Why Every Kid Should Learn How to Defend Themselves with Siddhartha Bhat - Episode #259

Siddhartha Bhat, a 14-time Team Canada Taekwondo national champion, shares his journey from being a troublemaking child to becoming one of Canada's most decorated martial artists. He explores the discipline martial arts instilled in him and why he believes every child should learn some form of self-defense. • Growing up in Toronto as a child of Indian and Sri Lankan parents shaped Siddhartha's cultural identity • Siddhartha was placed in Taekwondo at age three because he was "disrespectful" and "obnoxious"—traditional discipline wasn't working • Why striking martial arts (Taekwondo, Karate) are better-starting points for children than grappling arts • How martial arts gave Bhatman confidence as a "skinny brown kid in the 90s" who faced bullying • The unique character development that comes from individual sports versus team sports • Coming to terms with not achieving his Olympic dreams while finding purpose in coaching • Why today's generation is intelligent and creative but lacks resilience and toughness • Siddhartha's Khombatmaf program combines personal training with martial arts for complete development Follow Siddhartha Bhat on Instagram @kombhatmaf to learn more about his training programs and classes at All-Star Martial Arts in Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood! Powered by Perfect Sports Supplements use "AP15" to save 15%! #martialarts #taekwondo #podcast