The Eagle’s Nest

Martial arts isn't just about defeating the person standing opposite you. Often, the toughest opponent is yourself. In this episode of The Eagle's Nest, we have an honest conversation about the internal pressure we place on ourselves, the importance of self-awareness, and how recognising where you are today is the first step towards becoming who you want to be tomorrow. What begins as a discussion about mindset evolves into something more personal—a genuine check-in on our own training, goals, and where we both feel we're succeeding... and where we still have work to do. We discuss: 🥋 Why self-awareness is one of the most valuable martial arts skills 🧠 The difference between healthy pressure and destructive expectations 📈 Learning to honestly assess where you're at in your journey 🎯 Identifying the next skill that will move you forward 💭 Why comparison with others can slow your progress 🥊 The importance of regular self-reflection as a martial artist 🤝 A candid check-in on our own training, challenges, and current goals 🦅 Why progress starts with brutal honesty but continues with self-compassion This isn't an episode about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions. Because every martial artist reaches periods where they feel stuck, frustrated, or uncertain. The key isn't pretending everything is perfect. The key is understanding where you are so you can decide where you're going next.

The McDojo debate is back. But this time, we're asking a much harder question. Where exactly is the line? At what point does a legitimate martial arts club cross over into becoming a McDojo? In this episode of The Eagle's Nest, we revisit one of martial arts' most controversial topics. Rather than simply pointing fingers, we explore the warning signs, grey areas, and difficult questions that every student should ask when choosing where and how to train. Not every club that focuses on tradition is a McDojo. Not every commercial school is a bad school. And not every hard-training gym produces great martial artists. So where do we draw the line? We discuss: 🥋 The characteristics of a genuine martial arts school 🚩 The biggest warning signs of a McDojo 💰 When does charging money become a problem? 🥊 The importance of pressure testing and realistic training 🎓 Belts, gradings, and earning rank the right way ⚖️ Why context matters more than internet opinions 🦅 How students can choose a club that matches their own goals This isn't an episode about attacking schools. It's about helping martial artists think critically about what they're training for and making informed decisions about their own journey. Because the goal isn't simply to avoid a McDojo It's to find a place that helps you become the martial artist you want to be.

There comes a point in every martial artist's journey where progress slows, motivation fades, and life begins to compete with training. So what keeps people coming back? In this episode of The Eagle's Nest, Alex and Cameron explore the mindset that keeps martial artists training not just for months or years—but for decades. We discuss why the best martial artists never stop being students, how curiosity is one of the greatest competitive advantages you can have, and why embracing a white belt mentality is the secret to continual growth. Along the way, we dive into one of the most important questions every martial artist should ask themselves: "What do I actually want to get out of martial arts?" Is it self-defence? Competition? Fitness? Community? Confidence? Or simply the joy of learning something new? We discuss: 🥋 Why curiosity is the fuel for lifelong martial arts 🥋 The power of maintaining a white belt mindset 🥋 Why ego is the enemy of progress 🥋 How your goals naturally evolve over time 🥋 Finding purpose beyond belts and rankings 🥋 Avoiding burnout by continuing to explore new skills and ideas 🥋 Why the journey never really ends Whether you've been training for six months or six decades, this episode is a reminder that martial arts isn't about reaching the finish line. It's about remaining a student for life. Because the moment you think you've learned everything you've stopped growing.

This week on The Eagle's Nest, we tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of martial arts: Weapons. From swords, staffs, and nunchaku to knives and improvised weapons, we discuss where traditional weapons training fits into modern martial arts and how it differs from genuine self-defence. We explore why many traditional weapon systems have drifted away from their original purpose, why choreographed weapon drills often create a false sense of confidence, and what effective weapons defence actually looks like in the real world. At the same time, we make the case for why traditional weapons training still has enormous value. Not just as practical self-defence, but as an extension of martial arts itself. We discuss: ⚔️ Why traditional weapons training often falls short as modern self-defence 🛡️ The realities of defending against knives and other weapons 🥋 The importance of pressure testing and realistic training methods 🏯 Why traditional weapon forms remain a valuable part of martial arts culture 🎯 How weapons training develops timing, distance, coordination, and body mechanics ⚡ The difference between studying a weapon as a fighting tool versus as a martial art 🦅 Finding the balance between preserving tradition and embracing reality This isn't an argument against traditional weapons. It's a discussion about understanding what they're actually for. Because there's a difference between learning to survive a weapon attack and learning to appreciate the history, discipline, and beauty of a martial art. Both have value. You just need to know which one you're training.

