Finding Budo

About Finding Budo

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.

Publisher

Bill Leith

Category

health & fitness · leisure · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Apr 2025

Latest episode

19 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

23 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Jul 2026

   A Conversation with the Next Karate Generation of Uechi-Ryu Karate Sensei | Finding Budo Podcast

   Welcome to Finding Budo. Today I have the unique experience of sitting down with five young, talented martial artist who all share a common karate background - they all have parents who teach the martial arts and now themselves teach Uechi-Ryu Karate. Each have developed into excellent Uechi-Ryu karate practitioners and sensei in their own right and now either operate their own school or teach with their parents. I was incredibly impressed by the depth of knowledge and martial insight that they shared with each other and I know you will too. Please welcome Ty Rose of T. Rose Karate Holden, Henry and Bella Traynor of Buzz Durkin's Uechi Karate School, Lukas Pippos of Peter Pippos Karate Center, and Elijah Cunningham of Family Martial Arts of Pelham.

2. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Freddy Cicerchia - Uechi-Ryu Karate 9th Dan

   Welcome to Finding Budo. Today I am excited to share my recent interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 9th degree black belt, Freddy Cicerchia. Freddy is a senior student of Buzz Durkin, and has been training Uechi-Ryu Karate since his twenties. In our interview we talk about how the martial arts have kept him mentally focused and balanced while dealing with injury, helped him as a leader and manager, and his thoughts on the future of the martial arts. Freddy is not only a fantastic martial artist and Uechi-Ryu Karate student, he is also incredibly fit and physically tough. He is a wonderful example of how living the lifestyle of a martial artist and staying physically active will keep you positive and healthy as you age.

3. 

   24 Jan 2026

   Interview with Al Wharton - Uechi-Ryu Karate Grandmaster | Part 4

   I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.

Who has been a guest on Finding Budo

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dan Dovidio
• Shihan Gene Dunn
• David Kelley
• Bob Beal
• Dottie Endres

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

58

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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