Warrior's Way Podcast

We take a look at Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and how his message has lasted two millennia and what it has meant to some of us and how we live our lives helping us through good and bad times. We talking about how learning a musical instrument can change your life and become a hugely important part of our training.

This episode we talking about how we can take Carl Jung’s active imagination process to ramp up our training to new levels. We also talk about how we can find more to add to our training even when we might think we don’t have many options.

We take a look at one of the most important icons in Buddhism, Shantideva who not just levitated and vanished but taught some of the most important lessons on compassion and loving-kindness and how we truly need to live our lives and train. We answer a listener question about the most important outlook to cultivate in our training and much more!

In this episode we talk about enlightenment, what it means and ask the question, where are all the enlightened people these days? We answer a listener question about how to integrate philosophy with action and live better lives.

This episode we examine the life of Vietnam’s Joan of Arc, Ba Trieu who rode a war elephant in rebellion against Chinese invasion. We talk about what a story like Ba Trieu’s can mean to our lives and our training. We answer a listener question about how to make the most from life in troubling times.

What is anger? How much do you carry around? Where does it come from? This episode we look at different exercises to learn to deal with anger in a positive way to increase our compassion and understanding. We also answer a question about getting more from our training.

This week we take a look at the incredible story of Yasuke the first African Samurai — a true story that will blow your mind. We talk about the reality of life that we are all connected. We talk about how inclusion and diversity are so vital in the times we find ourselves. We answer a listener question about books anyone who wants to train should add to their bookshelf.

We look at an excerpt from a book by Zen trailblazer, Alan Watts on what it truly means to be human. We discuss that feeling in our lives that something is missing and what we need to do to find it. We answer a listener question about finding time to train and what matters the most.

We look at the incredible story of the man who became Last Crow War Chief in WW2 and examine the power of the transformative process of the Hero’s Journey. We look at what we need to do in our lives to achieve greatness and talk about our own power to become someone truly inspiring.

We take a look at the concept of selflessness and why it is so important to our training and how we live our lives. We answer a listener question about ‘what the big deal is with meditation’ and ways to get the most of it in our lives.

We examine an article by meditation teacher, Sharon Salzberg on finding true freedom in life. What is cause and effect? How do the things we do impact our lives and everything around us? How living and training to cultivate compassion and understanding can change our lives and our world. We look at how martial arts training with compassion can be a game changer for everything we do.

We examine the Buddhist view of getting more from life, living a more fulfilling life and a more happy one through thinking about the fact we will all die. An existential experience I had recently that helped make my life something far better and real. We examine an excerpt from the book The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self by Michael Easter. We answer a listener question about anxiety about getting back in the dojo and training in martial arts after COVID.

We take a look at happiness and change and what the Buddha said and what we can find for ourselves in our lives and through training. We also look at what is the best martial art to train in.

How exploration of our fear of darkness can reveal illumination of what comes after and what life really is about. We also examine how bringing Zen concepts of living in the moment changes everything and allows us to find our true potential. We answer a question about how to practice meditation regardless of how distracted our minds can be.

Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh suggests we carve out some personal space to breathe and train — what does that mean? How do we do it? Is it actually important to do? Finding a space to meditate and practice martial arts in our own homes. We also look at what it means to be a ‘Zen dude’.

We take a look at an excerpt from Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron’s book Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change that focuses on the ambiguity of being human, how to deal with change, our own mortality and dealing with a life that is always changing. We discuss what we all should do to stop COVID. We answer a listener question about how to learn to let go.

We examine the true roots of anger, why we feel it and what we can do about it from a Zen and martial arts perspective. We also look at what we can do to encourage others to train.

We look at an article from Tricycle Magazine about an amazing place in East Harlem called Peace On The Street that combines modern Zen with Martial Arts, talk about how to integrate Zen into our lives, why compassion is so important and some of the lessons COVID has taught. We also look at what we can do when we are feeling overwhelmed.