This week on The Eagle's Nest, we tackle one of the most entertaining topics we've ever covered… What do martial arts movies get right and what do they get completely wrong? From flying spin kicks and one-man armies to impossible knockouts and flawless disarms, we break down some of our favourite fight scenes in cinema and compare them to what actually happens in real combat and self-defence situations. Along the way, we discuss legendary martial arts films and stars, laugh at some of Hollywood's biggest myths, and highlight the movies that actually deserve credit for portraying realistic movement, tactics, and martial arts. We discuss: 🥋 Which fight scenes are surprisingly realistic 💥 Hollywood myths that simply wouldn't work in real life 👊 One-hit knockouts, multiple attackers, and flashy techniques 🛡️ The difference between movie fighting, sport fighting, and real self-defence 🧠 Why pressure testing matters more than choreography 🎭 What the best martial arts films still teach us about courage, discipline, and perseverance Whether you're a lifelong martial artist, a movie buff, or someone who's ever wondered if you could really fight like your favourite action hero, this episode is packed with laughs, debate, and practical lessons that every martial artist can appreciate. Because while Hollywood can inspire us, real skill is earned on the mats.

This week on The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron are joined by special guest Xander, one of Eagle Martial Arts' instructors and a martial artist whose journey has taken some unexpected turns. Xander is a 2nd Dan Hapkido Black Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt, and has a background in dance and movement, giving him a unique perspective on martial arts, athletic development, and teaching. In this episode, we dive into Xander's martial arts "Batman Origin Story" and explore the experiences that shaped him into the instructor and martial artist he is today. We discuss: 🥋 How Xander first discovered martial arts 🥋 The role dance played in his athletic and martial arts development 🥋 His journey to becoming a 2nd Dan Hapkido Black Belt 🥋 The lessons learned from training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 🥋 The challenges and rewards of becoming an instructor 🥋 Movement, coordination, and skill acquisition 🥋 What keeps him motivated after years of training Along the way, we explore the similarities between dance and martial arts, the importance of developing body awareness, and how different training experiences can shape the way we move, learn, and teach. Whether you're a martial artist, coach, dancer, athlete, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode offers an insightful look into the journey of a lifelong student of movement. Because every black belt has a story. This is Xander's.

As martial artists, we spend years focused on improving. Getting stronger, faster, tougher, and more skilled. But eventually, every practitioner faces the same reality: We are all getting older. In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron discuss longevity in martial arts, how our approach to training changes with age, and the balance between pursuing excellence while preserving our bodies for the decades ahead. We explore: 🥋 How our views on training have changed as we've gotten older 🥋 The difference between training hard and training intelligently 🥋 Managing injuries, recovery, and accumulated wear and tear 🥋 Why longevity should be a goal for every martial artist 🥋 The risks we willingly accept when we step onto the mats 🥋 Balancing competition, ambition, family, and health 🥋 The importance of maintaining strength, mobility, and fitness for life 🥋 How martial arts can continue to enrich our lives well into old age The conversation also turns toward something every person must eventually confront: mortality. We discuss what it means to grow older, why our time is ultimately limited, and how that reality can become a source of motivation rather than fear. Rather than dwelling on what we might lose, we explore how martial arts teaches us to appreciate the time we have, invest in meaningful relationships, and make the most of every chapter of life. Because the goal isn't simply to live longer. It's to live well. To continue learning, training, teaching, and growing for as long as possible. And when the time comes, to look back knowing we truly made the most of the years we were given.

