The Eagle’s Nest

Episode 1: Batman Origin Story Every hero has an origin story even if ours involve less Gotham City and more bruised shins. In our first episode, we dive into how we met, how martial arts pulled us in, and the training paths that shaped us into who we are today. From childhood inspirations and questionable early techniques to the teachers, dojos, and turning points that made martial arts a lifelong obsession, this is where The Eagle’s Nest truly begins. If you’ve ever wondered why your hosts chose a life of kicks, chokes, and chaos… here’s the whole story. Topics in this episode: How Alex and Cameron first crossed paths Our earliest martial arts memories The teachers who shaped us (for better or worse) Training progression: white belt to where we are now Why martial arts is still the centre of our lives What you can expect from future episodes Welcome to the Nest. 🦅

Episode 1: Batman Origin Story Every hero has an origin story even if ours involve less Gotham City and more bruised shins. In our first episode, we dive into how we met, how martial arts pulled us in, and the training paths that shaped us into who we are today. From childhood inspirations and questionable early techniques to the teachers, dojos, and turning points that made martial arts a lifelong obsession, this is where The Eagle’s Nest truly begins. If you’ve ever wondered why your hosts chose a life of kicks, chokes, and chaos… here’s the whole story. Topics in this episode: How Alex and Cameron first crossed paths Our earliest martial arts memories The teachers who shaped us (for better or worse) Training progression: white belt to where we are now Why martial arts is still the centre of our lives What you can expect from future episodes Welcome to the Nest. 🦅

How do you know if a martial arts school is actually good or just good at marketing? In this episode of The Eagles Nest, we break down what really matters when choosing a martial arts school. We cut through the belts, banners, and bulls**t to talk honestly about instructor quality, school culture, training environment, and long-term development. We discuss: What a good martial arts school should have (and what it doesn’t need) The pros and cons of different school structures and teaching styles Common red flags that signal poor instruction, unsafe training, or ego-driven leadership What a healthy, high-standard culture actually looks like on the mat Why the instructor matters more than the style How to choose a school that builds skill, character, and longevity, not just belts Whether you’re a beginner choosing your first dojo or an experienced martial artist reassessing where you train, this episode gives you a clear framework for making the right call and avoiding costly mistakes. Train smart. Choose wisely. Your future on the mat depends on it. Show Links: Jackie Chan Tower Fall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guh4J7ATGoc Jackie Chan Fan Catch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOS51qpUoCc Jackie Chan Chopstick Trick - https://youtu.be/F3Z2MmdVaDE?si=ejlQ9t6Jo-QWT3lM&t=1756  

Our very 1st Guest Thiago Stefanutti, Is Alex Tse's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) coach, mentor and the head of the ONYA Brazilian Jiu-Jistu association. Thiago holds a four degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. His students have won multiple World Championship titles and under his instruction, leading the first Australian team to ever win a IBJJF World Championships team trophy, the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition in the world. His current focus is training world class BJJ practitioners as well as sharing his knowledge through is teachings to the wider BJJ community. Thiago was born and grew up in São Paulo-Brasil. According to Thiago, São Paulo was not a very safe city when he was growing up so learning martial arts a natural way to learn how to defend himself. Thiago moved to Melbourne when he was offered a position to teach, the club that hired him helped him relocate to Melbourne where he trained for almost 10 years. He now lives in Brazil where he continues teaching to this day. Thiago visits Australia often to reenforce his teachings for ONYA's Australian branch, and to hold seminars and gradings.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we take a break from serious talk and dive into something that shaped us long before belts and dojos — martial arts movies. We talk about the films that got us hooked, the scenes we still remember frame by frame, and why martial arts cinema played such a big role in how we viewed training, discipline, and movement. Along the way, we spend a fair bit of time celebrating our shared love of Jackie Chan — his creativity, work ethic, and the influence he’s had on generations of martial artists. Eventually, we narrow it all down and settle on our Top 5 martial arts movies, with plenty of debate along the way. If you grew up rewinding VHS tapes, practicing kicks in the lounge room, or still judge movies by their fight choreography — this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we sit down and talk about food how we think about it, how our approach has changed over time, and why it plays such a big role in training, performance, and everyday life. We touch on general ideas around calorie targets, macros, and balance, but mostly this is a relaxed conversation about habits, routines, and the realities of eating well while still enjoying food. It’s not a nutrition lecture just honest discussion shaped by experience. If you know… you know.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we talk competition, why we do it, what it teaches you, and what it’s really like stepping onto the mats when it counts. Cameron shares his limited but meaningful BJJ competition experience and what it’s taught him so far, while Alex breaks down his much longer competition history  from his early days as a colour belt through to competing as a black belt. We also touch on Alex’s earlier Hapkido demonstration competitions and what those experiences added to his martial arts journey. If you’ve ever competed, are thinking about competing, or just want an honest look into the mindset and realities of it, this episode is for you. Hapkido Demo Videos (worth the entry price alone): https://youtu.be/zETbYwPSx8c?si=R5_4szEFUFK0GMu5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1NhPdnQK0Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3eWcHGZmJw

