KUDEN! Martial Arts, Self-Defense & Survival

Welcome to Kuden! The podcast for practitioners and enthusiasts of Ninjutsu, the self-defense, survival, and personal development system of Japan’s ancient Ninja Night Warriors; hosted by internationally recognized self-defense expert, author, and master instructor, Dai-Shihan Jeffrey Miller, one of the longest training students in the art with ACTUAL life and street experience using these powerful, life-changing and saving lessons! Join us live each week on platforms like Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter Periscope as we dive deeply into the art of the ancient Ninja and Samurai, and learn how to really apply these lessons in your life today, against the threats, challenges, and attacks that exist in the real world of the 21st century! If you would like to train with Dai-Shihan Miller as an online, distance training student you can email warriorc@warrior-concepts-online.com.

e276 – KUDEN! – How to Be a Good Uke: The Other Half of Mastery Training!

During this episode of KUDEN! Radio, Dai-Shihan Miller explores a theme that sits at the very heart of true progress for every serious martial arts student: how to be a good uke (aka: ‘training partner’). You’ll discover why the path to mastery isn’t only about being the one executing the techniques, but also about learning […]

09-09
02:56:25

e275 – KUDEN! – Strategic Initiative: Overcoming Indecision and the Power of Sen

During this episode of KUDEN! Radio, Dai-Shihan Miller will explore a theme that hits close to home for every committed student and aspiring warrior-protector: the cost of waiting. You’ll discover how indecision, hesitation, and waiting for the “right time” can quietly sabotage your progress, and why the 1% who rise to mastery are the ones […]

09-02
01:57:38

e274 – KUDEN! – Maximizing the Power of Ninjutsu in Your Life with Sensei Trinity Miller

During this episode of KUDEN! Radio, Dai-Shihan Miller will be adding to his “Student Perspective’s” interview series, designed to spotlight some of his highly engaged Ninjutsu student. He and his daughter, Trinity Miller, will be discussing her unique perspectives on the art give her criminology, psychology, and applied intelligence background. She’ll share the value she […]

08-26
03:05:49

e273 – KUDEN! – The Secret Structure of Mastery: Why Most People Plateau in their Training – and How to Avoid It.

What really fuels progress? Is it how many techniques you know, how often you train, or even your relationship with your teacher? These things help…but they’re not the real key. The truth is, most students spend years chasing skills that never quite “click”, leaving them stuck, frustrated, and unsure if they could really protect themselves […]

08-19
01:52:57

e272 – KUDEN! – The Mastery Map: Hidden Levels Most Martial Artists Never Reach

Most training stops at physical techniques – but real mastery goes far beyond “doing the moves” and merely winning fights. In this episode, we outline the hidden levels of Black Belt development: from controlling a single attacker’s body…to guiding their decisions, reading intent, and even shaping the fight before it starts. Whether you’re a seasoned […]

08-12
02:02:49

e271 – KUDEN! – Heijoshin: The Ninja’s Secret to Mastery Beyond the Dojo!

Have you ever wondered why some students stay stuck practicing techniques, hoping they’ll be able to use them when the time comes…while others seem to flow effortlessly – even under stress? Do you want to know what it takes to go from “doing” techniques in practice, to creating techniques on the fly – under pressure […]

08-05
02:23:59

e270 – KUDEN! – The Hero’s Journey: Walking the Path of the Warrior-Protector

There’s a timeless pattern hidden in every warrior’s tale – one that appears in legends, myths, and even modern movies. It’s called “The Hero’s Journey” – a universal map that reveals the states every true warrior-protector must pass through to transform completely. This isn’t about collecting techniques or titles; it’s about becoming the kind of […]

07-29
02:41:42

e269 – KUDEN! – Strategic Thinking Under Pressure: Navigating the 5 Phases of Conflict Resolution

What if everything you’ve been taught about self-defense…works great – until it doesn’t? If you’ve ever wondered why even seasonsed martial artists can fail in real world encounters…this one’s for you. You’ve learned the techniques. You’ve drilled the counters. You might even have a shelf full of belts and certificates. But what happens when the […]

07-22
02:19:26

e268 – KUDEN! – Real Self-Defense Isn’t a Fight – It’s Survival! 4 Hard Truths About Violence: 3 Tactics to End it Fast!

