Shugyo 修行: The Way of Training

Shugyō (修行) means disciplined practice—a lifelong path shaping body, mind & spirit. The Shugyō Podcast shares journeys of martial artists, competitors & practitioners, uncovering lessons in discipline, mindset & resilience. Hosted by Swire Ho, we dive beyond techniques into philosophy & stories that make martial arts a way of life. Join us—where training never ends.

Shugyo 修行: The Way of Training is a education podcast hosted by Swire Ho, with 21 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Swire Ho hosts Shugyo 修行: The Way of Training, a education show with 21 episodes published.

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  Episode #22

  Training to Compete, Learning to Teach: Annette Yoshiko Reed on Muay Thai

  Sep 30, 20261h 1mS1

  Annette Yoshiko Reed started Muay Thai in her mid-40s. At 49, she entered her first match—and found herself trying to gain weight to compete in her division. After that match, Annette trained differently. She added more strength work through Five Points Academy’s StrongFirst kettlebell program and later took up barbells. She tells Swire Ho how building muscle helped her gain weight, feel stronger in the clinch, and prepare to compete against larger opponents. Annette is also a professor. Becoming a Muay Thai student again reminded her what it feels like to struggle with something new, make mistakes, and keep showing up. She shares how those experiences changed the way she teaches. Connect with Annette Substack: https://humanhistoriesofkn.substack.com/ Faculty page: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/people/annette-yoshiko-reed Five Points Academy: https://www.academyfivepoints.com/coaches/annette-reed Instagram: @ayreed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annette.y.reed Follow Shugyō YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShugyoPodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XleA8dXYJBIRDXECRAYVD Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shugyo-%E4%BF%AE%E8%A1%8C-the-way-of-training/id1840214324 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo

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  Episode #21

  Aikido for Self-Protection: Beyond Technique | Eugene Morales

  Sep 16, 20261h 9mS1

  What does it mean to learn how to practice—not just learn another technique? In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho talks with Eugene Morales, co-founder and chief instructor of Pro Sessions Apex Training in Upland, California. Eugene began Aikido as a family activity with his wife, Sandra, and their son. He spent 17 years training under Sensei James Nakayama and shares the lessons that still guide his teaching: removing unnecessary movement and making sure a student understands a correction before walking away. We discuss his approach to civilian self-protection, realistic training scenarios, and why awareness matters before any physical technique. Eugene also explains how breaking movements into small steps helps beginners experience success—and why he sees technique as the result of good practice, rather than the goal. The conversation closes with running a dojo: getting clear about what you offer, attracting committed students, and recognizing that more leads don’t always mean the right fit. Topics covered Starting Aikido together as a family Learning from Sensei James Nakayama for 17 years Precision, simplicity, and removing unnecessary movement Making sure students understand corrections Aikido, Urban Combatives, and civilian self-protection Situational awareness and controlling training intensity Learning how to practice through small, clear steps Helping beginners experience early success Student commitment and dojo culture Clear messaging and attracting the right students Connect with Eugene Morales Website: https://prosessionsapextraining.com/ Aikido program: https://prosessionsapextraining.com/aikido Phone: 855-905-5504 Connect with the Shugyō Podcast Listening platforms and social links: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast Follow or message the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo If this conversation gave you something to bring back to your training, share it with a training partner or instructor. Follow Shugyō for more conversations about the lifelong practice of martial arts.

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  Episode #20

  Why Every Martial Artist Should Train with Kettlebells

  Sep 2, 202648 minS1

  In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, Swire Ho speaks with Andżelika Stefańska-Kowalik, a Kung Fu practitioner, international competitor, and StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor based in Kraków, Poland. Andżelika began her martial arts journey in Hung Gar after years of dreaming about Kung Fu through old Hong Kong martial arts movies. She later represented the Polish National Team at the Traditional Wushu Championships in China, winning bronze medals in Shiyan in 2010 and silver and bronze medals in Huangshan in 2012. The title of this episode is “Why Every Martial Artist Should Train with Kettlebells.” Andżelika makes a strong case for that idea by explaining how proper strength training can support martial arts without making you bulky, slow, or exhausted. We talk about: How Andżelika discovered Kung Fu and began training at age 25 Representing Poland at the Traditional Wushu Championships in China Why many martial artists misunderstand strength training The fear of becoming bulky, slow, or stiff How kettlebells can build explosiveness, stability, and power transfer Why strength training should make you feel stronger, not exhausted The role of breathing, recovery, and relaxation between actions Why swings and get-ups are useful for martial artists Flexibility versus usable strength through range of motion Training for longevity, independence, and the ability to keep practicing for life Andżelika also shares one of the most important lessons of the episode: strength training should support your martial arts, not steal energy from it. As she explains, after strength training, you should feel stronger, not exhausted. Connect with Andżelika Stefańska-Kowalik Website: https://en.tigerzone.pl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndzelikaTigerZone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andzelika_strongfirst_tiger/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AndzelikaTigerZone StrongFirst Profile: https://www.strongfirst.com/instructors/poland/andzelika-stefanska.001370000076XkJAAU/ Connect with Shugyō Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/shugyo

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  Episode #19

  What Qigong Really Does for Martial Artists | Jonathan Snowiss

  Aug 25, 202656 minS1

  In this episode of the Shugyō Podcast, I speak with Jonathan Snowiss, a longtime practitioner and teacher of Chinese martial arts and qigong. Jonathan began learning qigong at age 11 after being diagnosed with epilepsy. His early training came through a qigong master from Shanghai, even though Jonathan did not speak Chinese at the time. He later continued his study through Pitzer College, where he created his own qigong and mind-body healing major, combining Chinese language, philosophy, religion, and martial arts practice. In this conversation, we look at what qigong actually does for martial artists. Jonathan explains why qigong is more than slow movement and breathing. We talk about relaxation, posture, structure, breath, unnecessary tension, and how qigong can help martial artists train with better awareness and longevity. We also discuss the myths around qigong, including movie-style superhuman powers, martial arts novels, iron palm, and the difference between real internal training and exaggerated claims. Jonathan also walks through a simple introduction to Zhan Zhuang, or standing-post practice, and explains how beginners can start with just five minutes once or twice a day. Topics include: How Jonathan started qigong at age 11 Learning from a qigong master through Chinese translation Studying qigong at Pitzer College What qigong actually means for martial artists The difference between relaxation and weakness Breath, posture, structure, and body awareness Common myths and misunderstandings about qigong How qigong can support karate, kung fu, MMA, judo, jiu-jitsu, and other martial arts Why posture and unnecessary tension matter How to begin Zhan Zhuang standing practice Training for longevity instead of short-term performance Contact Jonathan Snowiss: Email: snowissj@yahoo.com Connect with Shugyō Podcast: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shugyopodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining Please like, comment, and share this episode. Your support helps more martial artists and thoughtful practitioners discover these conversations.

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  Episode #16

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

  Jul 3, 202646 min

  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.

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