Competition can reveal a side of ourselves that everyday training often hides. You know the techniques. You've drilled the combinations. You've put in the rounds. But when the match starts, something happens. You hesitate. You freeze. You don't pull the trigger. In this episode of The Eagle's Nest, Alex and Cameron discuss one of the most common challenges faced by martial artists at every level: overcoming fear and committing to action under pressure. We explore: 🥋 Why fear shows up in competition 🥋 The difference between fear of losing and fear of failure 🥋 Why many athletes become spectators in their own matches 🥋 The dangers of overthinking and waiting for the perfect opportunity 🥋 How confidence is built through preparation and experience 🥋 Trusting your training when the pressure is on 🥋 The mindset shifts that help competitors become more aggressive and decisive 🥋 Practical strategies to help you perform closer to your true ability Drawing from our own experiences in martial arts competition, coaching, and training, we discuss how competitors can move from hesitation to action and learn to embrace the uncertainty that comes with stepping onto the mat. Because victory doesn't always belong to the most talented athlete. Often, it belongs to the person willing to commit, take risks, and pull the trigger. 🎙 Listen now on Spotify or Apple or watch on YouTube.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we dive into the clash between old school and new school martial arts training. We break down what made the old school era special. The discipline, toughness, respect, hard sparring, and the deep sense of tradition that shaped generations of martial artists. But we also discuss the darker side of the “old school” mindset, including outdated training methods, toxic coaching, unnecessary injuries, and why some practices simply don’t belong in modern martial arts anymore. Then we shift to the new school approach. The rise of sports science, smarter coaching, better recovery, pressure testing, and more technical training systems. We also talk about where modern martial arts can sometimes go wrong, including watered-down standards, over-analysis, lack of toughness, and losing the spirit that made martial arts meaningful in the first place. This episode is all about finding the balance between preserving the best traditions of martial arts while continuing to evolve and improve as athletes, coaches, and students. Whether you come from a traditional background, a combat sports background, or you’re just starting your journey, this is a conversation every martial artist can relate to. 🥋 Old school grit vs modern evolution. 🥊 Tradition vs performance. 🦅 Welcome back to The Eagle’s Nest.

This week on The Eagle’s Nest, Cameron is sidelined by illness, so Alex is joined by special guest Vishnu who is an accomplished martial artist with a unique perspective on training, competition, and the journey to black belt. Vishnu holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in ITF Taekwondo, has competed at the highest levels of the sport, is an experienced kickboxer, and is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt. In this episode, we dive deep into his martial arts journey from the very beginning through to competing on the world stage. We discuss: 🥋 Vishnu's martial arts "Batman Origin Story" 🥋 What first drew him to martial arts 🥋 The challenges and rewards of long-term training 🥋 What it was like competing against the best in the world 🥋 The lessons learned through success and failure 🥋 How different martial arts influenced his development 🥋 Why earning a black belt is only the beginning 🥋 What a black belt actually represents in the modern martial arts world Along the way, we explore the misconceptions surrounding rank, why some people chase belts while others chase mastery, and the qualities that separate true martial artists from those simply collecting credentials. Whether you're a beginner dreaming of your first black belt or a seasoned practitioner reflecting on your own journey, this episode offers valuable insights into what it really means to dedicate yourself to the martial arts path.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron break down some of the greatest fighters to ever step into the ring, cage, or dojo. From devastating knockouts to legendary performances and warrior mindsets, we discuss the fighters who inspired us the most and helped shape our understanding of martial arts. We talk about icons including: 🥊 Andy Hug 🥋 Fedor Emelianenko 🔥 Kazushi Sakuraba 🦁 Rickson Gracie …and many more. We discuss: ⚔️ What made these fighters special ⚔️ Why skill alone isn’t enough at the highest level ⚔️ The mindset and aura of true martial artists ⚔️ Technical brilliance vs fighting spirit ⚔️ How different eras shaped combat sports ⚔️ Which fighters had the biggest influence on our own martial arts journeys This episode is a celebration of the warriors, pioneers, and legends who continue to inspire martial artists around the world. Because long after the belts and trophies fade…the legends remain.

Starting martial arts can be exciting but it’s also easy to waste time, build bad habits, and slow your own progress without even realising it. In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron break down the most common mistakes beginners make in martial arts and more importantly, how to avoid them. We discuss: 🥋 Trying to learn everything at once 🥋 Chasing flashy techniques instead of mastering fundamentals 🥋 Training with ego instead of curiosity 🥋 The mistake of avoiding pressure testing 🥋 Why consistency beats intensity 🥋 How to actually become a good training partner and student 🥋 The importance of patience, discipline, and long-term thinking Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to training after years away, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you improve faster, train smarter, and enjoy the journey more. Because the students who progress the furthest usually aren’t the most talented. They’re the ones who avoid the biggest mistakes.

This episode marks the start of The White Collar Project a focused mission to compete and build a complete game based on one of the greatest to ever do it: Roger Gracie. In this episode, Alex and Cameron break down Roger’s approach to Jiu-Jitsu and what makes his game so effective at every level from fundamentals to world championship dominance. But this isn’t about trying to become Roger. It’s about understanding why his game works and what it actually takes to build something similar under real-world conditions. We cover: 🥋 The core principles behind Roger Gracie’s game 🥋 Why simplicity, pressure, and fundamentals still dominate 🥋 The reality check; why Cameron will never be Roger (and why that’s a good thing) 🥋 How to take inspiration without falling into imitation 🥋 What it actually takes to prepare for competition 🥋 Building a structured, repeatable game plan under pressure This episode sets the foundation for the journey ahead combining strategy, discipline, and honest self-assessment to prepare for competition the right way. Whether you’re competing or just looking to sharpen your game, this is about training with intent, building a system, and executing when it counts.

