The Okami Kai Chronicles

You're training hard, eating reasonably well, and showing up consistently. So why does progress feel slower than it should? Why does recovery take longer than it used to? Why do you feel like you're running at 80 percent no matter what you do? The answer might be happening while you're unconscious. In 1942, the average person slept 7.9 hours a night. Today it's closer to 6.5. T...

There's no shortcut. Not in martial arts, not in fitness, not in parenting, and not in life. In this episode, Scott Campsall shares a deceptively simple idea he brought back from the Elevate Studio Growth Summit in Florida that applies far beyond the dojo. We dig into the neuroscience of why repetition is the only mechanism that actually builds skill, why waiting for motivation is a trap your...

Every situation has two handles. One makes the burden heavier. The other makes it manageable. In this episode of The Okami Kai Chronicles , we explore an idea from the Stoic teacher Epictetus known as “the two handles.” He had an insight that every experience can be approached in different ways. One way leads to resentment and frustration. The other allows us to carry the same weight with more cla...

In this episode of The Okami Kai Chronicles , Scott sits down with Robert Christie who was recently promoted to Kyoshi and awarded a 7th degree black belt in Karate. Kyoshi Christie is the director of Northern Karate Schools Ajax and has spent decades building students, instructors, and a strong dojo culture through consistency, character, and leadership. In this conversation, they explore: • How...

Struggling to get started? You are not alone. In this episode of The Okami Kai Chronicles , we explore why people hesitate, including fear, perfectionism, emotional overload, and how the brain avoids discomfort. You will learn why action creates motivation, how to break procrastination loops, and what martial arts can teach us about moving forward before we feel ready. The episode includes practic...

Think you’re in control? Life laughs at that. In this episode, Scott Campsall explores how to stay calm, adaptable, and confident when things don’t go your way. Drawing from decades of martial arts experience, he breaks down how the illusion of control shows up in training, parenting, teaching, and everyday life. You’ll hear insights on ego, flexibility, and finding peace in chaos.  Because real m...

Why do some kids thrive while others struggle to focus, listen, or stay motivated? In this episode, Scott sits down with Melody Johnson , Founder and CEO of SKILLZ Worldwide , to uncover the psychology behind how children learn and why traditional “one-size-fits-all” teaching doesn’t always work. Melody has spent decades studying how martial arts can help children develop not just physically, but...

In this episode of The Okami Kai Chronicles , Scott Campsall sits down with his respected friend and mentor, Hanshi John Therien . A 9th degree black belt soon to be promoted to 10th Dan at Capital Conquest this November, Hanshi has taught thousands of martial artists worldwide and continues to inspire generations with his leadership, humility, and passion for the art. We talk about his journey, h...

Why do kids cry during kata? Freeze in sparring? Or, lose it when they forget their belt? In this episode of The Okami Kai Chronicles , Scott Campsall explores The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. This is a must read parenting book recommended to him by Melody Johnson, founder and CEO of SKILLZ. You’ll learn how your child’s brain really works and how martial arts help...

Welcome to your own personal Museum of Failure. Where every awkward sparring match, forgotten kata, skipped workout, and training stumble is on display...and totally worth celebrating. In this episode of The Okami Kai Chronicles , we dive into why failure isn’t something to hide—it’s something to honour. Inspired by the real-life Museum of Failure in Sweden, this episode explores how our worst mom...

Want to be the best martial arts parent you can be? In this episode, Scott Campsall shares how car rides, praise, and presence shape your child’s journey on the mats and you can support them without pressure. This encouraging episode is packed with real-life tips!  Okami Kai Martial Arts & Fitness serves families across Uxbridge, Port Perry, Stouffville, and the broader Durham Region. Programs...

What do a skull, a tulip, and an hourglass have to do with your next training session? In this episode, we take a hard look at how vanitas still life paintings from the 1600s offer modern lessons in urgency, discipline, and showing up whether you’re in a martial arts or fitness class. You’ll hear why the phrase “You Only Live Once” shouldn’t be an excuse to slack off, but a reason to train like ti...

