Shugyo 修行: The Way of Training

What does it mean to learn how to practice—not just learn another technique?
In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho talks with Eugene Morales, co-founder and chief instructor of Pro Sessions Apex Training in Upland, California.
Eugene began Aikido as a family activity with his wife, Sandra, and their son. He spent 17 years training under Sensei James Nakayama and shares the lessons that still guide his teaching: removing unnecessary movement and making sure a student understands a correction before walking away.
We discuss his approach to civilian self-protection, realistic training scenarios, and why awareness matters before any physical technique. Eugene also explains how breaking movements into small steps helps beginners experience success—and why he sees technique as the result of good practice, rather than the goal.
The conversation closes with running a dojo: getting clear about what you offer, attracting committed students, and recognizing that more leads don’t always mean the right fit.
Topics covered
Starting Aikido together as a family
Learning from Sensei James Nakayama for 17 years
Precision, simplicity, and removing unnecessary movement
Making sure students understand corrections
Aikido, Urban Combatives, and civilian self-protection
Situational awareness and controlling training intensity
Learning how to practice through small, clear steps
Helping beginners experience early success
Student commitment and dojo culture
Clear messaging and attracting the right students
Connect with Eugene Morales
Website:https://prosessionsapextraining.com/
Aikido program:https://prosessionsapextraining.com/aikido
Phone: 855-905-5504
 
Connect with the Shugyō Podcast
Listening platforms and social links:https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast
Follow or message the show on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
Support the podcast:https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo
If this conversation gave you something to bring back to your training, share it with a training partner or instructor. Follow Shugyō for more conversations about the lifelong practice of martial arts.

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho speaks with Andżelika Stefańska-Kowalik, a Kung Fu practitioner, international competitor, and StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor based in Kraków, Poland.
Andżelika began her martial arts journey in Hung Gar after years of dreaming about Kung Fu through old Hong Kong martial arts movies. She later represented the Polish National Team at the Traditional Wushu Championships in China, winning bronze medals in Shiyan in 2010 and silver and bronze medals in Huangshan in 2012.
The title of this episode is “Why Every Martial Artist Should Train with Kettlebells.” Andżelika makes a strong case for that idea by explaining how proper strength training can support martial arts without making you bulky, slow, or exhausted.
We talk about:
How Andżelika discovered Kung Fu and began training at age 25
Representing Poland at the Traditional Wushu Championships in China
Why many martial artists misunderstand strength training
The fear of becoming bulky, slow, or stiff
How kettlebells can build explosiveness, stability, and power transfer
Why strength training should make you feel stronger, not exhausted
The role of breathing, recovery, and relaxation between actions
Why swings and get-ups are useful for martial artists
Flexibility versus usable strength through range of motion
Training for longevity, independence, and the ability to keep practicing for life
Andżelika also shares one of the most important lessons of the episode: strength training should support your martial arts, not steal energy from it. As she explains, after strength training, you should feel stronger, not exhausted.
 
Connect with Andżelika Stefańska-Kowalik
Website: https://en.tigerzone.plFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndzelikaTigerZoneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andzelika_strongfirst_tiger/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AndzelikaTigerZoneStrongFirst Profile: https://www.strongfirst.com/instructors/poland/andzelika-stefanska.001370000076XkJAAU/
Connect with Shugyō Podcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.ThewayoftrainingLinktree: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcastSupport the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo
 