Episode 8: Scott Walters (Hapkido 6th Dan) In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we’re joined by Scott Walters (Hapkido 6th Dan) for a deep dive into his martial arts journey and the early history of Hapkido in Melbourne. Scott takes us back to his early years training Taekwondo, his move from Tasmania to Melbourne, and the experiences that shaped his path including studying in Korea. We also talk about the early days of teaching Hapkido in Melbourne, training through injuries and the birth of Eagle Martial Arts out of the old Scout Hall in Glen Waverley. A great episode for anyone who loves martial arts stories, lineage, and the roots of the communities we train in today.

Everyone talks about goals. Way fewer people actually follow through. In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we dive into goal setting in the real world not hype, not motivational quotes, but the mindset and habits that help you stay on track when motivation fades. We talk about: Why most people quit early The difference between wanting a goal and committing to one How training in martial arts shapes discipline Balancing ambition with real life responsibilities Small habits that make long-term progress possible Whether your goals are in training, work, health, or life this episode is about building the kind of consistency that actually moves the needle. 🦅 Welcome back to the Nest.

Hapkido. What It Is, How It Works, & Why It Matters   In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we dive deep into Hapkido the art, the principles, and what makes it different from other martial arts.   We talk about: What Hapkido actually is (and what it isn’t) Core principles like balance, control, and adaptability How Hapkido fits alongside other martial arts Why it remains relevant for self-defence and real-world application How training evolves over time as your understanding deepens Whether you train Hapkido, are cross-training from another art, or are just curious about its place in modern martial arts, this episode gives honest insight from lived experience.   🦅 Welcome back to the Nest.

This episode is a serious one. We talk about real situations involving friends and students who were attacked, and what those experiences reveal about the gap between training in a dojo and dealing with real-world violence. We break down: The difference between martial arts and true self defence Why pressure testing matters What “realistic training” actually means Key self defence principles that apply outside the gym The role of awareness, mindset, and decision-making Self defence isn’t about flashy techniques. It’s about preparation, clarity, and understanding what violence actually looks like. If you train, coach, or care about keeping yourself and your family safe, this is an important conversation. 🦅 Welcome back to the Nest.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in martial arts, strength. Too often, people frame the conversation as strength vs technique. But in reality, the best martial artists don’t choose one or the other. They develop both. Strength isn’t the enemy of skill. It’s a force multiplier. We discuss why strength matters for longevity, injury prevention, and real-world effectiveness. We also talk about the role of physical preparation in building confidence, resilience, and mental toughness both on and off the mat. Whether you’re a beginner, competitor, or experienced martial artist, this episode will challenge how you think about training and help you see strength as a key part of your martial arts journey.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we talk about something that underpins everything in martial arts and life; standards. Your results are a reflection of the standards you set and the ones you tolerate. In this conversation, we explore how personal responsibility, discipline, accountability and intention shape your progress both on and off the mat. We discuss the importance of setting clear expectations for yourself, your training, and your environment. From showing up consistently, to maintaining technical and behavioural standards in the dojo, to building structure in everyday life this episode is about ownership. Because ultimately, nobody else is responsible for your growth. If you want to improve your martial arts, your mindset, and your life, it starts with the standards you live by.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, we talk about one of the most important but overlooked parts of martial arts training: being a good student. Progress in martial arts isn’t just about how often you train. It’s about how you show up. We discuss the mindset that allows students to get the most out of every session, why intention matters in training, and the habits that separate students who improve quickly from those who stay stuck. From listening and asking questions, to taking responsibility for your own development, this episode is about approaching training with purpose. Because the best martial artists aren’t just good fighters, they’re great students.