Most people train for a fight – but real violence isn’t a fight. It’s chaos. It’s fast, close, brutal…and often armed. In this episode, former investigator and counter-terrorist specialist, self-defense strategist, and senior Ninjutsu master-teacher Jeffrey Miller reveals 4 hard truths about real world violence that separate it from sport-based martial arts and fighting – […]

07-15
02:24:54

e267 – KUDEN! – Why Most Self-Defense Fails When It’s Needed Most

What if everything you’ve been taught about self-defense…works great – until it doesn’t? If you’ve ever wondered how black belts lose to street punks…this one’s for you. You’ve trained the forms. You’ve trained the counters. You might even have a shelf full of belts, trophies, or certificates of training. But what happens when the fight […]

07-08
01:49:51

e266 – KUDEN! – Injury & Shinken Gata: An Overlooked Reality of Real-World Self-Defense Training

What happens if you’re already injured when the attack begins, or become injured during or even after an attack? Most martial artists never consider it. Most self-defense training assumes you’re healthy, whole and “have all of your mental and physical faculties intact”. In this episode of KUDEN! Radio we deep dive into Shinken Gata – […]

07-01
02:14:53

e265 – KUDEN! – Shikata Ga Nai! Breaking Free from Groupthink & Habitual Thought Patterns

Have you ever felt trapped by a decision, believing you can’t start something new, or that you’re just not ready? What if some of these feelings aren’t your own – what if they’re a product of the expectations and habits you’ve unconsciously adopted? From the advice of others to the unspoken pressures of society, we […]

06-24
02:18:46

e264 – KUDEN! – The Hidden Purpose of Kamae: Beyond Posture to Strategic Dominance

Most students see the Ninja’s kamae as simple stances or starting positions, much like the way other martial arts look at fight postures – but they’re missing the real power. In this episode, we’re uncovering the deeper function of kamae as a tool of battlefield psychology, deception, and also of life mastery. We’ll explore how the […]

06-16
02:23:21

e263 – KUDEN! – The Ninja Assumes Disadvantage: Training for the Life You Have, Not the One You Left Behind

In this episode, we’re taking a brutally honest look at a silent epidemic that has spread through the martial arts and self-defense world – and why it’s especially dangerous for those walking the Ninjutsu path. Most people don’t even realize they’ve fallen into this trap…because it feels responsible. It sounds rational. And it’s usually encouraged […]

06-10
02:11:49

e262 – KUDEN! – Empathy With Edges: The Lines Between Helping, Enabling & Sacraficing Yourself

In this episode, we delve into the subtle yet critical distinction between offering genuine support and inadvertently enabling detrimental behaviors. We’ll explore how true independence empowers individuals to choose their engagements wisely, maintaining personal well-being while extending compassion. We’ll examine scenarios where the desire to help can become a trap, leading to self-sacrifice and compromised […]

05-27
02:49:18

e261 – KUDEN! – Freedom Through Options: The Self-Made Warrior’s Path

In this week’s episode, we’re looking at how the belief that “you have no choice” can quietly imprison even the strongest among us – how the illusions of limitation, born from habit, fear, or past pain, can create a mental trap disguised as reality. “Freedom Through Options” isn’t just a slogan – it’s the foundation […]

05-13
01:50:49

e260 – KUDEN! – Enduring the Knowledge? The Hidden Gates to Mastery or Mediocrity?

In this week’s episode, we’re looking at why every serious student eventually encounters hidden gates – points where distraction, ego, or social friction threaten to derail growth – where they are forced to choose between staying the course or leaving everything this Path could give them…behind. “Enduring the Knowledge” – another aspect of the Ninja’s […]

05-06
02:20:40

e259 – KUDEN! – Strength in Disguise – How a Ninja Turns Weakness into Power!

Most people in leadership positions, and those seeking success in any endeavor try to cover their insecurities with success. But the greatest warriors – and the most effective leaders – understand this secret: True strength is built by transforming weakness into power. In this episode, we’ll explore a timeless Ninja strategy for overcoming fear, self-doubt, […]

04-29
02:26:48

e258 – KUDEN! – Kyusho: Now What You Might Think and Why That’s a Problem

Most martial artists misunderstand ‘Kyushu’ as just “pressure points”. This leaves them open to believing that they’re primary focus is on pain compliance. In this episode, we’re going to break that myth wide open – taking a look at the true meaning of Kyusho in both self-defense and life. You’ll learn why relying on pain-alone is […]

04-26
02:18:46

e257 – KUDEN! – KIHON: The Root, the Reflection & the Real Path!

In the words of my teacher, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi: “Students move on too soon. They want the next technique but have not truly understood the first.” During this episode, I want to share a perspective that might make you question everything you’ve been told about ‘basics’… especially if you’ve already moved on from them. Because […]

04-15
02:33:16

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