About
"NSEYET (Insight)" is a traveling motorhome podcast that captures martial arts insights, born from a long-held vision of Ray Hughes—a dream over a decade in the making. With 50 years immersed in the world of martial arts, Ray Hughes has experienced nearly every facet of the discipline: competitor, devoted instructor, tournament official, dojo owner, and nonprofit leader. Through these experiences, he’s gained profound perspectives on human nature, personal growth, and the deeper philosophies that lie at the heart of martial arts.
The journey begins in Arizona, where Ray will sit down with local martial artists to share their stories. From there, the podcast will expand across the country, capturing the voices of martial art masters from all walks of life. Traveling by motorcoach, there is no set order—guests will be chosen not by rank, fame, or notoriety, but by the richness of their experience and the authenticity of their voice.
The mission of "INSIGHT" is to introduce these influential martial artists to the world—not just as practitioners and fighters, but as thinkers, teachers, and human beings. Listeners will hear stories that shaped lives, confront hard truths about today’s martial arts landscape, and explore topics often left in the shadows: the female perspective in martial arts, sport versus tradition, ego, bias, prejudice, and more.
At its core, "INSIGHT" aims to serve as a compass for others walking the martial path. Because martial arts is more than punches and throws—it’s a way of life.
Ray Hughes
Background
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Ray Hughes is the retired owner of Scottsdale and Chandler Martial Arts Centers, which are among the oldest and largest martial arts schools in Arizona. As an influential figure in the field, Ray Hughes martial arts expertise extends beyond his role as President of Arizona Wado and a recent member of the Technical Committee of USA Karate.
Ray Hughes is the retired owner of Scottsdale and Chandler Martial Arts Centers, which are among the oldest and largest martial arts schools in Arizona. As an influential figure in the field, Ray Hughes martial arts expertise extends beyond his role as President of Arizona Wado and a recent member of the Technical Committee of USA Karate. He holds various refereeing licenses, including a USA Karate National AA referee license and a PKF AA referee license, showcasing his dedication to martial arts. Ray began his journey in Wado karate in 1976 under the guidance of Sensei Marlon Moore in Mesa, Arizona, transitioning to full-time karate in 1986 and establishing his own dojo in 2002. His extensive bio includes being the Retired Owner and Chief Karate Instructor of Scottsdale Martial Arts Center, Inc., founded in 1986, and various Dan rankings from several prestigious organizations. Additionally, Ray has achieved remarkable accolades throughout his career, including multiple National Champion titles and participation in international competitions, further contributing to martial arts insights in the community. Beyond karate, Ray shares his experiences and insights through a traveling motorhome podcast, connecting with martial arts enthusiasts on a broader scale.
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Ray Hughes, a prominent figure in martial arts, holds dan (black belt) ranks in Wado Ryu (4th), JKF Wado Kai (5th), USNKF (6th), and received his 6th dan from the late Dan Ivan. Additionally, his 7th dan was awarded by USA Karate-do KyoKai, with Sensei Chuck Merriman and Sensei Lee Gray on the testing board. For those seeking martial arts
Ray Hughes, a prominent figure in martial arts, holds dan (black belt) ranks in Wado Ryu (4th), JKF Wado Kai (5th), USNKF (6th), and received his 6th dan from the late Dan Ivan. Additionally, his 7th dan was awarded by USA Karate-do KyoKai, with Sensei Chuck Merriman and Sensei Lee Gray on the testing board. For those seeking martial arts insights, Ray Hughes martial arts journey is truly inspiring, and he also shares experiences through his traveling motorhome podcast.
Competition Highlights
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Competition Highlights
Mr. Hughes, a prominent figure in the martial arts community, had an extensive competition career that spanned from the 70s through the 2000s. In addition to numerous local and regional competition championships, Ray Hughes martial arts journey included competing on 5 USA Karate Teams, two of which won gold and one that secured silver. Hi
Mr. Hughes, a prominent figure in the martial arts community, had an extensive competition career that spanned from the 70s through the 2000s. In addition to numerous local and regional competition championships, Ray Hughes martial arts journey included competing on 5 USA Karate Teams, two of which won gold and one that secured silver. His standout year was 1986, when he was voted outstanding competitor at the Osawa Traditional Karate Championships in Las Vegas, earning a trip to Japan. He was also recognized as the outstanding competitor at the USA Wado Ryu Karate Championships in Utah and honored as both school and competitor of the year by USA Wado. For more martial arts insights, you can tune in to his traveling motorhome podcast, where he shares his experiences.