Anxious Black Belt Podcast – Episode: Chrissie Howard Sensei (Gambukai Karate) In this episode, Les Bubka sits down with Chrissie Howard Sensei for an honest and powerful conversation about a lifetime in karate. From starting training in the early 1980s and rising through the competitive ranks on regional, national, and international stages, to building and relocating dojos while balancing life, work, and personal challenges, Chrissie shares the reality behind the black belt journey. She opens up about growing up with karate as a foundation, the pressure of competition at an elite level, and how anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt shaped her experience both on and off the tatami. The conversation also explores her transition into coaching and mentoring, and how teaching karate became a way to support others through their own challenges. A deeply human look at resilience, discipline, and what it really means to grow through martial arts—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices