Shugyo 修行: The Way of Training

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, host Swire Ho sits down with Jason Serrano, a lifelong martial artist with over 40 years of training who grew up in the dojo under his father, Tom Serrano.
Jason reflects on being raised in a traditional karate environment and how that early exposure shaped his mindset, discipline, and approach to training. The conversation moves beyond technique into the deeper aspects of martial arts—adaptability, resilience, and long-term development.
A central theme of the episode is Jason’s approach to kumite and his philosophy of “disrupting the timing”—the ability to break rhythm, control exchanges, and remain unpredictable in a fight. He explains how this concept applies not only in sparring but also in approaching challenges, habits, and patterns in everyday life.
The discussion also explores why work ethic often outlasts natural talent, how martial arts is largely a mental practice, and how training must evolve with age. Jason emphasizes the importance of humility, continuous learning, and finding one’s own purpose within the martial arts journey.
This episode highlights the value of training for the long term—physically, mentally, and personally.
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Shugyō Podcast – Episode with Sensei Eddie Garcia
In this episode, I sit down with Sensei Eddie Garcia to talk about training beyond technique — especially the role of cross-training, building a strong foundation, and what it really means to move instinctively.
Sensei Eddie shares insights from decades of training across judo, karate, and traditional Chinese martial arts, along with his perspective on the gap between dojo practice and real-world application.
We also get into:
When cross-training helps — and when it slows you down
Why do most practitioners stop at the basics and never go deeper
The difference between controlled practice and real self-defense
What it means to train until your response becomes instinctive
About Sensei Eddie Garcia
Sensei Eddie Garcia began his martial arts journey in judo at UC Santa Barbara under Sensei Ken Ota, where he also served as team president. He later trained for over 20 years under Tak Kubota Sensei in Gosoku-ryu Karate, and continued his path in traditional Southern Chinese martial arts under Sifu Buck Sam Kong.
He is also a writer for Masters Magazine, with a focus on the history and development of martial arts, and is currently working on a book exploring the deeper origins of karate.
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Shugyō Podcast Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
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Support the Podcast
If you found this episode helpful, feel free to like, comment, and share it with someone in your training circle.
And if you have any feedback or thoughts, feel free to reach out — I’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, host Swire Ho sits down with martial artist and Navy veteran Carl Boudro to talk about what it means to train over a lifetime.
Carl’s martial arts journey didn’t follow a single dojo or instructor. During his time serving in the U.S. Navy, he trained wherever he could—on bases, in different gyms, and with different instructors around the world. That experience forced him to adapt, observe, and carry lessons forward wherever he went.
In this conversation, Swire and Carl explore what it means to keep training when the conditions aren’t ideal, what assumptions about martial arts don’t always hold up when faced with real combat situations, and how experience helps practitioners filter what truly works from what doesn’t.
Carl also shares how studying kinesiology and exercise science later in his journey changed the way he approaches strength, recovery, and longevity in martial arts training.
The episode closes with practical insights for martial artists who want to continue training for the long haul.
Topics Discussed in This Episode
Training while traveling during Navy service
Learning martial arts outside of a single dojo or lineage
Assumptions about martial arts that don’t hold up in real combat
How practitioners decide which techniques to keep or discard
Injury, adaptation, and continuing the path of shugyō
How kinesiology and exercise science influence modern training
Advice for martial artists thinking about long-term practice
Connect with Carl Boudro
https://www.instagram.com/carl_boudro/
 
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Show Notes
 
In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire sits down with Melissa Templeman—martial artist, strength coach, and StrongFirst Elite instructor—to talk about the deeper relationship between grit, strength, and intelligent training.
Mel began her martial arts journey in Judo, eventually competing at the international level and ranking #3 in the United States at -52kg while pursuing a spot on the U.S. national team during the Rio Olympic cycle. Along the way she began questioning whether the way she was training in the gym was actually helping her performance on the mat.
That search led her to the StrongFirst system, where she later achieved the elite strength standards Iron Maiden and Sinister.
Today Mel is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, an IBJJF Masters World Champion, and a strength coach helping athletes develop strength that supports their martial arts practice rather than breaking them down.
In this conversation, we explore:
• Why strength should be treated as a skill• The difference between grit and intelligent grit• How overtraining can derail martial artists• The role of strength training in combat sports• How training should evolve for the long game
For martial artists, this episode is a reminder that training hard is not enough. The real challenge is learning how to train with purpose, awareness, and longevity.
Connect with Mel
StrongFirst Instructor Profilehttps://www.strongfirst.com/instructors/united-states/melissa-templeman.0013700000QRbNBAA1/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mo.throws007
Oakland’s Most Powerful Gymhttps://oaklandsmostpowerful.com
Follow the Shugyō Podcast
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share with other martial artists who are on their own path of Shugyō — the way of training.
 
