About

About Joshua Hedgecock (Tenzin Samten)

Founder, Big Buddha Wellness

I didn’t begin in the fitness industry.

I began with questions.

Questions about meaning. About suffering. About what makes a life whole.

I earned my degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies because I wanted to understand the deeper structure of human experience — why we struggle, how we grow, and what truly sustains us over time.

But intellectual understanding wasn’t enough.

Over time, I came to see something clearly:
You cannot separate the body from the mind.
You cannot separate discipline from compassion.
You cannot separate strength from spirit.

That realization led to the creation of Big Buddha Wellness.

My Training & Background

  • Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy & Religious Studies
  • Certified Fitness Trainer for over 20 years
  • USA Powerlifting Coach and California State Referee
  • Nutrition coaching certifications
  • Licensed chaplain

This combination allows me to work with clients in a way that is rare in the wellness world.

I understand biomechanics and behavior change.
I understand food and metabolic health.
And I understand grief, transition, doubt, and spiritual formation.

Not as abstract ideas — but as lived human realities.

My Approach

I don’t believe in extremes.

Not extreme dieting.
Not punishing workouts.
Not spiritual bypassing.

My approach is grounded in what I often call embodied wisdom:

  • Train consistently, not obsessively.
  • Eat to nourish, not to restrict.
  • Develop inner steadiness, not perfection.

Strength is built gradually.
So is clarity.
So is peace.

Why “Big Buddha”?

Because the Buddha is often depicted as calm, grounded, and steady — not rushed, not reactive.

“Big” doesn’t mean size.
It means presence.

Big Buddha Wellness is about cultivating a strong physical foundation and a wide inner capacity — the ability to hold stress, change, and responsibility without collapsing.

This work is especially meaningful for those navigating:

  • Midlife transitions
  • Career burnout
  • Grief and loss
  • Questions of purpose
  • The desire to live with more integrity

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Clients often describe my style as:

  • Direct but compassionate
  • Structured but flexible
  • Grounded, not performative
  • Serious about growth — without ego

You won’t get hype.
You won’t get shame.
You won’t get vague inspiration without structure.

You’ll get clarity.
You’ll get intelligent programming.
You’ll get steady presence.