The Invisible Sensei
Episodes
"When Kata nerds collide!"
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wildly different while being completely the same, what happens when people cant agree on the position of a hand, the foot that goes forward, the place...
"long walks off short piers."
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's an unwritten rule not to talk about grading, especially, when it's your own. But, if you have time, and you promise not to tell anyone else, I ...
Food Bank Budo
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode our host discusses the importance of remembering all those Men and Women out there teaching in little church halls or in backyards or ...
Plate spinning: "Progress vs perfection."
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do we approach the balancing act that is Martial Arts training? How do we avoid the inevitable which is the self critique that accompanies any end...
A tale of two Sensei
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiration is an important aspect of training, as is discipline and repetition of fundamentals etc. Our host shares some of his personal sources o...
KFC Dojo Freedom!
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you are between Dojo? Or the Dojo closes? or your in a place that doesn't have one? How do we survive on the rough seas of not havin...
Lone Wolves & Alpha Male BS
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alpha Dogs, Unstoppable mindsets, and being the deadliest man in the room! Stoic Viking Warriors and ancient Japanese sword saints combined with the ...
Zatoichi: Blind swordsmen
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Zatoichi formed a large part of our host's viewing experience in his formative years, a swashbuckling sword wielding free for all but with heart and p...
So, an Aussie, a Kiwi and a Māori walk into a Dojo…
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Coots, Karateka, traveller and so much more gives his thoughts on the incredible experience of Okinawa, culture,cuisine,history and this thi...
"Return to Okinawa"
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the treasures we find on the fabled islands of Ryukyu have more value to the world when we use them everywhere else? The positivity and unity...
The "Invincible" Sensei
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Returning from Okinawa, the realisation that maybe legacy isn't what I thought it was, and invincibility is an illusion that stops evolution and offer...
The Real fight
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Practicing Karate to defend Karate? How do we identify the real opponent when we see them? Thanks for checking out this new episode, we hope you wil...
“Bigger, younger, smaller, older.”
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we mature the focus of our technique shifts through a number of phases, beginning with the “do I look cool doing this ?” stage and progressing...
Dojo time machine
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“If I knew then, what I know now.” It’s a common thought, musing on what we would do if we had the chance, the means, the opportunity to go...
“Okinawa Experience” with Sal Belahi Sensei: part 2 of 2
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2of 2: * Cover Image of Shinzato Katsuhiko Sensei and Sal Sensei kindly provided by Nick Tom Sensei. Sal Belahi Sensei, has decades of trainin...
“The Okinawa experience.” Sal Belahi Sensei part 1 of 2
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 of 2: Sal Belahi Sensei, has decades of training in Karate and Kobudo as well as deep love of a range of physical disciplines, he takes time ...
“A Native affair.” Chief of War
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chief of War, not just a TV show but a opportunity to look at an indigenous warrior culture and narrative, and learn a little of the noble Kama Aina🤙...
“The Imperial gaze” Dan Antonsen Sensei: part 3 of 3
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Images are the soul property of Mr. Chris Wilson, and used with his kind permission, to see more of his excellent work: travel67.com Dan Antonsen Se...
“The importance of being earnest” Dan Antonsen Sensei part 2 of 3
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I do not own he cover photo it was used with the kind permission of Mr. Chris Wilson to contact him directly: travel67.com In part 2 of 3, Anotonsen...
Dan Antonsen Sensei: part 1 “Staying the course.”
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thumbnail photo used with the kind permission of Me.Chris Wilson, to see more of his wonderful work, including an excellent interview with Dan S...
Choosing Home
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What we look for in life and what we look for in the Arts we follow can intersect in some crazy ways. For some it’s a mountain to be conquered, or ...
“Māori Weaponry” shame game
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Māori Weaponry traditions, why it matters to me. https://linktr.ee/Invisen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“2sticks & a string kindness”
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s always easier to complain about the obvious things that are clearly the “ills” of our community, but today we speak about the power of s...
"The perfect Specimen"
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Perfection, have we ever been closer to it then through the eyes of retrospective thinking? When in life do the stars align, when we are the maximum s...
“Seiza Shame”
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shame, it’s a powerful emotion, and if given the steering wheel, can take us to all sorts of places and conclusions about ourselves. Often in the a...
