In this episode of the Elite Podcast, host Lee Matthews sits down with Dr. Calum Robb, a former Scottish, British, European, and World Karate Champion. Calum is one of the most decorated Scottish karate fighters of recent times and remains the only Scottish practitioner since the millennium to win a world WKF senior medal.

Beyond his incredible physical achievements, Calum holds a PhD in immunology and spent a decade as a research scientist before transitioning into high-level scientific sales. Lee and Calum discuss the mindset of an elite fighter, the "ruthless" switch that occurs at the top level, and how the discipline learned in the dojo translates directly into professional success.

They also delve into the evolution of modern karate, the "fast game of tag" it has sometimes become, and why new platforms like Total Kombat are essential for returning to the true "warrior spirit" of martial arts.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro: The PhD Scientist and World Champion
00:01:21 - Meeting Calum Robb
00:01:49 - Transitioning from Karate to Scientific Sales
00:02:37 - Transferable Skills: Martial Arts in Professional Life
00:03:54 - Calum’s Competitive Career and WKF Success
00:04:30 - Traditional Wado Kai vs. All Styles
00:05:32 - Developing a Ruthless Mindset at Age 12
00:06:43 - The Influence of Family and Funding a Career
00:08:54 - The Instant Vibe Between Elite Fighters
00:09:49 - The Energy of the Pit and Total Kombat
00:10:48 - Total Kombat’s TV Deals and 2026 Vision
00:12:16 - The "Big Three" Tatami Sports: Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing
00:13:00 - The Uneven Playing Field of Government Funding
00:14:11 - Fighting in "The Oval"
00:15:22 - Outstanding Fighters, Frustrating Rule Sets
00:17:07 - Modern Karate: A "Fast Game of Tag"?
00:19:12 - Bringing Back the Warrior Spirit
00:20:11 - The Power of Viral Knockouts and Social Media
00:21:42 - Michael "Venom" Page and A-List Exposure
00:23:01 - The Growth Mindset: No Egos, Just Results

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

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Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
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