Shugyo 修行: The Way of Training

Swire Ho
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement

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.

  1. Aug 4

    Finding the Flow: Tori Brillantes on Eskrima, StrongFirst, and Strength at 66

    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 Standards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQEFc6rSKvA SFG II — StrongFirst Kettlebell Level II Technique Testing Standards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu2TxJ6eWPA SFB — StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification Standards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H04K6q_0O00 SFL — StrongFirst Barbell Certification Standards https://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.

  2. Jul 28

    The Fighter, the Coach, and the Kettlebell -- Steve Milles

    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

  3. Jul 3

    Chris Walsh on UK Karate Podcast, Dojo Culture, and Training Beyond the Belt

    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 Walsh Co-host, UK Karate Podcast Website: https://www.ukkaratepodcast.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukkaratepodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukkaratepodcast/   Support Shugyō Podcast: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo Listen, share, and continue the training.

  4. Jun 17

    Strength Without Stiffness with Sifu Oscar Agramonte

    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 Temple https://www.wahlum.com/ Control Your Health https://www.controlyourhealth.net/ Connect with Shugyō: Linktree https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining Support the Podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo

  5. Jun 9

    Longevity Is a Skill: Master Don on Martial Arts, Injury, and Training for Life

    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 International https://jtrjujutsu.com Progressive Physical Therapy Center https://progressiveptc.com JTR Jujutsu Blog https://jtrjujutsu.com/blogs/ The East Dragon Documentary https://vimeo.com/1098541270 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JTRJujutsu Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jtr_jujutsu/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jtr.jujutsu LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtr-jujutsu/ X / Twitter https://www.twitter.com/JTR_Jujutsu YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/JTRJujutsuInternational   Shugyō Podcast Links: Linktree https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShugyoPodcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining   Buy Me A Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyopodcast

  6. May 20

    The Stories Behind Karate: A Conversation with UK Karate Podcast’s Andy Patton

    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

  7. May 12

    Turning a Classroom into a Dojo: Martial Arts Beyond Fighting with Marat Iliyasov

    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: Shugyō Podcast Linktree Facebook: Shugyō Podcast Facebook Page Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

    Turning a Classroom into a Dojo: Martial Arts Beyond Fighting with Marat Iliyasov

  8. Apr 21

    Disrupting the Timing: Breaking Rhythm in the Fight | Jason Serrano

    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. Link Tree for Shugyō Podcast: https://linktr.ee/shuygopodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XleA8dXYJBIRDXECRAYVD Follow the Shugyō Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo

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5
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2 Ratings

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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