We look at the role of imagination and creativity in training and read up on what Dan Inosanto pointed us to in his book Absorb What Is Useful. We answer a listener question about lessons to learn from living in a time of global pandemic.

James Eke brings you a special post-season two special episode in which we look at the discipline it takes to develop mindfulness and a type of training that actually matters in these times we find ourselves in. We also answer a question about if we should be having physical contact with others before we find a way to pro text ourselves from COVID-19.

James Eke talks about an experience he had fighting a wolf in the woods and how he recounts how it changed his life and his view of training in his book, A Wolf In The Woods: Combat Essentials For The Martial Artist. We also answer a question about if you should be nervous to get back training even though your dojo has taken precautions.

James Eke looks into Zen man Alan Watts view on death, life and a whole lot more and what that means in terms of our training. We also answer a question about what to teach as we reopen after this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

James Eke looks at what is required for training in the martial arts in this new time of COVID-19 and social distancing; namely creativity and adaptation. We also answer a listener question about feeling like a hypochondriac as a result of living through this lockdown.

James Eke looks at an article from the CBC on how monks find liberation in isolation and what all of us living through the pandemic can do to use this time to improve our lives. We also answer a question about how to get back to training in things that weren’t socially distanced before COVID-19 but will have to be as we move forward.

James Eke looks at an awesome article from The Guardian on how COVID-19 is completely messing with time in a crazy timey-whimy Doctor Who like way. We discuss what that means to our training. We also answer a listener question about breathwork training.

James Eke looks at a fantastic article about dealing with self-isolation as a vehicle towards becoming a better person and learning valuable lessons for living a better life in a better world thanks to the pandemic. We also answer a question about training jiu-jitsu by ourselves by tapping into our creativity.

James Eke looks at the tragic and inspirational story of Zen Master Thich Quang Duc. We also talk about the power of meditation and answer a listener question about paying your dues during the pandemic.

James Eke looks at an article called The Self Isolation Of Mas Oyama and how his years in solitude launched a new system of Karate. We also answer a question about how to train at home.

James Eke looks at an excellent article from The Atlantic on how COVID-19 may be a lesson to us all for how to slow down, live more purposeful lives and to create a better world. We talk about how we need to take every opportunity to train ourselves in ways that truly matter. We answer a listener question about how to keep our Jiu-Jitsu training going in isolation.

James Eke talks about how we can keep ourselves happy, healthy and training amidst the COVID-19 pandemic or any time we don’t have anyone to train with.

James Eke looks at Ernest Becker’s amazing book The Denial Of Death. We also talk about what to do when thoughts come up during meditation.

James Eke looks at an article by Zen teacher Zenju Manuel on the dirt dug up through Zen-meditation infused work. We also answer a listener question about training with other teachers.

James Eke looks at how we can reconcile training for violence but building compassion for everyone and everything. We also answer a listener question about mobility training.

James Eke looks at Danzan Ryu Jiu-Jitsu founder Prof Henry Okazaki’s view of the essential teachings of the martial arts and what we should focus on in our training. We also answer a lister’s question on politics in the martial arts.

James Eke looks an article on using Musashi’s Book Of Five Rings in business and we chat about how we can use the knowledge of strategy on the mats and life. We also answer a listener question about reconciliation of using violence to find peace both on and off the mats.

James Eke looks at an excerpt on Chris Haueter from Chuck Rylant’s book Motivation: Stories On Life And Success From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts. We answer a listener question about whether you can be too old or out of shape to start training.

James Eke takes a look at the life-changing ancient text, the Bhagavad Gita. We also answer a question about what is the most important thing about training.

James Eke looks at an article on why you shouldn’t care about your BJJ belt progression. We also answer a question on street-wise self defense and what you should train in.

James Eke takes a look at Shunryu Suzuki’s take on Zen and the mind. And we chat about getting all of our bases covered and training in as much as we can as a student of life.

