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Coffee Time with Carlos Machado
Start Your Morning with Coffee, Conversation, and Real-Life Wisdom
Most people never get the chance to do what they love, not because they can't, but because of the stories they believe or the setbacks they've faced. But adversity doesn't have to define you. You can rise above it and go further than you ever imagined.
Join me, Carlos Machado, every Monday through Thursday at 9:00 AM CST for Coffee Time With Carlos, where we blend 50 years of martial arts experience and over three decades in business into conversations that inspire, challenge, and uplift.
If I can share even one insight that helps you grow stronger mentally, physically, or spiritually then every episode is worth it. Because in the end, we are all one… or all none.
So pour a cup, pull up a chair, and let’s share life together.
#CoffeeTimeWithCarlos #BJJForEveryone
Coffee Time with Carlos Machado
Ep. 16 | Ray Thompson – A Lifetime in Martial Arts and Teaching
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In this episode of Coffee Time with Carlos Machado, Carlos sits down with martial arts pioneer Ray Thompson — founder of Upstate Karate, lifelong martial artist, and father and longtime coach of UFC star Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
Ray shares how his martial arts journey began in 1974, inspired by Elvis Presley movies and a karate instructor who introduced classes at his military school. From those humble beginnings, he never stopped training — a path that would eventually lead him to open his own martial arts academy and influence generations of students and fighters. From there, Carlos and Ray dive into some wild stories from the early days of karate; to times when “dojo wars” were common, as well as competing in a 1980 “Tough Man Contest.” With almost no rules, fighters faced opponents of any size. Ray stepped into the event with only a few days’ notice and fought multiple opponents — including a 240-pound competitor — using strategy, grit, and toughness to win the tournament. .
From coaching his children to cornering his son in world championship events and eventually the UFC, Ray reflects on the unique experience of being both father and coach — and how martial arts shaped their entire family’s life.
Throughout the episode, Carlos and Ray share laughter, wisdom, and heartfelt reflections about martial arts, mentorship, and the importance of building something that lasts beyond competition. Episode 16 is a 2+ hour look into a relationship spanning nearly thirty years, between two respective martial arts legends.
This episode is a powerful reminder that martial arts is more than fighting — it’s about character, community, and legacy.
Conversation Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and sponsor message
01:00 – Carlos introduces Ray Thompson
03:30 – Ray’s martial arts beginnings in 1974
07:00 – Elvis Presley’s influence on Ray’s journey
10:30 – Early dojo challenges and “dojo wars”
23:00 – The 1980 Tough Man Contest
30:00 – Fighting multiple opponents in one tournament
38:00 – Strategy vs the 340-pound opponent
44:00 – Winning the tournament and lessons learned
50:00 – Building Upstate Karate from a small dojo
58:00 – The role Ray’s wife played in growing the academy
1:04:00 – Teaching philosophy and caring for students
1:24:00 – Stephen Thompson’s early fighting career
1:36:00 – Final reflections on legacy and martial arts
Guest Links
Ray Thompson / Upstate Karate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upstatekarate/
Website: https://upstatekarate.com
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raythompson/
Coffee Time with Carlos Machado
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