Shugyo 修行: The Way of Training

Swire Ho
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About the Show Shugyō, or 修行, means disciplined practice—a lifelong path of training that shapes body, mind, and spirit. Our podcast dives into the journeys of martial artists, competitors, and teachers, uncovering how they train, what challenges they face, and how they transform through their own Shugyo. Our Mission To create a community that learns from the struggles, lessons, and victories of martial artists and athletes — showing how the path of training can inspire resilience, growth, and personal excellence.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Your Karate, Your Journey — with Hayden Meredith

    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 Station https://youtube.com/@seishinkaratehm329?si=tKzlsYCYWBc8dEsf Website – Seishin Shotokan Karate Club https://www.seishinshotokankcdg.co.uk/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/187ZLcaKmL/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/haydenmeredith08?igsh=MWllYXQ5M240ZDMyZw== TikTok https://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.

    43 min

  2. JAN 21

    365 Days of Training: Consistency, Confidence, and Flipping the Switch

    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: https://www.facebook.com/joe.hicks.1988 Follow & Support the Shugyō Podcast If you found value in this conversation, please follow and subscribe to the Shugyō Podcast to support the show and stay connected with future episodes exploring training, discipline, and the martial path. 👉 Follow the Shugyō Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining 🎧 Listen & subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XleA8dXYJBIRDXECRAYVD   Your support helps us continue sharing real conversations about martial arts, mindset, and lifelong training.

    37 min

  3. JAN 9

    Simplicity Over Novelty — Strength, Martial Arts, and Training for Life with Os Aponte

    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 Aponte StrongFirst 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 Chambers https://strongandfit.com/products/iron-core-and-the-four-chambers-by-os-aponte Article: A Three-Year Affair with Enter the Kettlebell https://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/2XleA8dXYJBIRDXECRAYVD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share the show.

    54 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Shugyō, Balance, and the Art of Applying Knowledge — with David C. Olcott

    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

    49 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    The Aging Martial Artist: Alignment, Longevity, and Internal Power with Sifu Boggie

    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.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.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining If this episode brought you value, please: ⭐ Like ⭐ Share ⭐ Subscribe ⭐ Leave a review Your support helps us bring more inspiring guests and grow the Shugyō community.

    58 min

  6. 11/04/2025

    The Way of Empowerment: Elicia Ybarra on Finding Strength Beyond the Dojo

    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.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyhandshardpunches LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prettyhandshardpunches/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyhandshardpunches/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrettyHandsHardPunches TikTok: 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-everywhere Promo Code: EmpowerHer Free “Ideal You” Worksheet: https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.com/product-page/creating-the-ideal-you Promo 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/

    42 min

  7. 09/16/2025

    Shugyo 修行 Trailer

    Shugyō (修行) means disciplined practice—a lifelong path shaping body, mind & spirit. cqQPYDCEHJ7dFzamXzuS Join us: Facebook Page: Shugyō – The Way of Training

    2 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

About the Show Shugyō, or 修行, means disciplined practice—a lifelong path of training that shapes body, mind, and spirit. Our podcast dives into the journeys of martial artists, competitors, and teachers, uncovering how they train, what challenges they face, and how they transform through their own Shugyo. Our Mission To create a community that learns from the struggles, lessons, and victories of martial artists and athletes — showing how the path of training can inspire resilience, growth, and personal excellence.

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