James Eke looks at Kyokushin Karate’s 20th man to ever complete the daunting 100 man Kumite, Australia’s Sensei Judd Reid. We also look at what is the most important thing to do for your training if you ‘don’t have much time.’

James Eke takes a look at an article on research being done on improving your love of life through learning to savour your life. We also talk about if taking a break from training is a good idea.

James Eke takes a look at how Jiu-Jitsu legend Rickson Gracie and Occultist Aleister Crowley helped turn people on to the practice of yoga and breath work. We also talk about problem solving and dealing with conflict for kids.

James Eke looks at the Malay martial art of Silat through discussion of a chapter on Silat ‘deathscapes’ from and an article by Douglas Farrer called Deathscapes of the Malay Martial Arts. We also answer a listener letter about self-defense Jiu-Jitsu.

James Eke talks about training with Jiu-Jitsu, fitness and mobility legend, Steve Maxwell and we talk about why you need a martial art that makes sense for real life.

James Eke looks at a chapter from Paul Bowman’s book Deconstructing Martial Arts and how training can help us to learn to relax and live far more chilled out lives. We also answer a listener question about hero worship in the martial arts.

James Eke looks at the archetype of The Hero’s Journey and what it means to our training and getting the most out of our lives. We answer a listener question about eating healthy food.

James Eke celebrates the promotion of world champion and top level martial artist Brenda King to Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. We talk about what it means to ultimately earn the rank and answer a listener question about putting young children in the martial arts.

James Eke looks at the potential of mindfulness as proposed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, to save the world, and, you yourself. We also look at what we can do to get in better shape.

James Eke examines avant-garde composer John Cage and his mind-blowing work 4’33” and what it means not only to music but to life and training. We answer a question about the most important thing to learn in the martial arts.

James Eke looks at an article by author Keith Vargo on a martial arts parable that encourages us to be lifelong students and to prepare for the tests that training throws our way on the road to self-mastery. We also answer a listener question about meditation.

James Eke looks at the Yerkes-Dodson law of disengagement, frazzle and flow, and how it relates to stress and performance. We talk about how we can use meditation and Jiu-Jitsu to find our own personal ‘flow’ state. We also answer a listener question on what to do when life throws us a curveball.

James Eke looks at a Black Belt Magazine article by Rickson Gracie on being well-rounded as a martial artist. We also answer a question on how much rolling in Jiu-Jitsu should you be getting.

James Eke looks at how we can get more from our martial arts and training through learning what allostasis means and how to inspire yourself through balancing discipline and chaos. We also talk about what being a true martial arts champion is all about.

James Eke looks at the amazing exploits of French Resistance spy and Nazi foe, Nancy Wake and what we can learn from her example on living a more full and awesome life. We also look at what we can do to get more from our training.

James Eke looks at an excellent article by living Jiu-Jitsu and fitness legend, Steve Maxwell on what we need to do as we get older and continue training. We also answer a question about how to give back and support our dojo to show gratitude.

James Eke looks at Zen Master Alan Watts’ take on Carl Jung’s view of our shadow darkside and how accepting and reconciliation of it in our inner workings is such an important part of our training and or work to become better and more integrated characters. We also look at meditation and if it ever gets easier.

James Eke looks at an article by Jung Therapist John Betts on the transformative potential of being swallowed whole and left to start anew. We also answer a listener question about how to deal with life and what it throws your way.

James Eke looks at an article by combatives instructor, Kelly McCann, and his assertion that we should tap into our rage when it comes to self-defence, and discuss the problem with following this advice to the letter. We also answer a question about starting the martial arts and feeling a time crunch.

James Eke looks at the amazing story of Lt Hiro Onoda, the Japanese soldier who kept fight World War Two for 30 years after the end of the war in the jungles of the Philippines. We also talk about the most important thing a new person can do to improve their Jiu-Jitsu right from the start.

