Finding Budo

Finding Budo
Podcast Description
Join lifelong martial artist and seasoned karate instructor Bill Leith as he embarks on a journey to uncover the deeper meaning behind martial arts training. In Finding Budo, Sensei Leith sits down with renowned martial arts experts, instructors, and dedicated practitioners to explore the philosophy, discipline, and personal transformation that martial arts offers.
Each episode delves into the essence of Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo, Silat, Escrima, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Boxing, Wrestling, and other traditional and modern martial arts, uncovering the wisdom, challenges, and life lessons embedded in these practices. With decades of experience, Bill also shares his personal insights into Budo—the way of the warrior—offering valuable reflections on training, mindset, and the deeper spiritual aspects of martial arts.
Rooted in the philosophy of "Traditional Martial Arts for the Modern World," this podcast bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary practice. Whether you're a lifelong martial artist, a curious beginner, or someone seeking inspiration beyond the dojo, Finding Budo is your guide to unlocking the true meaning of martial arts. Tune in and join the conversation!
Sensei Bill Leith is a 6th Degree Black Belt (Renshi) in traditional Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate. He is certified as a Shihan, master instructor, under Buzz Durkin's Uechi-Ryu Butokukai.
Bill Leith began his martial arts training in 1995 at Buzz Durkin’s Uechi Karate School in Atkinson, NH. In 2004 he began assisting with instruction of classes, shortly after becoming a full instructor at the school.
With 20 years of teaching experience, Mr. Leith has taught thousands of students of all ages. Besides teaching his regular classes he has also taught a multitude of seminars regarding self-defense, fitness, and bully-awareness for local schools and businesses. Mr. Leith also has a vast knowledge of Okinawan Kobudo (weapons training) – having started his practice in 2002.
As a teacher, Sensei Leith wants to see his students improve physically and mentally through their karate practice – while having fun. He accomplishes this through a goal-oriented program designed to keep his students on track and focused. While the core of the Uechiryu Karate curriculum is the backbone of his program, he knows that people train in the martial arts for a variety of reasons – and so he adapts his teaching style and classes to meet the needs of his students.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various martial arts disciplines like Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo, and more, emphasizing the philosophical and spiritual aspects of training. Episodes might cover topics such as the life lessons learned through martial arts practice, the significance of Budo in modern society, and unique challenges faced by practitioners, exemplified by interviews with martial arts experts discussing their experiences and insights.

Join lifelong martial artist and seasoned karate instructor Bill Leith as he embarks on a journey to uncover the deeper meaning behind martial arts training. In Finding Budo, Sensei Leith sits down with renowned martial arts experts, instructors, and dedicated practitioners to explore the philosophy, discipline, and personal transformation that martial arts offers.
Each episode delves into the essence of Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo, Silat, Escrima, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Boxing, Wrestling, and other traditional and modern martial arts, uncovering the wisdom, challenges, and life lessons embedded in these practices. With decades of experience, Bill also shares his personal insights into Budo—the way of the warrior—offering valuable reflections on training, mindset, and the deeper spiritual aspects of martial arts.
Rooted in the philosophy of “Traditional Martial Arts for the Modern World,” this podcast bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary practice. Whether you’re a lifelong martial artist, a curious beginner, or someone seeking inspiration beyond the dojo, Finding Budo is your guide to unlocking the true meaning of martial arts. Tune in and join the conversation!
Sensei Bill Leith is a 6th Degree Black Belt (Renshi) in traditional Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate. He is certified as a Shihan, master instructor, under Buzz Durkin’s Uechi-Ryu Butokukai.
Bill Leith began his martial arts training in 1995 at Buzz Durkin’s Uechi Karate School in Atkinson, NH. In 2004 he began assisting with instruction of classes, shortly after becoming a full instructor at the school.
With 20 years of teaching experience, Mr. Leith has taught thousands of students of all ages. Besides teaching his regular classes he has also taught a multitude of seminars regarding self-defense, fitness, and bully-awareness for local schools and businesses. Mr. Leith also has a vast knowledge of Okinawan Kobudo (weapons training) – having started his practice in 2002.
As a teacher, Sensei Leith wants to see his students improve physically and mentally through their karate practice – while having fun. He accomplishes this through a goal-oriented program designed to keep his students on track and focused. While the core of the Uechiryu Karate curriculum is the backbone of his program, he knows that people train in the martial arts for a variety of reasons – and so he adapts his teaching style and classes to meet the needs of his students.

I had the honor to interview my sensei, Mr. Buzz Durkin of Buzz Durkin’s Uechi Karate School in Atkinson, NH. Sensei Durkin began his karate training in 1966 in Boston, MA under the tutelage of American karate pioneer George Mattson.
Mr. Durkin opened his dojo in 1974 and since then has trained thousands of students in the New England area. He is the founder of the Uechiryu Butokukai, a group of schools with a direct lineage to himself and his senior students.
He is a charter member of the Uechiryu Hall of Fame, and a member of the World Martial Arts Federation Hall of Fame. Mr. Durkin is a Vietnam combat veteran who received both his M.B.A. from Boston College.
Mr. Durkin is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and the author of the book Success is Waiting: The Martial Arts School Owner’s Guide to Teaching, Business, and Life. Let’s start our interview with Uechiryu Karate 10th Degree Black Belt, Buzz Durkin!
Learn more about Buzz Durkin: buzzdurkin.com
Order your copy of Mr. Durkin’s, Success is Waiting here:
https://www.amazon.com/Success-Waiting-Martial-Teaching-Business/dp/0996575804/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MAR6YD9N62DI&keywords=success+is+waiting&qid=1641841545&sprefix=success+is+waiting%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR UECHIRYU KARATE PROGRAM ► https://leithkarate.com.
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