The Martial Way Podcast

In this episode of The Martial Way, I sit down with Sensei Gene Burke; martial artist, author, and leadership mentor .... for a powerful conversation about discipline, resilience, and the deep connection between mind and body.With over 30 years in operations leadership and two decades in the martial arts, Gene is the author of three books exploring martial arts, leadership, and the inner journey of personal growth. His most recent work, The Dojo of the Mind, is a thoughtful exploration of how physical practice can lead to mental clarity and emotional resilience.In this conversation, we dive into:The healing power of martial arts and movementHow physical training can help overcome anxiety, bullying, and personal struggleThe intersection of leadership, humility, and disciplineWhy failure is part of the process, and how to rise from itHis journey from the gym to the dojo to the page and everything in betweenWhether you're a martial artist, a leader, or someone on the path of self-discovery, this episode will leave you inspired to dig deeper.🧠💪 For more on Gene and his books, visit:https://www.thirdmonkeypro.com/📚 His books are available on Amazon under: Gene Burke🎧 Listen & Subscribe to The Martial Way Podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMartialWaySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Zo82okMVpTiVveh24jc8DApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-martial-way-podcast/id1299884621📲 Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_themartialway/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/budothemartialway🙏 If this episode resonates with you, leave a comment, share it with a friend, and help spread the word.#MartialArts #TheMartialWay #GeneBurke #MindBodyConnection #DojoOfTheMind #LeadershipThroughMartialArts #Karate #SelfMastery

Eira Culverwell – Finding Belonging Through Budo

In this episode of The Martial Way, I sit down with lifelong martial artist Eira Culverwell — a 4th dan black belt in Kyokushin Karate who made the bold transition into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she now competes as a brown belt.

But Eira’s story goes far beyond style. For over 14 years, she’s traveled throughout Japan, not just to train, but to connect with a culture that’s shaped her identity and spirit. Her journey is one of evolution, self-discovery, and finding a deeper sense of home through martial arts.

We talk about:

• ​Leaving one path to embrace another
• ​The quiet draw of Japan
• ​Competing, teaching, and dreaming forward
• ​What it means to truly belong on the path
• ​

📲 Follow Eira on Instagram: @e.i.raa

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#EiraCulverwell #TheMartialWay #Kyokushin #BJJ #MartialArts #JiuJitsu #Japan #WomenInMartialArts #BudoSpirit

Sensei Rick Hotton is a lifelong martial artist and teacher, and the founder of Sunday Morning Keiko, a movement dedicated to rediscovering the depth, simplicity, and internal intelligence of martial arts.

In this episode of The Martial Way, we explore Rick’s journey from the karate scene of the 1970s to his current philosophy rooted in mindfulness, body intelligence, and humility. We dive into his influences (including his background in Aikido), the evolution of his teaching, and what it means to age gracefully while staying on the path.

This isn’t just a conversation about karate — it’s about awareness, intention, and finding meaning in motion.

🔗 More from Rick Hotton:

• Online Dojo & Remote Membership: sundaymorningkeiko.org/westwindonline

• Instructional Library on Patreon: patreon.com/sundaymorningkeiko

• YouTube: @shotokankarate9690

• Instagram: @sunday_morning_keiko

• Facebook: Sunday Morning Keiko / West Wind Dojo

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#RickHotton #Karate #MartialArtsPodcast #TheMartialWay #Shotokan #SundayMorningKeiko

Shihan Judd Reid is a world-renowned martial artistwith a remarkable journey. As a teenager, he became an Uchi-deshi—a live-in student—under Sosai Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. Judd’s extraordinary achievements include completing the legendary 100-Man Fight, winning the WKO World Championship in 2010, and earning the title of Australian Heavyweight Champion in 2002. He is also the author of two books chronicling his life and experiences and is a much sought-after teacher.

This episode serves as a follow-up to my first conversationwith Judd in 2017, which marked the beginning of my podcast (you can listen to that episode here: 2017 Interview).Now, in 2025, as I relaunch the podcast, there’s no better way to start than with my first guest! We pick up right where we left off, focusing on Judd’s present and future.

For those who may not be familiar with Judd, he trained under Shihan Eddie Emin in Australia before embarking on an incredible journey to Japan, where he became the first (and one of only two) foreigner to complete 1000 days as an Uchi deshi under Sosai Mas Oyama from 1990 to 1993. His later accomplishments include winning the Australian Heavyweight title in 2002, securing the WKO World Championship in Thailand in 2010, and becoming the last student of Sosai Oyama to complete the 100-Man Kumite in 2011.

This journey was captured in the powerful documentary “100 Man Fight,” filmed by his best friend and corner man Anton Cavka. Tragically, Anton passed away before completing the book, which Judd dedicated to his memory. You can watch the documentary here: 100 Man Fight.

To learn more about Shihan Judd Reid or explore his dojo, the Chikara Organization, and upcoming camps, visit his website: www.juddreid.com.

Get Judd Reid’s books in Kindle and softcover here: Judd’s Books.

Check out the 100 Man Fight Documentary here: Watch 100 Man Fight.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Martial Way Podcaston iTunes: The Martial Way on iTunes.

Marco Lala began his martial arts journey at the age of 13 in Kenpo, moving to Kyokushin under Sensei Hioki, later with Shigeru Oyama, and going on to obtaining black belts in Judo & BJJ, becoming a full-contact champion and ultimately creating his own system TettsuBushi Jitsu, incorporating all rages of fighting. Made famous by a series of popular and dynamic instructional books and videos beginning in the 90s, made available again now.  A martial artist, entreprepreneur, and modern philosopher. Just an awesome man and it was an honour and privilege to spend time with him. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Osu!

My guest Natan Levy is signed to the UFC, fighting out of Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, by way of Israel. He has a background in Uechi-ryu Karate and switched to MMA with a Pro MMA Record of 6 wins with no losses, as well as cross training in Kyokushin Karate.  

Shihan Tom Callahan was one of my first guest on The Martial Way Podcast, and today he joins me again to talk about The Mindset of a Martial Artist. Many people don't understand the mindset of a martial artist...the internal way you think about yourself and how it influences every aspect of your daily life . Most look at it as a way to fight. However, most people will never get into a fight . So, why do we train? Plus Kyokushin-KAN, Ikken, seminars and so much more! OSU!