James Eke looks at the Warrior Program launched in the Vancouver Island communities of Ucluelet and Tofino to teach respect, responsibility, discipline and cultural traditions to First Nations youths. We also answer a question about what one martial art is the best to train in.

James Eke talks about a visit to some Northern BC Canada hydro electric dams and how he got a lesson for life and insight into maximizing training. We talk about gratitude, compassion and respect as well as answer a listener question about learning from everything in your life.

We take a look at the new book, Step On The Mat by martial artist, Ninja Nguyen. This is a terrific read by a martial artist who obviously knows his stuff. We also look at age and training — too old or too young.

James Eke looks at how important being a child in the martial arts was in his life and why it should matter to every parent. We also answer a question from a listener on diets.

James Eke takes us on a journey to Gwaii Haanas and the magical land of Haida Gwaii. We examine what we can learn from ancient people and the experience of those around the world to make our own lives and our training better. We also talk about the legacy of the Haida people and what we can learn about ourselves. We answer a listener question about which translation of the Bushido is the best to listen to.

James Eke looks at the Samurai code for like, The Bushido, and how we can use its 8 main points to focus our training and live better and deeper lives. We also answer a listener question on the ultimate martial art.

James Eke reviews The Viking Laws and what they mean to training and living an amazing life. We also answer a question about joining the military.

James Eke looks at JK Rowling’s 2008 graduation speech to Harvard on the lessons learned through failure, the importance of imagination and the value of friendship. We link all that in with its value to our martial arts and training. We answer a question about drinking supplements and the importance of water.

James Eke takes a look at the first foreign person to receive a black belt in Judo and his book, The Manual Of Judo. We also talk about having a healthy balance in life both on and off the mats and answer a listener question about how much training is too much.

James Eke talks about what turning 50 has taught him not just about life but about his martial arts and training. He also recounts what a trip to Haida Gwaii has taught him about life and how to move forward and build a better future.

James Eke looks at an article written by martial arts legend, Dan Inosanto, entitled; A Burning Desire To Learn. We also talk about important things to keep in mind for longevity in the martial arts.

James Eke talks about his personal experience during a First Nations traditional sweat lodge he took part in on a rooftop in Vancouver’s downtown Eastside. We also talk about how we can help those in need in our community and the first steps we all need to take to both understand and help.

James Eke looks at Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s writing on Fear. We talk about acceptance and non-judgement in our training and our lives as well as the importance of breathing and mindfulness. We answer a question on if CrossFit will improve your Jiu-Jitsu and how important it is to workout.

James Eke looks at US Navy Seal Admiral McRaven’s 2014 speech on how to change the world and your life. We talk about how we can learn from what the Admiral is saying to help improve our lives and amplify our training and make a difference. We answer a question about eating junk food and eating healthy.

James Eke takes a look at Stoic philosopher Seneca’s letter on living life preparing for death and what that really means. We also talk some more about Jiu-Jitsu and why it is important as well as the need to train in multiple martial arts.

James Eke looks at memory and mindfulness and how Zen and Jiu-Jitsu can help us to be more present in our lives. We also answer a listener question about training in Krav Maga.

James Eke looks at the incredible mind opening Allegory Of The Cave by Plato. We talk about open-mindedness and perception in life and training. We also talk about why you need Jiu-Jitsu in your life as well as other martial arts.

James Eke looks at the Taoist text Xiang’er Twenty Seven written around 200 AD to point towards how to live a more harmonious life. We also look at tourism as a martial arts path.

James Eke looks at a 1908 letter written by Sensei Anko Itosu on ten key principles to keep in mind when training. These principles are important not only to Karate but to any martial art. We also look at the importance of putting children in the martial arts.

James Eke looks at Moshe Feldenkrais’ book Judo — The Art Of Defence And Attack. This is an amazing book for anyone who studies Judo or Jiu-Jitsu or the martial arts in general. We also answer a question about how to continue our training when we are deployed or otherwise unable to get into the dojo.