In this episode, we dive into the sneaky inner voice that tries to pull us off track—the “Intimate Interrupter.” Inspired by Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, we explore how distraction, discomfort, and boredom show up in our training and our daily lives—and what to do about it.  Whether you’re a martial artist, athlete, or just trying to stay focused in a noisy world, this episode will chal...

Scott Campsall talks about something close to his heart in an effort to encourage anyone who thinks about walking away from their martial arts journey. He explains why he still trains after all these years—and maybe more importantly, why you should too. Everyone has a moment in their life when they think about cashing in on their training. Whether you’re a new white belt, a seasoned black belt, or...

In this episode Scott Campsall talks about pushing past fear. We're often confronted with things that make us nervous or cautious. Sometimes they can be small decisions that just need us to take a leap. Other times they could be huge commitments that could totally change our lives! Scott uses a unique analogy in the hopes of saying the right thing that will help to encourage and empower you t...

In this motivational episode, Scott Campsall provides some encouragement to those looking for reasons as to why they should stay on the path and continue their personal journey to becoming the better version of themselves "It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through." - Zig Ziglar Okami Kai Martial Arts &...

In this episode Scott Campsall talks about the importance of not having a bucket list. We don't know how many days we have left to live. Do you really want to spend them wishing you could do something or make a change that could actually make your life better while you're living them? The secret to diving in a pool is to take the jump. The secret to starting something new is to actually...

In this episode, Scott Campsall confesses that he has favourite students. How do you become a favourite though? Do you have to be more talented than others? Do you have to suck up to the teacher? Your work ethic could get you to being in the position of being a favourite, but do you have what it takes to keep you there? Let's find out. Okami Kai Martial Arts & Fitness serves families acro...

Hanshi Alain Sailly will be returning to Okami Kai Martial Arts and Fitness to once again teach seminars for kids and adults on Monday March 17.  Listen in as Scott Campsall speaks with one of his most valued mentors and friend. Okami Kai Martial Arts & Fitness serves families across Uxbridge, Port Perry, Stouffville, and the broader Durham Region. Programs include Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,...

In this episode, Scott Campsall talks about student creeds. Why do some martial arts schools have a student creed and what does it mean to follow one?  Although some will say rules are made to be broken. Student creeds are meant to be followed to the best of our ability. Let's do our best to tackle this subject in this episode. Okami Kai Martial Arts & Fitness serves families across Uxbri...

On January 23, Sensei Jennifer Neveu-Campsall and Scott Campsall were interviewed by Gary Legacy, Shaun Benson, Randy Dauphin, and Nicklaus Suino on their popular martial arts podcast called Punch Kick Choke Chat. The entire episode can be found on Youtube and wherever you get your podcasts, but we have posted their popular 10 questions feature that they did with them here. Okami Kai Martial Arts...

Scott Campsall talks about what has become a sensitive topic among martial artists and that is what is the appropriate age for someone to be granted a black belt rank. He tries to tackle that by explaining how we do things at Okami Kai and why we try to do our best to put systems in place so that we can give credit where it is due while also trying not to insult those who have come before us. Okam...

The founder and chief instructor of On Guard International, Hanshi Kevin Blok talks about our upcoming On Guard Control and Defensive tactics course happening here on Feb.8-9, 2025. This is a comprehensive training course covering a variety of topics including practical self defence techniques, use of force continuum, aligning skills for greater effectiveness, hold reversals, blocks, checks, press...

Why a podcast you might be asking? Well, I talk about that in our first episode. I also chat about Punch Kick Choke Chat; a unique podcast recorded in real time over Zoom and Youtube that allows the audience to ask the questions. Sensei Jennifer and I will be joining the PKCC team on Thurs. Jan.23. I talk about that and our upcoming Control and Defensive Tactics course which is going to be taught...