“Clone Wars” Les Bubka Sensei part 2
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Clone Wars” Les Bubka part: 2 in this episode Bubka Sensei gives his thoughts on the sometimes toxic nature of the Martial Art’s community, hi...
"Makiwara Mechanic" time for a change
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kia Ora my Friends, I hope this finds you well, I am going to ask for your time and indulgence, no tricks no editing, just pushed the record button an...
"Mental Wealth" Les Bubka Sensei part: 1
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Les Bubka Sensei, is a UK-based karate instructor, author, and mental health advocate originally from Poland. He is known for his inclusive, learner-c...
"Real Opponent"
24 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who is this Ninja/Special forces/movie Psycho/immortal/ killing machine opponent who lurks in the shadows waiting for me to drop my guard so they can ...
Morning Session: Doing your thing, your way.
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here is a link to a clip of my morning session, as I work through Sciatica and pulled muscles, not going to set the world alight but none the less my ...
"Embu-Sense" Ulf Karlsson Sensei Part: 2 of 2
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ulf Karlson Sensei of Kishiomoto Di, a pragmatic proponent of Bunkai and the merits of diving deep into your chosen art. He travels to Okinawa regular...
"Kata Conflab" Ulf Karlsson Sensei -part 1 of 2
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ulf Karlson Sensei of Kishiomoto Di, a pragmatic proponent of Bunkai and the merits of diving deep into your chosen art. He travels to Okinawa regular...
Rorschach Bunkai Guy
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The inkblot test, overlaying your own perception onto a given form, some call it paradolia, our host apparently calls it Bunkai! We look at differing...
With great power.....
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We talk the illusions of invincibility that those without training can assume about those that do, we also delve into the different cliques both withi...
Sensei vs Organisation: a divorce story
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Politics in the Martial arts is a given, but why does it feel like an ugly divorce when "Mummy" and "Daddy" decide to call it quits? Why do words like...
"Hardwork trumps natural talent!" Kristian Mahinay part 3 of 3
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kristian Mahinay is one of those Martial Artist's who approaches his study from the perspective of a lifestyle, he has some excellent and motivational...
"look deeper, travel further" Kristian Mahinay part: 2 of 3
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kristian Mahinay is one of those Martial Artist's who approaches his study from the perspective of a lifestyle, he has some excellent and motivational...
"The 3 battles, battle!" Kristian Mahinay part 1 of 3
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kristian Mahinay is one of those Martial Artist's who approaches his study from the perspective of a lifestyle, he has some excellent and motivational...
Spitfire Controversy
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do drawings of WW2 aircraft, a dinner with a Friend, and childhood rivalries have to do with Martial Arts intellectual property, and the cult men...
“Freedom & opportunity.”
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shihan Yoko Okamoto, was interviewed some years ago on the Aikido Brasil YouTube page the link to which is below: https://youtu.be/urt2JYHArmc?si=txjd...
How many Kata, is just too many?
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is based 100% based on an excellent discussion on Sensei LesBubka’s “Anxious Blackbelt” podcast, the link of which is below. Their ...
Silverfox remedies
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! 2025! Silverfox remedies, a reflection on the age old flaming foot gout technique, and why its ok to start again! Thanks for checkin...
Requiem for a Dojo
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For some having a Dojo and students is the literal and most worthy goal. So in this one we will talk about why closing my Dojo was both a difficult th...
Ghost
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do we live up to long dead masters? How do we seperate Myth from reality, how accurate can we be? Is it even worth trying? Maybe not all Sensei ar...
Culture War, Karate Battle
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How does studying an art from another culture impact upon my ability to live my own? Why do i do it? Should I do it at all? Am i a culture vulture? O...
Perfect student/Perfect Sensei..right? Ep: 296
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The unicorn, the loch ness monster, a politician who cares, are all mythical creatures. Our version of this is finding the perfect student an illusive...
"Fuel for the journey"
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Their are many special moments in Martial Arts and almost none of them have anything to do with the colour of your belt or the attainment of trophies ...
"Makiwara Headstone" Legacy thoughts
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We often focus on the idea that we must pass on a legacy and int that vein try to find the student/s who will receive all the teachings we may have sp...
Angry Nun & death touch
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Angry Nuns, death touch, Karate and so much more in this episode! Listen to it and your life will be better! Thanks for checking out our podcast, we ...
