Shugyo

The true heart of a martial arts school isn't found in the style it teaches or the trophies on its shelves, it's revealed in how instructors treat their students, especially the young and inexperienced. A teacher’s behavior on the mat speaks volumes about their character, training lineage, and commitment to the preservation of the art. And one of the clearest windows into this is how they demonstr...

Welcome to this episode of the Shugyo Podcast. This episode is my own perspective on the unique tool found in the traditions of Togakure Ryu, known as the Kyoketsu Shoge . This sickle, rope and ring has been the hallmark of the modern 'ninja', finding it's way on toys, cartoons and countless hours of discussion, yet almost no demonstration of it's use.  In this episode, along with it's supple...

As we bid farewell to 2024, Yasuragi Dojo wants to extend our gratitude and share some of the incredible milestones and new program developments from the past year. Plus, we're excited to give you a sneak peek into what's in store for 2025. 2024 Highlights: Student Achievements: We're thrilled to have welcomed three dedicated students to the Jinenkan Shodan level, after years of consistent trainin...

Keeping the history, truth and training of old school Judo alive. I am thrilled to have the esteemed Joichi Hirao Sensei joining me in this episode of Shugyo. Joichi Sensei is a seasoned practitioner and instructor with a rich legacy in Judo, and specifically within the specialty of Kosen Judo. From his childhood beginnings under the tutelage of renowned judo master Yoji Kurimura, 8th Dan, to winn...

In today's episode, we'll delve into the captivating journey of I took into the heart of Kenya to immerse myself in the ways of the Maasai tribe. My purpose for being in Kenya, was to travel throughout the most poverty stricken areas to document the work the organization I work for has done, meanwhile connecting with the people and learning about the diverse cultures within this amazing country. D...

There are 800,000 traditional buildings in Japan, some hundreds of years old, and the are abandon and being torn down at 10% each year. These incredible structures, forgotten representations of Japan's deep connection to master craftsmanship, will be gone within 10 years. But not according to our guests, Kunito Niwa and Andrea Carlson, from the Kominka Collective. Int his episode, you will learn a...

This episode was recorded at the Shunpukan Dojo, in Noda-shi, following a week of training with Unsui Sensei. He sat us down to discuss how we should approach our study of traditional Japanese martial arts into the future. In this conversation, he highlights the importance of preserving the original Japanese mindset and the impact of technology on the human condition and the martial arts. Sensei e...

Today we sit down with Taoist Priest, Chinese Medicine practitioner and martial artist, Dr. Jack Schaefer as we delve into the heart of “dao” and it's ignored or misunderstood ... yet transformative power within the context of traditional martial arts.  Join us as we navigate the challenges encountered by Western seekers delving into the profound teachings of Daoism, it's purpo...

Have we been lied to? Or,  are the truths very hard to reach  within  the Takamatsu-den, available to those willing to go deep, traversing the depths of a discipline, enduring the physical and emotional demands needed to actually 'get it' only to arrive at new beginnings, over and over again? Is 'play' a decoy?  Meanwhile, jesters and charlatans splash about in puddle...

Episode 9: A dialogue on the Togakure Ryu, myth, fact the future of a Hidden Lineage Join me in conversation with Sean Askew, Author of Hidden Lineage, founder of the  Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo and a personal student of Hatsumi Soke.   Sean was one of the inspirations in my own training, having travelled to his seminars in the early 2000s and experiencing his small community w...

In this episode, we go deep into the concept of “ Jishu Geiko ”  自主稽古  or independent practice in martial arts, emphasizing the transformative effects of solo training on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This reflection underscores the significance of establishing stable routines, incorporating meditation practices, and controlling all aspects of oneself for optimal p...

Epsiode 7: Ikigai and unraveling it's profound meaning as the essence of life’s purpose. Listen on :   iTunes ,  Spotify  and  YouTube Nicholas Kemp, author of Ikigai-kan, Feel A Life Worth Living, emerges as a beacon guiding Western audiences to comprehend and integrate the essence of ikigai into their lives for a profound sense of fulfillment. He is also the host of the Ikiga...

In this reflection, I share from a deeply personal and traumatic experience of being attacked and stabbed and exactly how this event shaped my perspective on knife defense as a martial arts instructor. I reflect on the need for responsible teaching and understanding of knife defense principles, emphasizing the importance of fitness over choreography and the four following principles to b...

Episode 5: When a Jinenkan and Bujinkan Instructor decide to have a conversation, it becomes a study on the nuances of Kamae.  Discover what most students miss, and the incredibly important reasons you must study Kamae deeply in order to grow as a martial artist. In this episode we focus on the concept of Kamae, or mental intention combined with body posture, in traditional Japanese...

Episode 4: Reflections on the Path: Unlocking the Secrets of Learning and Self-Improvement in Budo In this episode of Shugyo, Adam reflects on his journey in the Dojo and shares pivotal moments from his training in Japanese martial arts. He recounts how his initial arrogance and lack of understanding of the true purpose of training led to a transformative lesson on "learning how to learn...

In this episode, I have a coffee with Eric Shahan, a dedicated translator of martial arts literature. Eric shares his passion for translating ancient martial arts books, shedding light on his fascinating work and the impact it has had on his own martial arts journey. From uncovering the philosophy of maintaining awareness in combat to delving into historical punishment methods and tattooing i...

Episode 2. Unveiling the True Meaning of "Keep Going" in the Path of Budo Mastery In this episode of Shugyo, host Adam Mitchell delves deep into the concept of "keep going" in the context of martial arts training. He shares his experiences with intensive training programs, the importance of mastering the fundamentals, and the need for perseverance and dedication in martial arts practice. With insi...

In this exciting kickoff episode of the Shugyo podcast, host Adam Mitchell welcomes you to sit beside him and his students, at a Dojo in Japan with his teacher, Manaka Unsui, to delve into the profound world of Kobudo training and the attainment of Kakusei Mushin . This episode promises an enlightening exploration of Sensei's teachings, applicable not only to various martial arts, but al...