About
"NSEYET (Insight)" is a traveling motorhome video podcast 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’s journey has taken him through 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 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. These schools are one of the oldest and largest martial arts schools in Arizona. He is the President of Arizona Wado and was recently a member of the Technical Committee of USA Karate.
Mr. Hughes holds a USA Karate National AA referee license, PKF AA referee
Ray Hughes is the retired owner of Scottsdale and Chandler Martial Arts Centers. These schools are one of the oldest and largest martial arts schools in Arizona. He is the President of Arizona Wado and was recently a member of the Technical Committee of USA Karate.
Mr. Hughes holds a USA Karate National AA referee license, PKF AA referee license, and WKF BB judge license
Ray started training in Wado karate in 1976 under the instruction of Sensei Marlon Moore in Mesa, Arizona. He went full-time karate in 1986 and built his own dojo building in 2002.
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Ray Hughes holds dan (black belt) ranks in Wado Ryu (4th), JKF Wado Kai (5th), USNKF (6th), 6th dan awarded by the late Dan Ivan, 7th dan from USA Karate-do KyoKai with Sensei Chuck Merriman and Sensei Lee Gray on the testing board, and USA Wado Federation (7th).
Competition Highlights
Senseis Moore, Jepperson, Merriman, & Ray Hughes
Competition Highlights
Mr. Hughes had an extensive competition career that covered the 70s through the 2000s. In addition to numerous local and regional competition championships, Ray competed on 5 USA Karate Teams, two that won gold and one that won silver. His highlight year was 1986 when he was voted outstanding competitor at the Osawa Traditional Karate Ch
Mr. Hughes had an extensive competition career that covered the 70s through the 2000s. In addition to numerous local and regional competition championships, Ray competed on 5 USA Karate Teams, two that won gold and one that won silver. His highlight year was 1986 when he was voted outstanding competitor at the Osawa Traditional Karate Championships in Las Vegas and awarded a trip to Japan, voted outstanding competitor at the USA Wado Ryu Karate Championships in Utah, and voted school and competitor of the year by USA Wado.