James Eke looks at an article written by the incredible martial artist and author Donn Draeger on issues that degrade a martial art when the sport aspect as well as age-ism is overly encouraged. We also talk about how to deal with motivation to get in and train.

James Eke looks at Shotokan Karate founder Gichin Funakoshi Sensei’s 20 Precepts Of Karate-Do and how to implement them into our training and our lives. We also talk about what to do when life is just a struggle and things seem against us.

James Eke looks at a chapter from the brilliant book, Zen In The Martial Arts, on Joe Hyams meeting Bruce Lee. We look at the need to be open-minded in our training and life. We talk about the idea of using marijuana while doing Jiu-Jitsu and whether it is the best of plans or not.

James Eke looks at Tibetan Buddhist monk and teacher Pema Chodron’s article Not Causing Harm. We also talk about how much you should train when you are first starting out.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019 from me to you.

James Eke takes a look at an article attributed to Mitsuyo Maeda, the man who taught Jiu-Jitsu to a young Carlos Gracie (who himself would go on to found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). We also look at what more we can do to get more from our training.

James Eke looks at an article written in 1910 by one of the first western women to teach Jiu-Jitsu, Edith Garrud. Edith secretly taught women in the UK suffragette movement of the early 1900s Jiu-Jitsu from her Soho school. She also trained an elite 30-woman bodyguard whose job it was to protect the leaders of the women’s rights movement. We also talk about whether or not you really need to show up for class given that you already pay your financial dues to your Dojo.

James Eke takes a look at Samurai legend and woman warrior Tomoe Gozen and we talk about the importance of having more women in the martial arts not just in classes but in leadership roles. He also answers questions about children in the martial arts.

James Eke takes a tackle of Jocko’s Good from the Jocko Podcast and the book Disciple Equals Freedom. We also look at frustration in our training and what to do about it.

James Eke looks at Dogen’s masterpiece as well as Zen Master Jiyu Kennett’s commentary on it. We extract from it what is important not just in Zen but in our martial arts training. We also come up with three important things to do for yourself off the mats.

James Eke looks at letters from the 1930s written by the first western female black belt during her two years of intense Judo training in pre-WW2 Japan. We also look take a hard look at what we should do when things get hard in life and training.

A read of Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen.

James Eke looks at Judo 10th degree red belt Sensei Keiko Fukuda, who until her 2013 death at age 99 was the last living student of Judo’s founder, Jigoro Kano. Fukuda Sensei was also the only woman ever awarded a 10th degree in Judo. We also look at who training in the martial arts can most benefit.

James Eke looks at an article by Goju Karate master Chojun Miyagi, The Tao Of Karate. We talk about integrating our training together with our lives and the important aspect of understand how to apply techniques. Also, we answer a question on ‘if there is one style better than another.’

James Eke looks at the Essence of Ninjutsu, an article written by the 33rd Soke of Togakure Ninjutsu, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, perhaps the last true Ninja, writing on what he believed being a Ninja was really about. We also answer a listener question on frustration in training martial arts.

James Eke takes a deep look at Kyokushin Karate founder Mas Oyama’s 11 Mottos and how we can use them to improve our training and our lives. We also talk about the most important exercise you should be doing.

James Eke takes a look at the writings of Zen Master Takuan Soho and his advice to a sword master. We also look at tips for meditation and how to get more from our training.

James Eke takes another look at Alan Watts, this time talking about Zen, Kendo and the 'No Sword School'.

In Anthony Bourdain and the lesson of Ichi-Go, Ichi-E, James Eke takes a look at the concept of Ichi-Go, Ichi-E (in this moment, never again) and how we can use it to appreciate our lives and improve our training. We also answer a question of the week on what martial art to get a black belt in.

James Eke examines Sun Tzu's legendary work, The Art Of War, and how it relates to our training be it Jiu-Jitsu or any martial art. We also talk about the most important thing to develop in our training.

