Warrior's Way Podcast

Let’s take a look at cultivation of a state of mind that sees everything fresh, new and magical. Beginners Mind can change not just our training but …

This could be the most important episode yet. Let’s look at how rare, how special and how nearly impossible the chances are that you managed to be …

People are never the enemy, ignorance is. Once we learn this simple truth we can start to make real changes in our lives. The first step is to see suffering for what it is both in our lives and in the lives of all those …

What are you? Why train? Why improve your life? These are foundational questions that you should be asking yourself. The next is, what is suffering …

The world around you needs help. We all know this. Sometimes this can seem an un-winnable situation but if we train ourselves to turn our anger and frustration towards something else something that blossoms into …

We are in the midst of a ‘mindfulness revolution’ in which everyone seems to be singing the virtues of it to the point that it is becoming a …

In our modern world stress and anxiety are a big part of our lives but if we learn methods of dealing with it, at least some (if not all) anxiety can magically disappear. In this episode we discuss my own experiences …

How can visualization change your training? How does the creative spark of human experience drive us on to amazing things? What can we learn from NBA superstars and Tibetan Buddhism to get more from our own lives and …

Life is change. Life is struggle. Life is suffering. All this is true but we can take this struggle and use it to become stronger, healthier, more resilient and anti-fragile. Learning that the struggle of life can be …

This episode we talk about the collective, tribalism and why you need to ask hard questions about the place of both in your life, your path and what …

What should we do with anger? Sadness? Frustration? Should we channel it into our training? Should we use it as the fuel to get things done? Should …

In this episode we look at Growth Mindset and how learning to develop and open mind can not just improve your training but in very real ways can improve your life, your mental health, how relationships and your views …

We are launching Season Four of Warrior’s Way Podcast with something new. This season we are going spontaneous and organic. Episodes will be in a way like we are going for a walk together, unscripted and getting to the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

We look at a Tibetan Rinpoche’s view of discipline and some simple tools to bring meditation on discipline as a practice into our every moment. What …

Do you react to life? Do you get the feeling of being led around by your emotions, anxiety or anything else? We look at some suggestions from meditation teacher Stephen Batchelor on how to respond to life without …

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 …

What is fear? What are we all afraid of? In this episode we examine fear and the root it grows from in our battle to deal with death and constant …

We talk about anger, how to recognize it, train against it and how dangerous it is with an excerpt from Tibetan Lama Chagdud Tally’s book Gates To Buddhist Practice. We answer a listener question about dealing with …

We look at an excerpt of the ever enlightening Zen dude, Alan Watts’ book, The Meaning Of Happiness. We talk about the fundamental importance of learning what stillness is about and how we can find understand and peace …

We examine the teaching of the Dalai Lama on how to transform anger into patience and compassion and how to deal with negative people and even enemies. We talk about how our enemies can be our greatest teachers and how …

We examine an awesome article from The Atlantic magazine by Tim Kreider and talk about what it takes to get back to living a life that matters post-COVID. We look at what kind of focus our training can take to get us …

We take a look at a Tricycle Magazine dharma talk Dharma Punx NYC teacher, Josh Korda gave on managing the fear and anxiety of returning to normal …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

James Eke looks at fear, what it is and what we can do about it and delves into the view of it from Dune and Zen. We also look at what to do about people who have wronged us and how to move forward as well as talk about …

We are back for the first episode of season 3 with a look at the Paradox of Invincibility and we answer a question about moving past fear. We also announce the launch of Warrior’s Way Online Training Program …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

James Eke looks at a fantastic article about dealing with self-isolation as a vehicle towards becoming a better person and learning valuable lessons …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

James Eke looks at the Warrior Program launched in the Vancouver Island communities of Ucluelet and Tofino to teach respect, responsibility, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

James Eke looks at punk rock icon, Henry Rollins’ 1994 essay Iron & Soul. We examine how this incredible piece of writing can not only improve …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.