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, I speak with Jonathan Snowiss, a longtime practitioner and teacher of Chinese martial arts and qigong.
Jonathan began learning qigong at age 11 after being diagnosed with epilepsy. His early training came through a qigong master from Shanghai, even though Jonathan did not speak Chinese at the time. He later continued his study through Pitzer College, where he created his own qigong and mind-body healing major, combining Chinese language, philosophy, religion, and martial arts practice.
In this conversation, we look at what qigong actually does for martial artists. Jonathan explains why qigong is more than slow movement and breathing. We talk about relaxation, posture, structure, breath, unnecessary tension, and how qigong can help martial artists train with better awareness and longevity.
We also discuss the myths around qigong, including movie-style superhuman powers, martial arts novels, iron palm, and the difference between real internal training and exaggerated claims. Jonathan also walks through a simple introduction to Zhan Zhuang, or standing-post practice, and explains how beginners can start with just five minutes once or twice a day.
Topics include:
How Jonathan started qigong at age 11
Learning from a qigong master through Chinese translation
Studying qigong at Pitzer College
What qigong actually means for martial artists
The difference between relaxation and weakness
Breath, posture, structure, and body awareness
Common myths and misunderstandings about qigong
How qigong can support karate, kung fu, MMA, judo, jiu-jitsu, and other martial arts
Why posture and unnecessary tension matter
How to begin Zhan Zhuang standing practice
Training for longevity instead of short-term performance
Contact Jonathan Snowiss:
Email: snowissj@yahoo.com
Connect with Shugyō Podcast:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
Please like, comment, and share this episode. Your support helps more martial artists and thoughtful practitioners discover these conversations.

In this episode of Shugyō — The Way of Training, Swire Ho speaks with Tori Brillantes, an Eskrima world champion and StrongFirst Elite instructor.
Tori began serious Eskrima training later in life, but within a short period of focused training, she qualified to represent the United States and became a women’s lightweight world champion in the Philippines. During her final championship fight, she experienced what her teacher called “the flow” — a state where time seemed to slow down, her breathing became clear, and her body continued to perform under pressure.
More than two decades later, Tori found a similar feeling again through StrongFirst kettlebell training, especially during the 100-repetition snatch test. At 66, she describes herself as the strongest she has ever been.
This conversation explores Filipino martial arts, competition, fear, focus, kettlebell training, aging, mobility, recovery, and what it means to keep learning through every stage of life.
In This Episode
How Tori discovered Eskrima later in life
Why her teachers encouraged her to compete
Training for full-contact Eskrima with only a short preparation window
Fighting through fear, pressure, and fatigue
Becoming a women’s lightweight Eskrima world champion
Experiencing “flow” during the final championship fight
How StrongFirst kettlebell training reconnected her with that same state of focus
Becoming StrongFirst Elite within two years
Why mobility, recovery, nutrition, and sleep matter more as we age
How Tori trains clients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s
Why strength is not only for youth — and why it is never too late to begin
Connect with Tori Brillantes
Website:https://brilliantbodyandmind.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/toribrillantes/https://www.instagram.com/brilliantbodyandmind/
 
StrongFirst Certification Standards Videos
Tori discusses earning StrongFirst Elite status, which includes StrongFirst kettlebell, bodyweight, and barbell certifications. For listeners who want to understand the testing standards, here are the official StrongFirst videos:
SFG I — StrongFirst Kettlebell Level I Technique Testing Standardshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQEFc6rSKvA
SFG II — StrongFirst Kettlebell Level II Technique Testing Standardshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu2TxJ6eWPA
SFB — StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification Standardshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H04K6q_0O00
SFL — StrongFirst Barbell Certification Standardshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGGkMcKwiAM
Support Shugyō
Shugyō Linktree:https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast
Shugyō Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
Support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo
About Shugyō
Shugyō 修行 means deep, disciplined training — the kind of practice that shapes not only skill, but character.
This podcast explores the stories of martial artists, teachers, competitors, and lifelong practitioners to understand how training changes the way we face challenges in martial arts and in life.