What if you could hit the reset button on your martial arts journey? In this special Men In Black-inspired episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron imagine starting from scratch with all the lessons, mistakes, and experience they’ve gained over years of training. If we had to begin again today, what would we focus on? What would we avoid? And what actually matters most when building real skill? In this episode, we break down: 🥋 The most important fundamentals we’d prioritise from day one 🥋 The biggest mistakes beginners make (and how to avoid them) 🥋 How to choose the right martial arts school and training environment 🥋 Why consistency matters more than chasing flashy techniques 🥋 The balance between traditional martial arts, pressure testing, and modern training methods 🥋 What builds real confidence, skill, and longevity in martial arts Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been training for years, this episode will help you train smarter, avoid wasted time, and focus on what actually works. Because sometimes the best way forward…is knowing what you’d do differently if you started again. 🎙 Stream now or watch on YouTube.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron tackle a question that comes up time and time again: 👉 Are traditional martial arts still relevant today? With the rise of MMA and modern combat sports, traditional systems are often dismissed as outdated—but is that actually true? We break down: 🥋 What people get wrong about traditional martial arts 🥋 The difference between training for tradition vs training for effectiveness 🥋 Why pressure testing is the key to making any martial art functional 🥋 How traditional systems can still be highly effective when trained properly 🥋 The balance between respecting tradition and evolving your training This episode isn’t about choosing sides, it’s about understanding that it’s not the style, it’s how you train it. Whether you come from a traditional background or a combat sports environment, this conversation will challenge your perspective and give you practical insights into how to train smarter.

🎙 Episode 18: Overcoming Injuries In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron dive into one of the most frustrating but inevitable parts of training: injuries. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, injuries are part of the journey. The difference is how you respond, adapt, and come back stronger. We break down: 🥋 The mindset required to deal with injuries without losing momentum 🥋 How to stay disciplined when you can’t train at full capacity 🥋 The balance between pushing through vs knowing when to rest 🥋 Practical ways to modify training and keep progressing 🥋 Lessons learned from our own injuries and recoveries This episode isn’t just about rehab it’s about resilience, patience, and long-term thinking in martial arts and life. If you’ve ever been sidelined, frustrated, or questioning your progress, this conversation will help you reframe your approach and get back on track.

In Part 2 of our Martial Arts Movie Legends series, we continue the breakdown of some of the most iconic American martial artists to ever hit the screen. In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron dive into the next generation of legends, those who brought a mix of athleticism, realism, and cinematic presence to martial arts films. We cover: 🥋 Wesley Snipes – speed, precision, and screen dominance 🥋 Dolph Lundgren – raw power, presence, and Rocky IV legacy 🥋 Mark Dacascos – fluidity, creativity, and true martial arts expression 🥋 Chuck Norris (again) – why he still belongs in every conversation We go deeper into: • The evolution of martial arts in film • Who had legitimate fighting ability vs pure acting • What separates a martial artist from a movie star • The impact these athletes had on modern martial arts culture This episode builds on Part 1 and continues the conversation around what makes a true martial arts icon on and off the screen. 👉 If you haven’t listened to Part 1, go back and check it out first. 🎙 Listen now on Spotify and Apple or watch on YouTube.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron dive into the world of American martial arts movie legends the fighters who inspired generations through film, presence, and real-world skill. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, where we break down some of our favourite martial artists and discuss what made them stand out not just on screen, but as martial artists. We cover: 🥋 Chuck Norris – the original American martial arts icon 🥋 Jean-Claude Van Damme – flexibility, athleticism, and star power 🥋 Michael Jai White – legit skill and modern martial arts credibility 🥋 Scott Adkins – one of the most complete modern action fighters 🥋 And more… We go beyond just the movies and discuss: • Who actually had real martial arts ability • Who influenced us growing up • The difference between movie fighting vs real fighting skill • How these athletes shaped martial arts culture globally This episode is all about respecting the legends while breaking down the reality behind the hype. 🎬 Whether you grew up watching these guys or are just getting into martial arts, this is a fun and insightful deep dive into the icons of the industry. 👉 Part 2 drops next week, where we continue the conversation and dive even deeper.