Hanshi Patrick McCarthy part 3 of 3 "don't drink the coolaid"
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In part 3 of 3, Hanshi McCarthy gives his toughts on the intersection of academia and research, his experiences at Shaolin, competitive & combative Ka...
Hanshi Patrick McCarthy - part 2 of 3. "Occams Razor."
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cover Photo of McCarthy Hanshi used by kind permission of Mr.Chris Wilson. To watch: https://youtu.be/C1Uyey_tY7U Part 2 of 3: We continue our con...
"Pathfinders Way" Hanshi Patrick McCarthy part 1 of 3
24 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To watch this interview: https://youtu.be/H53ex2WW7jo?si=h4OHk9xey5i6850i Hanshi Patrick McCarthy? Where to begin? This is part 1 of an incredible j...
10 Speed Sensei
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
People sight Bruce Lee as there introduction to martial arts, not everyone but quite a few. I would have put myself in that category as well, but the...
Shai Hai Sensei: "Karate as a life tool." part 3 of 3
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To learn more about our podcast: https://linktr.ee/Invisen Shai Hai Sensei has had the kind of Karate journey that would make an incredible movie. ...
Shai Hai Sensei: "Walking the continuing path." part 2 of 3
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shai Hai Sensei has had the kind of Karate journey that would make an incredible movie. From growing up in survival mode and making life and death c...
Shai Hai Sensei: "At the Dojo door." part 1 of 3
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To view this interview: https://youtu.be/A2nm3KUg4WQ Shai Hai Sensei has had the kind of Karate journey that would make an incredible movie. Fro...
Andy Rodriguez Sensei: “Okinawa and beyond” part 3 of 3
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by Andy Rodriguez Sensei for a chat that covers an incredibly broad range of experience. Which includes, American Kenpo, Jodo, Aikido an...
Andy Rodriguez Sensei "Great Sensei, good people." part 2 of 3
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by Andy Rodriguez Sensei for a chat that covers an incredibly broad range of experience. Which includes, American Kenpo, Jodo, Aikido a...
Andy Rodriguez Sensei "Uncovering the path." Part 1 of 3
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by Andy Rodriguez Sensei for a chat that covers an incredibly broad range of experience. Which includes, American Kenpo, Jodo, Aikido a...
Podcasting: a full contact experience
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Its not just about pushing record, doing a podcast in a landscape as political as the Martial Arts world, can be a bruising and at times difficult exp...
Competitive Karate Kids?
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I may look at martial Arts as a lifestyle and a way of learning more about myself, and not competition orientated, which is great for me, but does tha...
The way of AGOB
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why its good every now and then and look back at the road we have walked to this point (warts and all) to better walk the one in front of us. For an ...
"A mighty tree falls"
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cover art from an original photo by Mr.Chris Wilson I was lucky enough to meet with Yagi Isao Kancho Kancho of Motoburyu, a master of many arts and w...
Baking good Bunkai
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do we shape the perfect Bunkai? What is a "perfect" Bunkai? If I'm the only one who can do it how perfect can it be? And finally when does the stu...
"Kizuna" James Pankiewicz Sensei
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kia Ora all James Sensei is on his way down under in Oct and is having a 2 day seminar here in Wellington, all styles welcome! We will post details o...
Sensei worth the title
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Not all Sensei wear Gi or practice the Martial Arts, not everyone who DOES wear Gi and practice the Martial Arts are worthy of the title. Who do we in...
Teaching style, or styling teacher?
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The art of being a teacher, and its many ongoing phases, which one are you? Thanks for checking out this new episode, we hope you will take time...
“Performance anxiety” its not what you think😉
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being asked to demonstrate your Kata, is sometimes like asking a personal question, its never what we think. Thanks for checking out this new episode,...
Cliff hanger Martial Arts
30 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks for checking out this new episode, we hope you will take time to checkout our almost 200 other podcast episodes, which include interviews with ...
Miles Davis Karate
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"It took me years to play like myself" Miles Davis What does this moment of wisdom hold for us as Martial Artists? When do we get to practise like ou...
"Daddy's approval?"
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When the one thing we never find is the one thing we keep looking for, from people in white PJ's who wear blackbelts, food for thought! Martial Calli...
Shrub Sensei
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiration is everywhere🥋🙂 https://linktr.ee/Invisen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Ask for what your worth"
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Humility is one thing, being to abashed to state your worth and being taken advantage of is another, know what your worth. Martial Calligrapher: ...