In this special episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron sit down with Hapkido 8th Dan Master Greg Walters, one of the most experienced and respected Hapkido practitioners in Australia. With decades of training and teaching experience, Master Walters has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of traditional Hapkido. As an 8th Degree Black Belt, he represents the highest levels of mastery in the art and has played a key role in developing students, instructors, and martial arts programs across the country. Master Walters also serves in a leadership role within the Global Hapkido Association (GHA), helping guide the growth of the organisation and maintain the technical and philosophical standards of authentic Hapkido practice. In this episode we discuss: Old school taekwondo training with Master Jack Rozinsky Master Walters’ martial arts journey and how he first discovered Hapkido What it takes to train for decades and reach 8th Dan The evolution of Hapkido and how it is taught today The importance of tradition, discipline, and martial arts culture Advice for students who want to train seriously and improve their martial arts This episode offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from a high-ranking Hapkido master whose experience spans generations of martial arts practice. Whether you’re a martial artist, instructor, or simply curious about traditional martial arts, this conversation is packed with insight, wisdom, and lessons learned from a lifetime on the mats.

In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron dive into the world of American martial arts movie legends the fighters who inspired generations through film, presence, and real-world skill. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, where we break down some of our favourite martial artists and discuss what made them stand out not just on screen, but as martial artists. We cover: 🥋 Chuck Norris – the original American martial arts icon 🥋 Jean-Claude Van Damme – flexibility, athleticism, and star power 🥋 Michael Jai White – legit skill and modern martial arts credibility 🥋 Scott Adkins – one of the most complete modern action fighters 🥋 And more… We go beyond just the movies and discuss: • Who actually had real martial arts ability • Who influenced us growing up • The difference between movie fighting vs real fighting skill • How these athletes shaped martial arts culture globally This episode is all about respecting the legends while breaking down the reality behind the hype. 🎬 Whether you grew up watching these guys or are just getting into martial arts, this is a fun and insightful deep dive into the icons of the industry. 👉 Part 2 drops next week, where we continue the conversation and dive even deeper.

In Part 2 of our Martial Arts Movie Legends series, we continue the breakdown of some of the most iconic American martial artists to ever hit the screen. In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron dive into the next generation of legends, those who brought a mix of athleticism, realism, and cinematic presence to martial arts films. We cover: 🥋 Wesley Snipes – speed, precision, and screen dominance 🥋 Dolph Lundgren – raw power, presence, and Rocky IV legacy 🥋 Mark Dacascos – fluidity, creativity, and true martial arts expression 🥋 Chuck Norris (again) – why he still belongs in every conversation We go deeper into: • The evolution of martial arts in film • Who had legitimate fighting ability vs pure acting • What separates a martial artist from a movie star • The impact these athletes had on modern martial arts culture This episode builds on Part 1 and continues the conversation around what makes a true martial arts icon on and off the screen. 👉 If you haven’t listened to Part 1, go back and check it out first. 🎙 Listen now on Spotify and Apple or watch on YouTube.

🎙 Episode 18: Overcoming Injuries In this episode of The Eagle’s Nest, Alex and Cameron dive into one of the most frustrating but inevitable parts of training: injuries. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, injuries are part of the journey. The difference is how you respond, adapt, and come back stronger. We break down: 🥋 The mindset required to deal with injuries without losing momentum 🥋 How to stay disciplined when you can’t train at full capacity 🥋 The balance between pushing through vs knowing when to rest 🥋 Practical ways to modify training and keep progressing 🥋 Lessons learned from our own injuries and recoveries This episode isn’t just about rehab it’s about resilience, patience, and long-term thinking in martial arts and life. If you’ve ever been sidelined, frustrated, or questioning your progress, this conversation will help you reframe your approach and get back on track.