belt Podcast

What’s Up Martial Artists! Welcome to The Black Belt Podcast a Martial Arts Lifestyle Show hosted by highly acclaimed multi style martial artist Sifu Harinder Singh in partnership with Black Belt Magazine. “We are going to bridge the gap between sport, tradition, and reality. Join me as I sit down with world class practitioners to discuss their lifestyles to teach you about their mindset, training, and fighting methods so that we can grow from their wisdom.” Season 1 guests include Michael Jai White, Jocko Willink, Herb Perez, Rickson Gracie, Mike Swain, Justin Wren, John “The Pitmaster” Hackleman, Tony Blauer, Chatri Sityodang, Dave Kovar, Meisha Tate, Burton Richardson, Master Wong, Master Ken, Mike Ninomiya, and Jackson Rudolph. Follow Sifu Harinder Singh @sifusingh and Black Belt Magazine @blackbeltmag. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RSS feed, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. DISCLAIMER: Our guests are highly trained experts and masters of their craft. They take many safety precautions to mitigate the risks involved in the practice of martial arts. All training methods and fighting strategies discussed in these podcasts should not be attempted without qualified supervision and training with professionals.

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The Black Belt Podcast

#7: Stephan Kesting – Survive First, Win Later

March 28, 2025 • Sifu Harinder Singh and Black Belt Magazine • Season 4 • Episode 7

"Survive first, win later. The goal is to stay in the fight."

"Martial arts training can be the crucible for developing life skills beyond fighting—mental toughness, social intelligence, and adaptability."

"If your goal is longevity, your #1 priority should be injury prevention."

"You can’t define someone else’s success—choose your own path in martial arts and life."

-Stephan Kesting

Welcome to the Black Belt Podcast, where we explore the art, philosophy, and evolution of martial arts beyond just technique—diving deep into its impact on mindset, adaptability, and real-world application.

I’m your host, Harinder Singh, and today’s guest is none other than Stephan Kesting—a Canadian martial artist, educator, and author renowned for his contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other martial arts. Holding a fourth-degree black belt in BJJ, he has dedicated over 40 years to martial arts training, including disciplines such as Combat Submission Wrestling, Kajukenbo Karate, and various forms of Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts. His extensive background also encompasses studies in Judo, Sambo, Kung Fu, Capoeira, and Muay Thai.

Stephan is the founder of GrappleArts.com and brings a broad perspective on martial arts effectiveness across different contexts—from sport to street to survival.

In addition to being a world-class instructor, Stephan has a background in outdoor survival training, having completed an unassisted 42-day solo canoe trip covering 1,000 miles through seven river and lake systems, without seeing another human for 21 days.

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Sifu Harinder Singh

Host