Kaitlin Young is one of the true pioneers of women’s mixed martial arts. Long before women’s MMA received mainstream attention, she was helping build the sport through her performances inside the cage and her contributions behind the scenes.

Kaitlin began her martial arts journey at age 14 in Taekwondo, eventually earning her black belt before finding her passion in Muay Thai. Her training led her to the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, where she transitioned into mixed martial arts and quickly established herself as an aggressive, exciting, and highly respected competitor.

In 2007, she announced her arrival on the national stage by winning the HOOKnSHOOT Women’s Grand Prix with three knockout victories in a combined time of just 1 minute and 45 seconds. The remarkable performance immediately cemented her status as one of the sport’s top rising stars.

Over a professional career spanning more than 15 years, Kaitlin competed for some of the biggest organizations in the world, including EliteXC, Invicta Fighting Championships, RIZIN, and the Professional Fighters League. Along the way, she faced many of the most recognizable names in women’s MMA, including Gina Carano, Liz Carmouche, Amanda Nunes, Julia Budd, and Kayla Harrison.

Beyond her accomplishments as a fighter, Kaitlin also played a key role in the growth of women’s MMA as a matchmaker for Invicta FC, helping create opportunities and pathways for future generations of athletes.

After officially retiring from professional competition in 2023, Kaitlin left behind a legacy defined by toughness, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to martial arts.

In this episode, Kaitlin shares stories from her martial arts journey, discusses the evolution of women’s MMA, reflects on some of the biggest moments of her fighting career, and offers insights gained from a lifetime dedicated to combat sports.

Please enjoy my interview with Kaitlin Young!

Minnesota Top Team – Eagan, MN

Kaitlin Young vs Suzi Smith – YouTube

Kaitlin Young KICKS Miesha Tate STUPID !!!360p H 264 AAC

Female MMA Kaitlin Young -vs- Patti Lee

Harry Psaros brings a unique blend of professional expertise, martial arts experience, and a deep commitment to serving others.

A certified health coach and Executive Neuroscience Account Specialist, Harry has built a career at the intersection of science, performance, and helping people improve their lives. He is also widely known as the “Pitt Guru,” a respected voice in University of Pittsburgh athletics and a senior writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now.

A lifelong martial artist, Harry holds a third-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and has trained in a variety of disciplines, including Western boxing, Panatukan, Aikido, and combatives. His diverse training background has given him a practical perspective on self-defense, personal growth, and the lifelong pursuit of mastery.

In this episode, Harry shares his martial arts journey, discusses the lessons he has learned through decades of training, and reflects on how martial arts principles have influenced his professional life, family, and service to others. The conversation also explores leadership, resilience, community involvement, and the importance of using our skills and experiences to make a positive impact on those around us.

Beyond his professional and martial arts accomplishments, Harry is deeply involved in supporting autism initiatives, youth programs, and his church community. His guiding philosophy is simple: if you’re breathing air, you should be helping others.

Harry is married and the proud father of two sons, Gus and Max.

Please welcome my guest today… Harry Psaros

Harry Psaros | Empower Your Journey

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From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity: Psaros, Harry, Creative, Betterbe: 9781958481257: Amazon.com: Books

Harry Psaros (@PittGuru) / X

In this episode, I’m joined by Tanya St-Lawson, a martial artist whose journey spans continents, cultures, and decades of deep personal cultivation.

Born in the former Czechoslovakia, Tanya first began training in the martial arts as a teenager after moving to Prague, where she was introduced to Shaolin-style kung fu. What started as an interest in martial arts quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of discipline, self-discovery, and embodied practice.

Her path has taken her across Europe and into China, studying a wide range of systems and disciplines including Eagle Claw Kung Fu, English Martial Arts, Shaolin Temple arts, stage and screen combat, and bodywork modalities in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Alongside her martial training, Tanya also served in the British Police from 2006 to 2011 within a Public Protection Unit, working in critical and serious incidents. That experience gave her a unique perspective on conflict, stress, and the role martial arts can play as both a stabilizing force and a practical framework for daily life.

In 2009, her martial path took a profound turn when she traveled to the Wudang Mountains of China, where she began transitioning from primarily external systems into the world of internal martial arts and Daoist cultivation. Over multiple extended stays, including six months living and training at the Five Immortals Temple, she immersed herself in the traditions of the Dragon Gate, Chun Yang lineage under Abbot Xing De.

Today, Tanya lives in the south of England, where she continues her training while teaching movement, embodiment, internal martial arts, and practical strategies for personal evolution and everyday living.

Please enjoy my interview with Tanya St-Lawson!

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(1) Tanya St-Lawson – Personal Evolution Unlimited – YouTube