Shugyo

Feb 07 2025 17 ep. 44 mins 7
Shugyo Podcast artwork

Exploring the unique and profound methods, philosophy and culture found in the transformative practices of traditional martial arts. This podcast is hosted by Adam Mitchell, from the Yasuragi Dojo, a registered Non-Profit (501.c.3) organization, solely dedicated to providing the best information and training resources for those interested in the path of self-mastery and discipline. Join us in conversation with some of today's most respected thought leaders who share their wisdom and experience, so that you can sharpen your own skills for living and appetite for disciplined training and adventurous living. The Yasuragi Dojo has been teaching Kobudo and cultural programs for over 25 years in the heart of Hudson Valley, Please visit our Dojo website to learn how you can participate in our programs, classes or retreats.

  Health & Fitness  Education
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Wild in the Mountains, A Perspective on Kyoketsu Shoge

Feb 07 2025 24 mins  
Welcome to this episode of the Shugyo Podcast. This episode is my own perspective on the unique tool found in the traditions of Togakure Ryu, known as the Kyoketsu Shoge. This sickle, rope and ring has been the hallmark of the modern 'ninja', finding it's way on toys, cartoons and countless hours of discussion, yet almost no demonstration of it's use.  In this episode, along w

Thanking The Dragon, 2024 Wrap Up and What's to Come

Jan 01 2025 26 mins  
As we bid farewell to 2024, Yasuragi Dojo wants to extend our gratitude and share some of the incredible milestones and new program developments from the past year. Plus, we're excited to give you a sneak peek into what's in store for 2025. 2024 Highlights: Student Achievements: We're thrilled to have welcomed three dedicated students to the Jinenkan Shodan level, after years of c

Preserving Kosen Judo, with Joichi Hirao Sensei

Oct 09 2024 36 mins  
Keeping the history, truth and training of old school Judo alive. I am thrilled to have the esteemed Joichi Hirao Sensei joining me in this episode of Shugyo. Joichi Sensei is a seasoned practitioner and instructor with a rich legacy in Judo, and specifically within the specialty of Kosen Judo. From his childhood beginnings under the tutelage of renowned judo master Yoji Kurimura,

Learning From Maasai, Spear Fighting the Elder Warrior

Aug 13 2024 59 mins  
In today's episode, we'll delve into the captivating journey of I took into the heart of Kenya to immerse myself in the ways of the Maasai tribe. My purpose for being in Kenya, was to travel throughout the most poverty stricken areas to document the work the organization I work for has done, meanwhile connecting with the people and learning about the diverse cultures within this a

Saving Kominka, The Endangered Folk Houses

Jul 30 2024 89 mins  
There are 800,000 traditional buildings in Japan, some hundreds of years old, and the are abandon and being torn down at 10% each year. These incredible structures, forgotten representations of Japan's deep connection to master craftsmanship, will be gone within 10 years. But not according to our guests, Kunito Niwa and Andrea Carlson, from the Kominka Collective. Int his episode,

Kobudo Going Forward, with Manaka Unsui

Jun 04 2024 21 mins  
This episode was recorded at the Shunpukan Dojo, in Noda-shi, following a week of training with Unsui Sensei. He sat us down to discuss how we should approach our study of traditional Japanese martial arts into the future. In this conversation, he highlights the importance of preserving the original Japanese mindset and the impact of technology on the human condition and the martia

Finding The Dao in Violence, with Jack Schaefer

May 14 2024 69 mins  
Today we sit down with Taoist Priest, Chinese Medicine practitioner and martial artist, Dr. Jack Schaefer as we delve into the heart of “dao” and it's ignored or misunderstood ... yet transformative power within the context of traditional martial arts.  Join us as we navigate the challenges encountered by Western seekers delving into the profound teachings o

Stealing from the Mongolian Tiger

May 10 2024 34 mins  
Have we been lied to? Or, are the truths very hard to reach within the Takamatsu-den, available to those willing to go deep, traversing the depths of a discipline, enduring the physical and emotional demands needed to actually 'get it' only to arrive at new beginnings, over and over again? Is 'play' a decoy?  Meanwhile, jesters and charlatans splash ab

Death and Rebirth of the Bu Jin, with Sean Askew

May 07 2024 62 mins  
Episode 9: A dialogue on the Togakure Ryu, myth, fact the future of a Hidden Lineage Join me in conversation with Sean Askew, Author of Hidden Lineage, founder of the Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo and a personal student of Hatsumi Soke.   Sean was one of the inspirations in my own training, having travelled to his seminars in the early 2000s and experiencing his sm

Jishu Geiko, A Guide to Solo Kobudo Training

Apr 16 2024 48 mins  
In this episode, we go deep into the concept of “Jishu Geiko” 自主稽古 or independent practice in martial arts, emphasizing the transformative effects of solo training on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This reflection underscores the significance of establishing stable routines, incorporating meditation practices, and controlling all aspects of o