Bunkai Paradolia
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes its a real word, its when we see things that may not actually be there, yes like bunny rabbits in clouds, or politicians with humanity. https://l...
The secret that's not a secret
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kia ora, today I'm reflecting on my time on Okinawa, and why we need to sign up for the personal approach. You can reach us on instagram: https://ww...
Okinawa: A symphony of experience
17 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A little gushing is good for the Spirit, here i talk about the land of the “Uminchu” 🥋😌🙏🏽 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
Habushu Karate
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Getting what we need not what we want🥋 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pebbles from mountains
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is it we bring? What is it we take? What is it we leave behind? And where do we want to manifest the things we learn? https://linktr.ee/Invisen L...
Naha, Karate Kid & Grandmothers love
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The road to Naha, and the one person who opened the possibility that all things are possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
Honey's Wisdom
29 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For my Daughter Honey, wiser than I was when I was her age, maybe even at my current age as well? Some thoughts on what you have taught me, love you a...
Mr.Judge Golden God
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to explain anything to someone who knows it all! When opinion's become reality, especially about other peoples pursuit of the same quarry! ...
Dan Bernardo part 3 of 3 "this is the way"
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
https://linktr.ee/Invisen Dan shares his thoughts on the different types of practitioners, and why Jedi values might be worth striving for. Dan Bernar...
Dan Bernardo: Part 2 of 3 “This is the way.”
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dan continues his conversation and talks about why Martial Arts can relate to everything. Get 10% off on Calligrap...
Dan Bernardo part 1 of 3: "This is the way"
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Here's an intimidating level of skill and commitment, Dan Bernardo, 5th Dan in "Dangsudo" (Tangsoodo, Karatedo, 唐手道) specializing in Hwang Kee's...
I lost my sh#*t
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anger in, self loathing OUT! https://linktr.ee/Invisen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Hoff and other Hassel’s
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We grow, as we do our perspectives change. What has David Hasselhoff, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister got in common…with…you know….Martial arts??😁...
The Winter Cull
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why our students can remind us that it can’t rain all the time. : ). Please use the following zoom link to join us on the day and i...
Top Gun Karate Wisdom
22 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What kind of a teacher do you want? What kind of teacher do you want to be? And what do Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer have to teach us about it? https://...
Sheep, Shepards & Warriors
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes your best teachers are nearer than you think and wiser than you know. "Moe mai Matua" https://linktr.ee/Invisen5 Learn more about y...
The Humility trap
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Humility is a word we hear a lot in the martial Arts, but often times is rarely seen? So what's the difference between being humble and having humilit...
"The Art of being Martial" part 3 of 3 Jenifer Thompson Sensei, AKA The Martial Arts Muse
03 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In part 3 of 3 Thompson Sensei talks how in Martial Arts everything is everything, her thoughts on Kata and how she approaches her personal practice a...
"The pragmatic artist Martial" The Martial Arts Muse: Part 2
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In part 2 of 3 Thompson Sensei talks about her personal approach to supplemental training, and her unique approach to how she views and prepares for a...
“The Martial Arts Muse” Jennifer Thomson Sensei part 1 of 3
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To watch this interview: https://youtu.be/FU6J6nzGO1c Part 1 of 3: Jennifer Thompson Sensei is a great example of the Multi Discip...
"Sanctuary" NETFLIX TV Sumo Series deep dive
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do get when you take Sumo, drama, humour and culture in one TV series you get NETFLIX TV show " Sanctuary". The amazing Michael Hagen Sensei co-...
"The real Invisible Sensei"
13 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Much more than a catchy title. https://linktr.ee/Invisen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fare Thee well Sensei
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fumio Demura Sensei, to his Family and many students and friends so much more than a Karateka. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
On the training train
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The art of remembering why we started, and still finding the sheer excitement and joy of it. https://linktr.ee/Invisen Learn more about your ad choi...
The Photocopied Martial Artist
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a photocopy of a photo copy of a photocopy of a Martial Artist? please feel free to support the podcast by checking out our other content and...
"Trained by, trained with?" not the same thing
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is a difference between training with and being trained by, there is something to be said for keeping those distinctions clear, also what does o...
“Bye Bye Bruce.”
25 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all need to find our own Bruce Lee, as long as we see the moon and not the finger. https://linktr.ee...