Episode 22: Rick Hotton Sensei

Описание: Sensei Rick Hotton is a lifelong martial artist, teacher, and founder of Sunday Morning Keiko, a global community rooted in the search for simplicity, mindfulness, and mastery through movement. Known for his poetic approach to karate, Rick blends over 50+ years of training with a deep respect for internal exploration and stillness, both on and off the mat.

In this episode, we dive into Rick’s journey: from the karate scene of the 1970s to the evolution of his teaching style and movement philosophy. We explore how Aikido, faith, and time have shaped his Shotokan expression, and how he continues to inspire martial artists around the world through his writing, seminars, and his West Wind Online Dojo.

This conversation isn’t just about karate, it’s about being human, being present, and seeking the “why” behind every motion.

Note: Near the end of this episode, Sensei Rick Hotton kindly mentioned his private guest quarters in Florida. This was a personal exchange during our conversation and not intended as a public offer or open invitation. Please respect his privacy and the spirit in which it was shared.

🌐 Join Rick’s Online Dojo
https://www.sundaymorningkeiko.org/we...

🎥 Support & Access Rick’s Instructional Video Library on Patreon
  / sundaymorningkeiko  

📺 Subscribe to Rick’s YouTube Channel
   / @shotokankaratesmk  

📷 Follow Rick on Instagram
  / sunday_morning_keiko  

📘 Follow Sunday Morning Keiko on Facebook
  / sundaymorningkeiko  

🥋 Follow West Wind Dojo on Facebook
  / westwinddojo  

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If this conversation resonated with you, please share it, not just with martial artists, but with anyone walking a purposeful path.

Time Stamps:

Growing up in Florida in the 70s 02:24
Getting started in Karate and what drew him in 02:45
First Karate Teacher 05:50
Movement influences and physicality 07:43
Steve Ubel Sensei 10:10
When did Karate stop being a hobby 11:26
Difference being practicing a martial art, and being a martial artist 12:54
The meeting and training with Mitsugi Saotome Sensei and the influence of Aikido on his Karate 12:12
The quality of movement, rather than the shape 20:20
The change in Karate over the decades, and the importance of the quality of movement 22:14
Sunday Morning Keiko and international seminars 25:02
Find your own karate 26:40
Politics in Karate and being a heretic 27:05
Personal way of training 29:15
What martial arts does for us 30:12
Saotome Sensei and genius 30:40
Americanization of Karate 31:30
Personalizing ones Karate and body awareness 33:06
Technique is about the right feeling 36:00
What is truly fundamental 37:29
The details between movement 38:27
How has karate changed as the body ages 39:39
What people walk away with from Sensei Rick’s classes and seminars. Meaning and connection. The warrior and priest archetype 43:27
The growing movement of bringing the practicality of Karate back 47:20
Two-person partner drills and work 50:38
If you could go back in time and whisper something into your white belt self’s ear… what would it be 53:05
What’s the most important lesson martial arts taught you outside the dojo 55:31
Was there ever a moment when you almost walked away from the martial path? What kept you going 53:35
When it’s all said and done what do you want your legacy to be, in and out of the dojo 58:31
Closing remarks 1:00:14

#TheMartialWay #RickHotton #Karate #Shotokan #SundayMorningKeiko #MindfulMovement #Budo #MartialArtsPodcast