In this special episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron sit down with Hapkido 8th Dan Master Greg Walters, one of the most experienced and respected Hapkido practitioners in Australia. With decades of training and teaching experience, Master Walters has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of traditional Hapkido. As an 8th Degree Black Belt, he represents the highest levels of mastery in the art and has played a key role in developing students, instructors, and martial arts programs across the country. Master Walters also serves in a leadership role within the Global Hapkido Association (GHA), helping guide the growth of the organisation and maintain the technical and philosophical standards of authentic Hapkido practice. In this episode we discuss: Old school taekwondo training with Master Jack Rozinsky Master Walters’ martial arts journey and how he first discovered Hapkido What it takes to train for decades and reach 8th Dan The evolution of Hapkido and how it is taught today The importance of tradition, discipline, and martial arts culture Advice for students who want to train seriously and improve their martial arts This episode offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from a high-ranking Hapkido master whose experience spans generations of martial arts practice. Whether you’re a martial artist, instructor, or simply curious about traditional martial arts, this conversation is packed with insight, wisdom, and lessons learned from a lifetime on the mats.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we talk about one of the most important but overlooked parts of martial arts training: being a good student. Progress in martial arts isn’t just about how often you train. It’s about how you show up. We discuss the mindset that allows students to get the most out of every session, why intention matters in training, and the habits that separate students who improve quickly from those who stay stuck. From listening and asking questions, to taking responsibility for your own development, this episode is about approaching training with purpose. Because the best martial artists aren’t just good fighters, they’re great students.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we talk about something that underpins everything in martial arts and life; standards. Your results are a reflection of the standards you set and the ones you tolerate. In this conversation, we explore how personal responsibility, discipline, accountability and intention shape your progress both on and off the mat. We discuss the importance of setting clear expectations for yourself, your training, and your environment. From showing up consistently, to maintaining technical and behavioural standards in the dojo, to building structure in everyday life this episode is about ownership. Because ultimately, nobody else is responsible for your growth. If you want to improve your martial arts, your mindset, and your life, it starts with the standards you live by.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in martial arts, strength. Too often, people frame the conversation as strength vs technique. But in reality, the best martial artists don’t choose one or the other. They develop both. Strength isn’t the enemy of skill. It’s a force multiplier. We discuss why strength matters for longevity, injury prevention, and real-world effectiveness. We also talk about the role of physical preparation in building confidence, resilience, and mental toughness both on and off the mat. Whether you’re a beginner, competitor, or experienced martial artist, this episode will challenge how you think about training and help you see strength as a key part of your martial arts journey.

This episode is a serious one. We talk about real situations involving friends and students who were attacked, and what those experiences reveal about the gap between training in a dojo and dealing with real-world violence. We break down: The difference between martial arts and true self defence Why pressure testing matters What “realistic training” actually means Key self defence principles that apply outside the gym The role of awareness, mindset, and decision-making Self defence isn’t about flashy techniques. It’s about preparation, clarity, and understanding what violence actually looks like. If you train, coach, or care about keeping yourself and your family safe, this is an important conversation. 🦅 Welcome back to the Nest.

Hapkido. What It Is, How It Works, & Why It Matters   In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we dive deep into Hapkido the art, the principles, and what makes it different from other martial arts.   We talk about: What Hapkido actually is (and what it isn’t) Core principles like balance, control, and adaptability How Hapkido fits alongside other martial arts Why it remains relevant for self-defence and real-world application How training evolves over time as your understanding deepens Whether you train Hapkido, are cross-training from another art, or are just curious about its place in modern martial arts, this episode gives honest insight from lived experience.   🦅 Welcome back to the Nest.

Everyone talks about goals. Way fewer people actually follow through. In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we dive into goal setting in the real world not hype, not motivational quotes, but the mindset and habits that help you stay on track when motivation fades. We talk about: Why most people quit early The difference between wanting a goal and committing to one How training in martial arts shapes discipline Balancing ambition with real life responsibilities Small habits that make long-term progress possible Whether your goals are in training, work, health, or life this episode is about building the kind of consistency that actually moves the needle. 🦅 Welcome back to the Nest.