James Eke looks at Jordan B. Peterson’s book 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote To Chaos and how the book relates to our own training. We also look at how important ‘fun’ is when it comes to training.

James Eke takes a look at Shunryu Suzuki’s Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind and how bowing and the gratitude and compassion that go with it are so fundamental. We look at the importance of Jiu-Jitsu and what it is about the Art that makes it so special.

James Eke takes us through Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and looks at how we can take lessons from this book written by a Roman Emperor almost 2,000 years ago and live a better life. We talk about integrating a code or philosophy into our Jiu-jitsu or martial arts training and how to get the most from it.

James Eke looks at the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu. We also answer a listener’s question about esoteric martial arts training.

James Eke looks at the health and self-healing benefits of training in the martial arts. How stress can be mitigated through Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts. We also look at diets and what we should be eating to live healthier lives.

James Eke is issuing you a personal challenge—are you up for it?

James Eke digs into some of the writings of Japanese Goju Master Gogen Yamaguchi. We talk about continuing to train as we get older and what you need to succeed.

James Eke looks at how we can get more from our training and our lives through physically training the body. We look at the concept of getting stronger so that we can be more useful and how we can get started at getting more fit.

James Eke takes a look at philosopher, Alan Watts’ article Judo: The Gentle Tao. We look at the ways to implement Judo, Zen and Taoist viewpoints into our training and our lives. We also look into the internal and external aspects of training and what is key and how we can use this as a springboard to a better life.

James Eke takes a look at Grand Master Carlos Gracie and his 12 Commandments Of Jiu-Jitsu as well as some of the benefits that children and adults will gain from training in the martial arts.

James Eke looks at Yamamoto Tsunetomo’s Hagakure and discusses how disciplined actions can reap massive rewards in life. Also, he talks about training in the martial arts with one’s children or a partner.

James Eke looks at Dan Inosanto’s Martial Arts Creed, what it means and how we can use it to focus our training and live better and more inspiring lives.

James Eke looks at Morihei Ueshiba’s book The Art Of Peace and how you can utilize Aikido philosophy in your own training, we talk about training outdoors as well as how to keep training through an injury.

James Eke looks at Karate Master Gichin Funakoshi’s book Karate-Do: My Way Of Life and the master’s six rules for life. We also look at how to train for the long-term, what supplemental training you should do, and some thoughts on competition.

James Eke looks at why we bow in the martial arts, how something so simple can have lasting impacts on not just our martial arts training but an ever changing world. Can your training help fight climate change?

James Eke takes a look at USA Goju Karate pioneer, Sensei Peter Urban’s book, The Karate Dojo and some of the incredible stories in it. We also look at the utility of kata or form practice, what the best martial art is for someone over 50, and favourite martial art movies.

James Eke looks at how training in the martial arts and the different aspects of that training are similar to parts of a tree. We look again at Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts, if training can save your life and what all this bowing is about. But mostly we look at how training in the martial arts can change our lives for the better.

James Eke answers a listeners question on a concept from martial arts and Zen called ‘flow’ and we take a look at how we can integrate it, what it means and how we can use it as a concept to make our training better whether it is Jiu-Jitsu or whatever else we are training in as a martial art.

Taking a look at a key concept of the Warrior’s Way; that everything is training and ways we can maximize our efforts to becoming the best ‘us’ that we can be.

James Eke looks at Jiu-Jitsu Grand Master Helio Gracie’s Master Text and reasons why you should train in Jiu-Jitsu.

James Eke looks at 10 things from his book Warrior’s Way: A Guide To Lifelong Learning we can all do to get the most from our training and our lives.

Taking a look at Dan Inosanto’s 1982 book, Absorb What Is Useful and what it means to teach and learn the martial arts.

So you want to be a martial artist? Looking into what the martial arts are, arts you should study, how to start training and getting into shape.