Finding Budo

Am I too old to start karate or any other martial art? This is one of the questions I often see while spending a little too much time browsing martial arts forums. It's asked so much that I thought I would make a quick video explaining why students of any age can benefit from karate and the martial arts regardless of age, current fitness level, or skill. I hope you enjoy this video, and come to realize that no, you are not too old to start karate!

As an aside, sometimes I find out that the person asking if they are too old to start karate or a martial art is actually in their early twenties...... It really shows that sometimes our concepts and perspectives of age and what constitutes "old" are quite interesting. That being said, as someone in their late thirties I feel more energetic and healthy now than I did in my teens and early twenties thanks to my karate training and the lifestyle that it embraces!

I had the honor to interview my sensei, Mr. Buzz Durkin of Buzz Durkin’s Uechi Karate School in Atkinson, NH. Sensei Durkin began his karate training in 1966 in Boston, MA under the tutelage of American karate pioneer George Mattson.

Mr. Durkin opened his dojo in 1974 and since then has trained thousands of students in the New England area. He is the founder of the Uechiryu Butokukai, a group of schools with a direct lineage to himself and his senior students.

He is a charter member of the Uechiryu Hall of Fame, and a member of the World Martial Arts Federation Hall of Fame. Mr. Durkin is a Vietnam combat veteran who received both his M.B.A. from Boston College.

Mr. Durkin is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and the author of the book Success is Waiting: The Martial Arts School Owner's Guide to Teaching, Business, and Life. Let’s start our interview with Uechiryu Karate 10th Degree Black Belt, Buzz Durkin!

Learn more about Buzz Durkin: buzzdurkin.com

Order your copy of Mr. Durkin's, Success is Waiting here:

https://www.amazon.com/Success-Waiting-Martial-Teaching-Business/dp/0996575804/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MAR6YD9N62DI&keywords=success+is+waiting&qid=1641841545&sprefix=success+is+waiting%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1

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Hello, my name is Bill Leith and this is my podcast about the martial arts, Finding Budo.

This podcast is a journey exploring budo, also known as the martial way. I ask you to join me as we embark on a journey to uncover the deeper meaning behind martial arts training. We will sit down with renowned martial arts experts, instructors, and dedicated practitioners to explore the philosophy, discipline, and personal transformation that the martial arts

offer.

Each episode delves into the essence of the martial arts,

uncovering the wisdom, challenges, and life lessons embedded in these

practices. Along the way I will also share my own personal insight into budo,

offering reflections on training, mindset, and the deeper spiritual aspects of

the 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.

I started my Uechi-Ryu karate training in 1995 at the age of

nine under sensei Buzz Durkin. After training for a bit I took a little time

off and then started back up as a teenager because my father knew that it would

be an activity that would give me the confidence boost that I would need to be

successful in life.

As a teenager I wasn't very focused, and I didn't persevere

through activities as much as I have since committing to my karate practice.

You can say that karate has been what's helped me continue other activities in

life.

As a kid I was not great at sports and never considered

myself an athletic person. Through the martial arts I was able to achieve a

deeper understanding of how to use my body and I was able to develop better

coordination and strength. If you're not necessarily athletically inclined, I

believe that the martial arts can give you the ability to achieve some sort of

physicality in your life that you may not be able to otherwise and I think

that's what's really benefited me.

I believe that the martial arts

gives you the mental discipline you need to become more confident in front of

others and with yourself. Through training you develop the emotional discipline

to deal with pressure; whether that's someone punching you in the face or

verbally confronting you about something that you're uncomfortable with. Being

more able to deal with interpersonal interactions has been such a huge benefit

of my training.

A big part of what has helped me grow has been teaching. I'm

a naturally introverted person, so years ago the thought of teaching a group of

people was honestly something that was far from my mind. Over the past 20 years

of teaching I have gained so much from the experience – both in my own

accomplishments and that of my student’s.

I truly believe that karate is a great activity – not only to

learn a to defend but also to be more physically active, more flexible,

stronger, to be able to breathe better, to get better posture, develop mental

sharpness – these are all things that come from martial arts training. On top

of that, I think it is a lot of fun and can be an engaging activity an

individual level or even on a family level.

There's just so many benefits to training and I hope through

this podcast you are able to learn more about the martial arts and the many

reasons people train. It is my hope that along the way you can develop and find

your own path in the martial arts. I hope you enjoy Finding Budo.