Sensei Gary Tsutsui

---

  In Part 2 of this conversation, Sensei Gary Tsutsui reflects on the second half of his martial arts journey, sharing the experiences, lessons, and philosophy that shaped his career. He also offers his perspective on the current state of traditional karate, discussing how training has evolved, the role of competition, and what he believes is essential to preserving the values of traditional martial arts. 

 A fantastic discussion with Sensei Isao Gary Tsutsui (1946–present), a distinguished Shotokan karate instructor and founder of Colorado Budokan in Denver, Colorado. With nearly 60 years dedicated to karate, he earned widespread respect as an instructor, mentor, and competitor. Trained and studied under the great late Senseis Yaguchi and Yamazaki, he was the first American to medal in kata at the 1977 WUKO World Championships. 

In Part 2 of my podcast episodes featuring Sensei Rick Hobusch, we delve into his insights on the early Japanese karate instructors in the United States, their training philosophies, and his perspectives on today’s karate and competitive landscape in martial arts discussions.

 “Sensei Rick Hobusch reflects on his journey through the early days of karate in America, training under newly arrived Japanese instructors in the late 1960s—and the challenge of staying true to his values while navigating an organization shaped by both strong influences and darker elements.” 

 “Final installment of our three-part discussion with Sensei Marlon Moore, sharing his early martial arts experiences and perspectives from the mid-1970s.” 

 Join Part 2 of the conversation with Sensei Marlon Moore as he shares insights from the early years of dojo ownership and management. Surrounded by senior instructors and well-established dojos, he reflects on the challenges and struggles of building a school in those formative days. He also offers his unique perspective on the influence of the early Japanese instructors and the first generation of American martial arts teachers who helped shape the art in the United States. 

 Join me for Part 1 of a three-part conversation with my Sensei, Marlon Moore, as he reflects on his early karate journey and the experiences that shaped his path. 

 Part 2 of an in-depth, two-part conversation with Doug Jepperson, drawing on more than 50 years of karate training. Doug continues his martial arts journey, offering thoughtful and philosophical perspectives on American Japanese karate, the role of tournament competition, and the influences that shaped the art’s evolution in the United States. 

 Join us for an intriguing conversation with Doug Jepperson as he shares how he began his journey in martial arts, reflects on the Japanese instructors who shaped that era, and offers thoughtful perspectives from his years of experience. Don’t miss Part 1 of this fascinating discussion. 

 Join us for an inspiring conversation with one of Arizona’s rising stars, Kelley Hutta.Kelley began her martial arts journey at just 10 years old, and through passion, discipline, and determination, she’s grown into a successful school owner, fitness entrepreneur, and community leader. Her story is one of perseverance and purpose—proof that with commitment, dreams can become reality. Don’t miss this empowering episode! 

 A thoughtful conversation with Scott Harrow, a martial artist with 25 years of experience, exploring the unique challenges and rewards of beginning martial arts training as an adult—the struggles, the growth, and the personal transformation along the way. 

Podcast Trailer featuring martial arts wisdom from Ray Hughes, showcasing insights in our video podcast for 7-2025.