Episode 8: Scott Walters (Hapkido 6th Dan) In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we’re joined by Scott Walters (Hapkido 6th Dan) for a deep dive into his martial arts journey and the early history of Hapkido in Melbourne. Scott takes us back to his early years training Taekwondo, his move from Tasmania to Melbourne, and the experiences that shaped his path including studying in Korea. We also talk about the early days of teaching Hapkido in Melbourne, training through injuries and the birth of Eagle Martial Arts out of the old Scout Hall in Glen Waverley. A great episode for anyone who loves martial arts stories, lineage, and the roots of the communities we train in today.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we talk competition, why we do it, what it teaches you, and what it’s really like stepping onto the mats when it counts. Cameron shares his limited but meaningful BJJ competition experience and what it’s taught him so far, while Alex breaks down his much longer competition history  from his early days as a colour belt through to competing as a black belt. We also touch on Alex’s earlier Hapkido demonstration competitions and what those experiences added to his martial arts journey. If you’ve ever competed, are thinking about competing, or just want an honest look into the mindset and realities of it, this episode is for you. Hapkido Demo Videos (worth the entry price alone): https://youtu.be/zETbYwPSx8c?si=R5_4szEFUFK0GMu5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1NhPdnQK0Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3eWcHGZmJw

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we sit down and talk about food how we think about it, how our approach has changed over time, and why it plays such a big role in training, performance, and everyday life. We touch on general ideas around calorie targets, macros, and balance, but mostly this is a relaxed conversation about habits, routines, and the realities of eating well while still enjoying food. It’s not a nutrition lecture just honest discussion shaped by experience. If you know… you know.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we take a break from serious talk and dive into something that shaped us long before belts and dojos — martial arts movies. We talk about the films that got us hooked, the scenes we still remember frame by frame, and why martial arts cinema played such a big role in how we viewed training, discipline, and movement. Along the way, we spend a fair bit of time celebrating our shared love of Jackie Chan — his creativity, work ethic, and the influence he’s had on generations of martial artists. Eventually, we narrow it all down and settle on our Top 5 martial arts movies, with plenty of debate along the way. If you grew up rewinding VHS tapes, practicing kicks in the lounge room, or still judge movies by their fight choreography — this one’s for you.

Our very 1st Guest Thiago Stefanutti, Is Alex Tse's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) coach, mentor and the head of the ONYA Brazilian Jiu-Jistu association. Thiago holds a four degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. His students have won multiple World Championship titles and under his instruction, leading the first Australian team to ever win a IBJJF World Championships team trophy, the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition in the world. His current focus is training world class BJJ practitioners as well as sharing his knowledge through is teachings to the wider BJJ community. Thiago was born and grew up in São Paulo-Brasil. According to Thiago, São Paulo was not a very safe city when he was growing up so learning martial arts a natural way to learn how to defend himself. Thiago moved to Melbourne when he was offered a position to teach, the club that hired him helped him relocate to Melbourne where he trained for almost 10 years. He now lives in Brazil where he continues teaching to this day. Thiago visits Australia often to reenforce his teachings for ONYA's Australian branch, and to hold seminars and gradings.

How do you know if a martial arts school is actually good or just good at marketing? In this episode of The Eagles Nest, we break down what really matters when choosing a martial arts school. We cut through the belts, banners, and bulls**t to talk honestly about instructor quality, school culture, training environment, and long-term development. We discuss: What a good martial arts school should have (and what it doesn’t need) The pros and cons of different school structures and teaching styles Common red flags that signal poor instruction, unsafe training, or ego-driven leadership What a healthy, high-standard culture actually looks like on the mat Why the instructor matters more than the style How to choose a school that builds skill, character, and longevity, not just belts Whether you’re a beginner choosing your first dojo or an experienced martial artist reassessing where you train, this episode gives you a clear framework for making the right call and avoiding costly mistakes. Train smart. Choose wisely. Your future on the mat depends on it. Show Links: Jackie Chan Tower Fall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guh4J7ATGoc Jackie Chan Fan Catch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOS51qpUoCc Jackie Chan Chopstick Trick - https://youtu.be/F3Z2MmdVaDE?si=ejlQ9t6Jo-QWT3lM&t=1756  

Episode 1: Batman Origin Story Every hero has an origin story even if ours involve less Gotham City and more bruised shins. In our first episode, we dive into how we met, how martial arts pulled us in, and the training paths that shaped us into who we are today. From childhood inspirations and questionable early techniques to the teachers, dojos, and turning points that made martial arts a lifelong obsession, this is where The Eagle’s Nest truly begins. If you’ve ever wondered why your hosts chose a life of kicks, chokes, and chaos… here’s the whole story. Topics in this episode: How Alex and Cameron first crossed paths Our earliest martial arts memories The teachers who shaped us (for better or worse) Training progression: white belt to where we are now Why martial arts is still the centre of our lives What you can expect from future episodes Welcome to the Nest. 🦅