What Are The Mental Health Benefits of Martial Arts?

Featured Guest #1: Daniel Pessina

What impact can martial arts have on your mental health? 

Master Pesina has been studying martial arts continuously since 1970, when he was introduced to Judo by his two older brothers.

He has trained under many masters including Guo Jian Hua (In door student of Wen Jingming and Lui Yuhua), Zhu Baozhen (Luo Chengli, He Zhong Xiang, He Zhong Qi), Hu Jianqiang (Shaolin Temple movie fame), Wai Lun Choi (Lui He Ba Fa grandmaster), and Lin Jian Hua (head judge for international Wushu federation), to name a few. Master Pesina is perhaps most famous for his work as Johnny Cage and the ninjas in the first two Mortal Kombat games. He has also worked on films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze, Book of Swords, Press Start, and Mortal Kombat Fates Beginning, winner of the 2015 Urban Action Showcase Best MK Film award. In addition to continuing his personal practice, he teaches weekly classes in Chicago, IL and travels throughout North and South America to teach seminars on martial arts and choreography.

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Featured Guest #2 Dr. Stephanie Smith

Dr. Stephanie Smith, a licensed clinical psychologist in Erie, Colorado. 

Dr. Smith has experience working in hospital, community mental health, long term care, school, and private practice settings. Dr. Smith welcome to the program.

QUESTIONS

Why do you think some people are embarrassed to seek professional counseling?

Do you think that there is a stigma associated with mental health professionals who seek out therapy themselves?

When are four signs when you think someone should see a psychologist?

What are you most effective recommendations for people who are seeking to relieve stress?