Martial Arts, Mentorship, and Revival | Master Cosmo Zimik | Ep. 19

My guest today is Master Cosmo Zimik — founder of Empty Hand Combat in Nampa, Idaho and a man who describes himself as “an evangelist first, martial artist second.” He grew up in remote mountain villages in the Naga region of India, where food was simple, resources were scarce, and life was hard from an early age. Martial arts wasn’t a hobby; it was a way of life and a path to protect the people he loved.In this conversation, Cosmo shares how that early formation shaped his heart, his discipline, and his sense of calling. We talk about how God redirected his story, why he now sees his dojo as a ministry, and how he uses martial arts to train character, not just kicks and punches.Today at Empty Hand Combat, Cosmo and his team work with kids, teens, and adults—from confident athletes to anxious or angry students who just need structure, love, and a way out. The focus is mindset: helping students face fear, fight anxiety and depression, build discipline, and learn to love people across cultural and political lines instead of getting trapped in them. Prayer on the mats is normal. Gratitude is part of training. And the goal is to raise “warriors” who protect and serve their families, schools, and communities.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in the Naga hill country and how that shaped Cosmo’s view of discipline, work, and responsibilityWhy martial arts became a way of life instead of just sport or entertainmentHow his encounter with Jesus reordered his priorities and turned his skills into a callingWhat it means to be an evangelist first, martial artist second inside a modern American dojoTraining kids to fight anxiety, depression, and apathy—not just opponents in the ringScholarships, generosity, and quietly helping students and families who can’t afford trainingHow faith, prayer, and practical love fit inside a martial arts school without turning it into a clichéIf you care about faith, formation, martial arts, and what it looks like to raise resilient kids who actually love their neighbors, this conversation is worth your time.Connect with Master Cosmo Zimik & Empty Hand Combat (Nampa, Idaho)Dojo website: https://emptyhandcombat.com Empty Hand Combat NampaEmpty Hand Combat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmptyHandCombat/ FacebookConnect with The Brenton Peck Podcasthttps://www.brentonpeckpodcast.com #martialarts #christianfaith #youthmentorship #anxiety #disciplineyourself