TMB25 - Kiet Se - Kyokushin, Kinship, Culture, War, the World & the Way

Welcome to the 25th episode of "The Mental Breakdown." Today's guest is the unparalleled Kiet Se, my Kyokushin trainer during my MMA journey. We first crossed paths at Sacramento State University when he sought sparring partners. Throughout my travels, Kiet remained a constant ally, aiding me during pivotal fights, particularly in enhancing my handwork for battles like the Pure Combat Championship, where I clinched the world title.

Kiet's own history is captivating. Born in Vietnam in 1974 amidst the chaos of war, his early life was marked by resilience. A daring escape by his father to Japan led to a U.N. intervention, eventually reuniting the family. By 15, Kiet was mastering languages and traditional Karate in Japan. His journey to America started when love blossomed between him and an English teacher, which eventually brought him to Sac State's wrestling room, where we trained in diverse martial arts disciplines.

Our conversation spans a remarkable 3.5 hours, delving into Kiet’s roots, his visions of settling in Northern Vietnam, our shared martial arts experiences, and deeper reflections on life, politics, psychology, and the essence of being a martial artist. As we contemplate the future, visions of in-person chats on my land, Earthroot, surrounded by nature, come to mind.

Kiet played an instrumental role in my twenties, influencing various stages of my MMA career. This podcast, at its core, is a tribute to such pivotal connections. Through these episodes, I revisit past allies, retracing our histories and catching up on the present. It's a journey of gratitude, learning, and shared experiences. I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation as much as I did.