 
 

Episode Summary
In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, we sit down with Hayden Meredith, a Shotokan instructor from Scotland whose journey reflects a shift many martial artists quietly wrestle with.
After competing and winning at a high level in kumite, Hayden made the decision to step away from competition—not because he couldn’t succeed, but because it no longer aligned with who he was. What followed was a deeper exploration into kata, bunkai, body connection, and the long-term study of principles rather than performance.
We discuss:
Why depth matters more than accumulation
The pressure to “know more” in the YouTube era
Studying fewer kata with greater intention
Teaching students to develop their karate, not copy someone else’s
Using social media wisely without losing direction
How deep study builds real confidence in life, not just technique
This conversation goes beyond mechanics. It’s about commitment, confidence, and learning to trust your own path.
Connect with Hayden Meredith
You can follow and learn more from Hayden here:
YouTube – Sensei Stationhttps://youtube.com/@seishinkaratehm329?si=tKzlsYCYWBc8dEsf
Website – Seishin Shotokan Karate Clubhttps://www.seishinshotokankcdg.co.uk/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/187ZLcaKmL/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/haydenmeredith08?igsh=MWllYXQ5M240ZDMyZw==
TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hmerewibnhq?_r=1&_t=ZN-93oeuxHgJxW
Join the Shugyō Community
If you enjoyed this episode:
• Subscribe to the podcast• Leave a review• Share this episode with someone who values long-term training
And connect with the Shugyō community on Facebook here:https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
Thank you for supporting the journey. Keep training.

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho sits down with Joe Hicks — a 3rd Dan karate instructor, active competitor, parent, and educator — for an honest conversation about what real training looks like over the long term.
Joe shares why he committed to a 365-day training journey, what he learned from showing up every day, and how consistency builds real confidence—not the kind that falls apart under pressure. They talk about why martial artists can develop a false sense of ability in safe environments, how that confidence gets tested when rules disappear, and what it actually means to flip the switch when things become real.
Joe also speaks openly about training with dyspraxia, how it shaped the way he learns, and why it made him a more thoughtful teacher. Drawing from his experience teaching neurodiverse students, he explains how instructors can adjust communication and attention to meet individual needs—without lowering standards.
This episode is about mindset, realism, and responsibility—training that holds up when it matters.
 
Joe Hicks Contact Information
📧 Email:SenShinRyuWorkshop@Outlook.com
📘 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/joe.hicks.1988
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Your support helps us continue sharing real conversations about martial arts, mindset, and lifelong training.

In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, host Swire Ho sits down with Os Aponte for a grounded conversation on training, discipline, and long-term practice.
Os is a StrongFirst Elite Team Leader, strength coach, and former U.S. Army Sergeant with over twenty years of experience in martial arts, strength training, and human movement. His background includes Praying Mantis Kung Fu, wrestling, boxing, and contemporary dance, giving him a rare balance of strength and mobility — the yin and the yang.
In this conversation, we talk about why simple training often leads to better results, how martial arts and strength training support each other, and what it really means to train for life instead of chasing the next program.
This episode is about patience, fundamentals, and going deeper instead of wider.
Show Notes
Guest: Os AponteStrongFirst Elite Team Leader • Strength Coach • Former U.S. Army Sergeant
Os brings together martial arts, kettlebell training, and real-world experience to help people build strength that lasts.
Topics Covered
Os’s martial arts background and how it shaped his approach to training
Strength and mobility as yin and yang, not opposites
Why simple programs often outperform complicated ones
Lessons from committing to the basics over long periods of time
Strength training for martial artists and aging practitioners
Training mindset in a world full of fitness trends
Links & Resources
Os’s Website: https://www.ironcoreway.com
Workshops & Events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/osvaldo-aponte-58809282353
E-Book (One-Arm Push-Up):Iron Core and the Four Chambershttps://strongandfit.com/products/iron-core-and-the-four-chambers-by-os-aponte
Article:A Three-Year Affair with Enter the Kettlebellhttps://www.strongfirst.com/a-three-year-affair-with-etk/
About the Podcast
The Shugyō Podcast explores training as a lifelong practice through martial arts, strength, and mindset.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XleA8dXYJBIRDXECRAYVDFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share the show.