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho speaks with Steve Milles, co-founder of Five Points Academy in New York City, Arjan under Grandmaster Chansadeth Chantanao, former USMF Team USA Coach, WKA USA Team Coach, and StrongFirst Certified Senior Instructor.
Steve shares how he discovered Muay Thai almost by accident after moving to New York, then followed that curiosity all the way to Thailand, where he trained, lived in camp, and stepped into his first professional fight. From there, he built a career as a fighter, coach, and teacher.
The conversation explores what separates training from fighting, why some people perform well in the gym but struggle under real pressure, and how a fighter’s development depends not only on personal discipline but also on the quality of the team around them.
Steve also discusses the role of strength training in combat sports. For years, many fighters believed lifting would make them slow, stiff, or too bulky. Steve explains how properly programmed strength work can help fighters move better, hit harder, manage fatigue, reduce injury risk, and stay within their weight class.
This episode is about Muay Thai, coaching, fighter mindset, and building strength that supports the art instead of replacing it.
Topics Covered
How Steve first discovered Muay Thai in New York
Training in Thailand and stepping into his first professional fight
The difference between training hard and being ready to fight
Why fighting is an individual sport that still requires a strong team
Coaching recreational students versus competitive fighters
Common myths about fighter training
Why strength training does not have to make fighters slow or bulky
How kettlebells helped Steve move better after years of accumulated injuries
Simple strength programs for busy fighters
The role of swings, get-ups, deadlifts, pull-ups, and clean-and-jerk work
The StrongFirst Combat Course with Ronen Katz and Benny Meyer
Training for longevity, performance, and confidence
Guest Contact — Steve Milles / Five Points Academy
Website: https://www.academyfivepoints.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fivepointsacademy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FivePointsAcademy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FivePointsAcademy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-milles-4764687
Support Shugyō Podcast
Shugyō Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast
Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho speaks with Chris Walsh, co-host of the UK Karate Podcast and a lifelong karateka who began training as a child under his father.
The conversation explores Chris’s early years in karate, what old-school training looked like, and how the role of mentorship shaped his development. Chris shares his thoughts on why mentorship matters in martial arts, how younger instructors can be supported, and why karate should build more than technical skill.
Swire and Chris also discuss the difference between teaching and mentoring, the importance of keeping high standards without training through injury, and how the dojo can give students confidence, structure, routine, and purpose beyond the physical training.
This episode is about karate, mentorship, fatherhood, dojo culture, and the responsibility of helping the next generation grow — not just into black belts, but into better people and future leaders.
Guest:Chris WalshCo-host, UK Karate Podcast
Website: https://www.ukkaratepodcast.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukkaratepodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukkaratepodcast/
 
Support Shugyō Podcast:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcastBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo
Listen, share, and continue the training.

In this episode of Shugyō: The Way of Training, we sit down with Sifu Oscar Agramonte, senior instructor of Wah Lum Kung Fu, strength coach, and StrongFirst instructor.
Oscar shares his martial arts journey from Taekwondo to Wah Lum Kung Fu and how his pursuit of better movement, strength, and performance led him into the world of kettlebells and StrongFirst training.
We explore the role of Tam Tui, deep stance training, mobility, and flexibility in traditional Kung Fu, and discuss how modern strength training can complement martial arts without sacrificing speed, coordination, or technique. We also dive into one of the most important concepts in both martial arts and strength training: learning when to relax and when to create tension.
Whether you're a martial artist, strength athlete, coach, or lifelong student of training, this conversation offers valuable insights into developing power, movement, and longevity.
Topics Covered:
• Oscar's martial arts journey and introduction to Wah Lum Kung Fu• Tam Tui, stance training, and leg strength• Why flexibility alone is not enough• Strength training for martial artists• How kettlebells develop explosive power• The StrongFirst approach to training• Breathing, tension, and relaxation• Learning through practice and repetition• Longevity and lifelong development through training
Learn More About Oscar:
Wah Lum Kung Fu Templehttps://www.wahlum.com/
Control Your Healthhttps://www.controlyourhealth.net/
Connect with Shugyō:
Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
Support the Podcasthttps://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Danladi Whitten, known to his students as Master Don, Head Instructor of JTR Jujutsu International and a Doctor of Physical Therapy with more than 25 years of clinical experience.
Master Don shares his martial arts journey, from earning his first black belt to training across multiple disciplines including Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Japanese Jujutsu. We discuss his relationship with Grand Master Dong Jin Kim, the sudden loss of his teacher, and what it was like stepping into a leadership role to preserve and continue the school's legacy.
We also explore the unique intersection between martial arts and physical therapy. Master Don discusses common injury patterns among martial artists, why overuse injuries often accumulate over years of training, the balance between flexibility and strength, and how martial artists can adapt their training as they age. One of the key lessons from this conversation is a simple but powerful idea:
"Longevity is a skill."
We also discuss his adaptive martial arts program for individuals with disabilities and how martial arts can build confidence, resilience, and community regardless of physical limitations.
Whether you're a martial artist, instructor, coach, or simply someone interested in lifelong learning, this episode offers valuable insights on preserving both the art and the body.
Topics Discussed:• Beginning a lifelong martial arts journey• Training with Grand Master Dong Jin Kim• Taking over JTR Jujutsu International• The East Dragon documentary project• Martial arts lineage and the Tiger Scroll• Common martial arts injuries• Strength, mobility, and recovery• Training for longevity• Adaptive martial arts and rehabilitation• Lessons that extend beyond the dojo
Guest Links:
JTR Jujutsu Internationalhttps://jtrjujutsu.com
Progressive Physical Therapy Centerhttps://progressiveptc.com
JTR Jujutsu Bloghttps://jtrjujutsu.com/blogs/
The East Dragon Documentaryhttps://vimeo.com/1098541270
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/JTRJujutsu
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jtr_jujutsu/
TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jtr.jujutsu
LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jtr-jujutsu/
X / Twitterhttps://www.twitter.com/JTR_Jujutsu
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/JTRJujutsuInternational
 
