Finding Budo Trailer

Hello, my name is Bill Leith and this is my podcast about the martial arts, Finding Budo.This podcast is a journey exploring budo, also known as the martial way. I ask you to join me as we embark on a journey to uncover the deeper meaning behind martial arts training. We will sit down with renowned martial arts experts, instructors, and dedicated practitioners to explore the philosophy, discipline, and personal transformation that the martial artsoffer.Each episode delves into the essence of the martial arts,uncovering the wisdom, challenges, and life lessons embedded in thesepractices. Along the way I will also share my own personal insight into budo,offering reflections on training, mindset, and the deeper spiritual aspects ofthe martial arts.Rooted in the philosophy of "Traditional Martial Artsfor the Modern World," this podcast bridges the gap between ancient wisdomand contemporary practice. Whether you're a lifelong martial artist, a curiousbeginner, or someone seeking inspiration beyond the dojo, Finding Budo is yourguide to unlocking the true meaning of martial arts. I started my Uechi-Ryu karate training in 1995 at the age ofnine under sensei Buzz Durkin. After training for a bit I took a little timeoff and then started back up as a teenager because my father knew that it wouldbe an activity that would give me the confidence boost that I would need to besuccessful in life.As a teenager I wasn't very focused, and I didn't perseverethrough activities as much as I have since committing to my karate practice.You can say that karate has been what's helped me continue other activities inlife.As a kid I was not great at sports and never consideredmyself an athletic person. Through the martial arts I was able to achieve adeeper understanding of how to use my body and I was able to develop bettercoordination and strength. If you're not necessarily athletically inclined, Ibelieve that the martial arts can give you the ability to achieve some sort ofphysicality in your life that you may not be able to otherwise and I thinkthat's what's really benefited me.I believe that the martial artsgives you the mental discipline you need to become more confident in front ofothers and with yourself. Through training you develop the emotional disciplineto deal with pressure; whether that's someone punching you in the face orverbally confronting you about something that you're uncomfortable with. Beingmore able to deal with interpersonal interactions has been such a huge benefitof my training.A big part of what has helped me grow has been teaching. I'ma naturally introverted person, so years ago the thought of teaching a group ofpeople was honestly something that was far from my mind. Over the past 20 yearsof teaching I have gained so much from the experience – both in my ownaccomplishments and that of my student’s.I truly believe that karate is a great activity – not only tolearn a to defend but also to be more physically active, more flexible,stronger, to be able to breathe better, to get better posture, develop mentalsharpness – these are all things that come from martial arts training. On topof that, I think it is a lot of fun and can be an engaging activity anindividual level or even on a family level. There's just so many benefits to training and I hope throughthis podcast you are able to learn more about the martial arts and the manyreasons people train. It is my hope that along the way you can develop and findyour own path in the martial arts. I hope you enjoy Finding Budo.