What does it really mean to train — not just in martial arts, but in life and business?
In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, we sit down with David C. Olcott — lifelong martial artist, Aikido practitioner, executive coach, founder of Samurai Success, and author of Swords of Illumination.
David shares how decades of martial arts training shaped his understanding of identity, balance, and discipline, and how those lessons translated into his work as a business consultant and coach. We explore why Aikido teaches the art of not fighting, how knowledge only matters when it’s applied, and why long-term training creates better leaders than quick wins ever could.
In this conversation, we cover:
What Shugyō (修行) really means beyond the dojo
How Aikido principles apply to leadership and decision-making
The importance of balance in life and business
Why identity shapes outcomes more than information
How martial arts discipline translates into sustainable success
This episode is for martial artists, business owners, and leaders who value depth, clarity, and the long path of continuous refinement.
🔗 GUEST LINKS
David C. Olcott
Website: https://www.samuraisuccess.com
Book – Swords of Illumination: https://samuraisuccess.com/swords-of-illumination/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-c-olcott-1107bb1/
🔗 SHUGYŌ PODCAST LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining
Medium: https://medium.com/@TheShugyoPodcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XleA8dXYJBIRDXECRAYVD

About Our Guest — Sifu Boggie (Paul Brighton)Sifu Boggie is a Daoist guide, mentor, and self-healing practitioner with over 40 years of experience in Daoism, Qigong, Tai Chi, and traditional Chinese healing arts. Trained by renowned Daoist masters, his background includes Qi Gong, Shun Dao philosophy, Eastern and Chinese Reiki, TuiNa, Reflexology, Tit-Tar (bone setting/back correction), Acupressure, and ShunDao Massage.
As a Barefoot Doctor and Daoist Shaman, Sifu Boggie blends ancient Daoist wisdom with practical bodywork and energy practices that help people transform from within. His mission is simple: not to “fix” people, but to guide them so they can unlock their own healing potential.
Connect with Sifu Boggie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sifu.boggie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sifuBoggie
X / Twitter: https://x.com/SifuBoggie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sifuboggie
Ko-fi (support): https://ko-fi.com/sifuboggie
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sifuboggie/about
🧘‍♂️ Episode Summary
The Aging Martial Artist: Alignment, Longevity, and Internal Power with Sifu Boggie
In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to train for life — not just for performance. Sifu Boggie shares practical wisdom on staying strong, mobile, and injury-free as we age. We explore body alignment, joint protection, internal awareness, breathing, balance, and how to shift from training with brute force to training with intelligence and internal power.
This is an invaluable conversation for any martial artist 30+, 40+, 50+, or beyond who wants to continue practicing safely and with purpose. Whether you're navigating soreness, recovering from injury, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of your own body, this episode offers insights you can use immediately on your training journey.
🥋 About the Shugyō Podcast
Shugyō (修行) means “austere training” — the lifelong path of discipline, refinement, and personal excellence.Each episode explores the journeys, challenges, and insights of martial artists, teachers, and everyday practitioners who embody the spirit of continuous training.
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Your support helps us bring more inspiring guests and grow the Shugyō community.

Lifelong martial artist Elicia Ybarra joins the Shugyō Podcast to share how she transformed her personal challenges into a mission to empower women through self-defense, confidence-building, and setting healthy boundaries. With black belts in Taekwondo and Hapkido and years of experience teaching empowerment self-defense, Elicia speaks openly about creating safer training environments, recognizing unhealthy power dynamics, and the mindset work that helped her rebuild strength beyond the dojo. Shugyō—the way of disciplined, lifelong training—is at the heart of her journey.
⚠️ This episode contains discussion of abuse and trauma.
Connect with Elicia Ybarra & Pretty Hands, Hard Punches
Website: https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyhandshardpunchesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prettyhandshardpunches/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyhandshardpunches/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrettyHandsHardPunchesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@prettyhandshardpunches?lang=en
Free Resources from Elicia
Free Safety E-Guide:https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.com/product-page/boundaries-bravery-self-defense-strategies-for-women-everywherePromo Code: EmpowerHer
Free “Ideal You” Worksheet:https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.com/product-page/creating-the-ideal-youPromo Code: IdealYou
Support the Shugyō Podcast
If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help the podcast grow.Follow us on Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and future episodes:👉 https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining/