Kuden! Martial Arts, Self-defense & Survival

In this episode, we delve into the subtle yet critical distinction between offering genuine support and inadvertently enabling detrimental behaviors. We’ll explore how true independence empowers individuals to choose their engagements wisely, maintaining personal well-being while extending compassion. We’ll examine scenarios where the desire to help can become a trap, leading to self-sacrifice and compromised […]

In this week’s episode, we’re looking at how the belief that “you have no choice” can quietly imprison even the strongest among us – how the illusions of limitation, born from habit, fear, or past pain, can create a mental trap disguised as reality. “Freedom Through Options” isn’t just a slogan – it’s the foundation […]

In this week’s episode, we’re looking at why every serious student eventually encounters hidden gates – points where distraction, ego, or social friction threaten to derail growth – where they are forced to choose between staying the course or leaving everything this Path could give them…behind. “Enduring the Knowledge” – another aspect of the Ninja’s […]

Most people in leadership positions, and those seeking success in any endeavor try to cover their insecurities with success. But the greatest warriors – and the most effective leaders – understand this secret: True strength is built by transforming weakness into power. In this episode, we’ll explore a timeless Ninja strategy for overcoming fear, self-doubt, […]

Most martial artists misunderstand ‘Kyushu’ as just “pressure points”. This leaves them open to believing that they’re primary focus is on pain compliance. In this episode, we’re going to break that myth wide open – taking a look at the true meaning of Kyusho in both self-defense and life. You’ll learn why relying on pain-alone is […]

In the words of my teacher, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi: “Students move on too soon. They want the next technique but have not truly understood the first.” During this episode, I want to share a perspective that might make you question everything you’ve been told about ‘basics’… especially if you’ve already moved on from them. Because […]

Most martial artists never quit at white belt. But most stay white belts — mentally, emotionally, and tactically — even long after they’ve earned the rank of black belt. Why? Because they never stayed on the path long enough to discover that the deeper lessons are smaller, quieter, and more transformational than any technique they […]

What does it truly mean to be a warrior in today’s world? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into a rarely understood but critically important principle from Hatsumi Sensei and the old warrior traditions: the idea that a true warrior must be willing to be cut before they cut. Is this about compassion, strategy, […]

In this episode of KUDEN! Radio, we look at the hidden wisdom behind one of Ninjutsu’s most misunderstood combat postures – Hicho no Kamae – and why it’s far more than just a ‘one-legged (‘crane’) stance’. Discover how this posture trains vital skills for surviving unpredictable, chaotic situations, not just for self-defense but for life […]

The #1 thing most martial artists are missing is what made the Ninja masters of survival: Mental Mastery. In this episode, I’ll reveal the powerful training methods, skill-development areas, and mindset strategies that allowed a true Ninja to win before the fight even started. Discover the 8 Gates of Authentic Ninjutsu and how the Togakure […]

The #1 thing most martial artists are missing is what made the Ninja masters of survival: Mental Mastery. In this episode, I’ll reveal the powerful mindset skills that allow you to win before the fight even starts. Join me as we uncover – The inner secrets of the Ninja’s mental and emotional training. – How […]

Over the centuries, warriors have trained their bodies for battle – but the true Ninja knew that the mind was the ultimate weapon. During this episode, we’re diving into the hidden side of Ninjutsu – the mental, emotional, and strategic training known as Seishin Teki Kyoyo. Think you know what makes a true warrior? You […]

Over the past week, questions and misconceptions have been pouring in about the “Ninjutsu Combat Matrix” Guide – and tonight, we’re tackling the biggest ones. If you think you understand how the different lineages of Ninjutsu work in real combat, you might be in for a shock. Hint: It’s NOT just about techniques – It’s […]

Most people assume they’ll rise to the occasion when danger strikes. You know, because of all the training they’ve done. But the reality Well, let’s just say that Karma can be a cold, uncaring, and unforgiving…b*tch! Based on one of the earliest lessons I received from Hatsumi-Sensei and reinforced by other master-teachers along the way, […]

Most people don’t realize just how much time and energy they waste – until it’s too late. This goes both for those who are too tense, as well as those who think they’re using ‘relaxed energy’. In a fight, in survival, in life itself…every fraction of a second, every movement, and every drop of energy […]

Most people think they understand Zanshin (enduring or lingering mind), but what if you’ve only seen half the picture – what if we only understand part of this skill? During this week’s episode, we uncover TWO sides or levels of Zanshin – the one everyone talks about and the one that determines survival beyond the […]

During this episode, we’ll be discussing the often overlook concept of Shugyo (‘Discipline’ / Continuous Training’), as-well-as the 3-phase traditional training framework passed down through many classical Japanese martial traditions: SHU HA RI, and how these two work together to produce Mastery. But what is being mastered – technique, self-protection skills, ourselves… what is being […]

Have you ever found yourself wanting to quit something the moment things get difficult? Whether it’s a failed technique in training or a problem in life you’d rather avoid, failure and hardship are often seen as obstacles to success. But what if they are actually the key to Mastery & Success? In this episode, we’re […]

Welcome to 2025! This is our special New Year’s episode and, as such, we’ll be discussing several aspects surrounding this time of year – especially from the perspective of the traditional Chinese / Japanese way of looking at it, and what it means within the dual realms of warriorship and Life! During this episode, you’ll […]