State of Flow

Adam Antoszewski


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In this episode, we sit down with Adam Antoszewski, a kendo dojo leader, freediver, breathwork instructor, and a well-rounded mindful martial artist. 

Adam takes us on a journey through his life and philosophy, exploring how movement, breathing, discipline, and deep inner awareness form the foundation of his creative and spiritual practices. 

We start by discussing how martial arts entered Adam’s life at the age of 11, explaining how aikido introduced him to breathwork. This experience eventually evolved into freediving and breath-holding practices that reshaped his understanding of fear and control. He shares how mastering his breath transformed his performance—not only in martial arts but also in everyday life, particularly in high-stress or competitive situations. 

We delve into the science behind proper breathing, its surprising physical effects, and why 90% of us are doing it incorrectly. (Yes, we even talk about mouth taping at night—no, we’re not joking.) Additionally, we explore the ancient wisdom of breath in indigenous cultures and discuss how modern society has lost touch with something so basic yet powerful. 

Throughout the episode, Adam shares insights on humility, creative flow, and the lessons martial arts can teach us about self-expression, presence, and persistence. This episode is filled with wisdom for anyone interested in exploring the mind-body connection or simply seeking to feel more grounded in our noisy world.

Key Takeaways

  1. Breathing affects everything – From stress to sleep to facial structure, correct nasal breathing is foundational.
  2. Discomfort is a teacher – Freediving and martial arts teach you to stay calm under pressure and find joy even in discomfort.
  3. True mastery is never finished – Whether it’s four strikes in kendo or four minutes of breath-holding, the art is in the refinement.
  4. Self-expression isn’t just artistic – In martial arts, your energy, presence, and even your voice are part of how you express your inner state.
  5. Discipline creates space for freedom – Rituals and routines (like regular practice) ground you and allow space for spontaneity, creativity, and personal growth.
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State of FlowBy Barbora Gaborova, Igor Faggion