Shugyō Podcast Links:
Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@ShugyoPodcast
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
 
Buy Me A Coffeehttps://buymeacoffee.com/shugyopodcast

My guest for this episode is Andy Patton, co-host of the UK Karate Podcast.
Andy started karate in 1999 after watching Walker, Texas Ranger and trying to copy Chuck Norris’ roundhouse kick in his grandmother’s living room. Years later, that early interest grew into a long-term karate journey and eventually led him to co-host the UK Karate Podcast.
In this conversation, we talk about Andy’s karate journey, how the UK Karate Podcast started, and what he has learned from speaking with martial artists across different generations. We also get into old-school training, karate in the age of online information, politics in martial arts, cross-training, and why communication matters both on a podcast and in the dojo.
One of the main themes in this episode is the responsibility of communication. As martial artists, instructors, and podcast guests, it is not enough to simply have knowledge. We also have to be able to explain it clearly, give examples, and help listeners understand why it matters.
Andy brings the perspective of both a martial artist and a podcast host, which made this a fun and thoughtful conversation about karate, storytelling, teaching, and the way we pass knowledge forward.
Episode Topics
Andy’s start in karate
How the UK Karate Podcast began
Old-school training vs modern training
Karate in the age of YouTube, social media, and online information
Politics, associations, and cross-training
What makes someone a good podcast guest
Why technical ideas need to be explained clearly
Communication as a martial arts skill
Why instructors need to read the room
Advice for future podcasters
Connect with Andy Patton / UK Karate Podcast
UK Karate Podcast describes itself as a platform sharing stories and experiences from karateka across different backgrounds and associations. Their public pages list Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube as places to follow/listen.
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ukkaratepodcast/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ukkaratepodcast/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@UKKaratePodcast
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nq7jr9fTKxDY0EFsanYHy
Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/uk-karate-podcast/id1861484516
Connect with Shugyō Podcast
Linktree:https://linktr.ee/shuygopodcast
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
Support the show:https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho speaks with Marat Iliyasov, a lifelong martial artist, jujutsu instructor, and professor of political science at the College of the Holy Cross.
Marat grew up in the Soviet Union, where martial arts were once restricted and often practiced in informal or semi-underground settings. That early experience shaped how he sees training—not just as physical practice, but as a path of discipline, character, humility, and personal development.
In this conversation, we explore how martial arts connect with international politics, education, conflict, authority, and human behavior. Marat also shares how he created a college course that brings martial arts principles into the classroom, using ideas like daily practice, journaling, meditation, calligraphy, and self-reflection to help students understand “the way” beyond fighting.
This episode is about more than technique. It is about how training shapes the person—and why the path never really ends.
In this episode, we discuss:
Growing up and training during the Soviet Union
Why martial arts were once restricted by the state
The connection between martial arts, politics, and conflict
Discipline in the dojo vs discipline in the classroom
Why martial arts is more than fighting or competition
The meaning of “the way” as a lifelong practice
How students responded to martial arts principles in an academic setting
What it means to develop a martial artist mindset
Connect with Marat Iliyasov
LinkedIn: Marat Iliyasov on LinkedIn
Email: miliyasov@holycross.edu
Connect with Shugyō Podcast
Linktree: Shugyō Podcast Linktree
Facebook: Shugyō Podcast Facebook Page
Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee