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Finding Budo
Finding Budo episodes
- A Conversation with the Next Karate Generation of Uechi-Ryu Karate Sensei | Finding Budo Podcast
Welcome to Finding Budo. Today I have the unique experience of sitting down with five young, talented martial artist who all share a common karate background - they all have parents who teach the martial arts and now themselves teach Uechi-Ryu Karate. Each have developed into excellent Uechi-Ryu karate practitioners and sensei in their own right and now either operate their own school or teach with their parents. I was incredibly impressed by the depth of knowledge and martial insight that they shared with each other and I know you will too. Please welcome Ty Rose of T. Rose Karate Holden, Henry and Bella Traynor of Buzz Durkin's Uechi Karate School, Lukas Pippos of Peter Pippos Karate Center, and Elijah Cunningham of Family Martial Arts of Pelham.
1 hr 1 min - Freddy Cicerchia - Uechi-Ryu Karate 9th Dan
Welcome to Finding Budo. Today I am excited to share my recent interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 9th degree black belt, Freddy Cicerchia. Freddy is a senior student of Buzz Durkin, and has been training Uechi-Ryu Karate since his twenties. In our interview we talk about how the martial arts have kept him mentally focused and balanced while dealing with injury, helped him as a leader and manager, and his thoughts on the future of the martial arts. Freddy is not only a fantastic martial artist and Uechi-Ryu Karate student, he is also incredibly fit and physically tough. He is a wonderful example of how living the lifestyle of a martial artist and staying physically active will keep you positive and healthy as you age.
31 min - Interview with Al Wharton - Uechi-Ryu Karate Grandmaster | Part 4
I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.
11 min - Interview with Al Wharton - Uechi-Ryu Karate Grandmaster | Part 3
I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.
30 min - Interview with Al Wharton - Uechi-Ryu Karate Grandmaster | Part 2
I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.
26 min - Interview with Al Wharton - Uechi-Ryu Karate Grandmaster | Part 1
I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.
26 min - Grandmaster Bob Bethoney
Today I am incredibly excited to share my recent interview with
Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Bob Bethoney.
Beginning his training in 1964, Grandmaster Bethoney has a rich martial
art history. He is an acclaimed tournament fighter, with over 57 full
contact trophies to his name.
Sensei Bethoney also has a long history of practical performance through
his extensive law enforcement career and has a full understanding of
how the martial arts and Uechi-Ryu karate work in self-defense
scenarios.
In our interview we discuss his many karate experiences as well as his
teaching mindset and how he passes on the martial way to his students
during their training in his dojo, Bob Bethoney's Uechi-Ryu Academy -
located in Hanson, Massachusetts. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Bob
Bethoney.
45 min - Interview with Jose Sanchez | Uechi-Ryu Black Belt and Retired Judge
Today on the podcast I sit down and talk with 5th degree Uechi-Ryu Karate black belt and retired federal judge, Jose Sanchez.
Jose began his martial arts practice in 1983, starting in Seido Karate in New York City, later moving to Massachusetts and beginning his Uechi-Ryu Karate training. He received his Shodan in 1988 and is testing for his 6th degree master's rank later this year. He also cross trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
During our interview Jose talks about how his martial arts and Uechi-Ryu Karate training has kept his body healthy and active over the years. We also discuss his varied professions as an air traffic controller, criminal defense lawyer, and judge and how the martial arts have aided him in keeping composed during high stress and high stakes situations.
I find every conversation I have with Jose to be engaging and intriguing and I know you will too. Please enjoy, Jose Sanchez.
45 min - Sensei Dan Dovidio
Today I am sitting down with one of my Uechi-Ryu Karate mentors, Sensei Dan Dovidio.
Sensei Dan Dovidio began Uechi-Ryu Karate training in 1975 under the tutelage of Buzz Durkin. He is now a ninth degree black belt and the owner of Dan Dovidio's Karate in Londonderry, NH.
Dan Dovidio is a tournament champion who was ranked number one in the state of New Hampshire and has competed in Okinawa. Also is also an expert in the practical usage of pressure points and has a deep knowledge of how they apply to Uechi-Ryu Kata and bunkai.
We cover many topics during our conversation, including changing training priorities as you age, developing a positive attitude in and outside the dojo, and his time as a competitor.
Follow Sensei Dan Dovidio's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4t7DbzjVtfmcmQVPR7unsg
41 min - Dottie Endres - 81 Year Old Martial Artist
Today we have a delightful guest who I have trained with for many years, Uechi-Ryu Karate Black Dottie Endres.
Dottie began her Uechi-Ryu karate training in 2006 under with Sensei Alan Kessler at the age of 62. She now trains with Sensei Buzz Durkin. This fall she is testing for her sixth degree Uechi-Ryu Karate black belt.
During our discussion we talk about starting martial arts training at an older age and how the martial arts have helped her in life.
Anyone who has ever trained with Dottie knows that while she is 81 years old, she is youthful in both mind and body and does not let her age stop her from keeping up with her martial arts practice. If you are new to the martial arts, or have been training for decades, I think you will find some extra motivation from our talk. Please enjoy, Dottie Endres.
34 min
About Finding Budo
From the publisher's feed
Join lifelong martial artist and seasoned karate instructor Bill Leith as he embarks on a journey to uncover the deeper meaning behind martial arts training. In Finding Budo, Sensei Leith sits down with renowned martial arts experts, instructors, and dedicated practitioners to explore the philosophy, discipline, and personal transformation that martial arts offers.
Each episode delves into the essence of Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo, Silat, Escrima, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Boxing, Wrestling, and other traditional and modern martial arts, uncovering the wisdom, challenges, and life lessons embedded in these practices. With decades of experience, Bill also shares his personal insights into Budo—the way of the warrior—offering valuable reflections on training, mindset, and the deeper spiritual aspects of martial arts.
Rooted in the philosophy of "Traditional Martial Arts for the Modern World," this podcast bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary practice. Whether you're a lifelong martial artist, a curious beginner, or someone seeking inspiration beyond the dojo, Finding Budo is your guide to unlocking the true meaning of martial arts. Tune in and join the conversation!
Sensei Bill Leith is a 6th Degree Black Belt (Renshi) in traditional Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate. He is certified as a Shihan, master instructor, under Buzz Durkin's Uechi-Ryu Butokukai.
Bill Leith began his martial arts training in 1995 at Buzz Durkin’s Uechi Karate School in Atkinson, NH. In 2004 he began assisting with instruction of classes, shortly after becoming a full instructor at the school.
With 20 years of teaching experience, Mr. Leith has taught thousands of students of all ages. Besides teaching his regular classes he has also taught a multitude of seminars regarding self-defense, fitness, and bully-awareness for local schools and businesses. Mr. Leith also has a vast knowledge of Okinawan Kobudo (weapons training) – having started his practice in 2002.
As a teacher, Sensei Leith wants to see his students improve physically and mentally through their karate practice – while having fun. He accomplishes this through a goal-oriented program designed to keep his students on track and focused. While the core of the Uechiryu Karate curriculum is the backbone of his program, he knows that people train in the martial arts for a variety of reasons – and so he adapts his teaching style and classes to meet the needs of his students.