Host Reggie Darden welcomes guest Robert Stein to discuss his extensive martial arts journey, focusing on Kempo, cross-training, competition, and the importance of solid fundamentals.
Episode Highlights
Robert Stein’s Martial Arts Journey
Initial Inspiration: Robert Stein shares that his martial arts interest began in Long Island, New York, inspired by seeing David Carradine in the TV series Kung Fu [02:32].A Delayed Start: He was prevented from starting as a child due to parental objections concerning finances and the potential danger of misuse, finally starting around age 20 when he could pay for lessons himself [03:42].Kempo Training: His initial training was in a system related to the Valari style, a “cousin” of American Kempo. His journey into American Kempo began after meeting Ed Parker black belt, Steve Walsh [05:23].The Black Belt: After about six years, he earned his first black belt, though the curriculum was initially a blend of American Kempo, Tracy, and Vari material [06:15]. He now follows the curriculum as it was written in 1989 [06:47].Kempo Principles, Cross-Training, and MMA
The Language of Kempo: Mr. Stein stresses the value of Kempo terminology as the technical “language” gifted by Mr. Parker, allowing practitioners to discuss, analyze, and gain a deeper understanding of the art [08:17].UFC’s Impact: The rise of the UFC and fighters like Royce Gracie led him to critically examine Kempo’s perceived standing as the “premier street fighting art” [12:43].The Kempo Mindset: He cross-trained in Judo, Muay Thai, and submission wrestling, but always sought to incorporate the new knowledge into his existing Kempo framework, comparing it to finding the relationship between Latin and Italian [14:15]. Host Reggie Darden agrees, noting that applying the Kempo mindset has improved his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training [16:45].Kempo as Logic: Reggie shares that Ed Parker once said if he didn’t call the system Kempo, he would have called it Logic [18:46].Fundamentals and Competition
Learning to Fall: Both agree that learning how to fall correctly (Ukemi) is a crucial safety measure and “insurance policy” that should be taught from the first day of training, not just to upper belts [19:10].The Power of Basics: Mr. Stein recounts winning a black belt heavyweight division at a Jeff Speakman event at age 57. He attributes his victory not to daily sparring, but to the solid basics and stability provided by his strong Kempo stances, which allowed him to successfully stuff a takedown attempt and apply a counter-guillotine [28:20].Lightning Round
Favorite Techniques:Taming the Mace – He likes its use of the environment (the wall) and its conversion of a standing fight into a grappling situation [44:24].Locking Horns – He shares a story of successfully using a modified version of this technique to escape a front headlock in a bar fight [45:36].Favorite Forms/Sets:Kicking Set – Praised as a great full-body workout that teaches more than just kicks, focusing on center line and proper stance transitions [47:25].Long Form 1 – A foundational form that teaches explosiveness and power generation, which he uses as a core strength-building basic [48:12].Dream Training Partners: Chuck Norris, Chuck Sullivan, and Mike Pic [50:52].Plug and Contact
Seminar Promotion: Robert Stein encourages listeners to attend a seminar featuring Master Sean Kelly and Larry Kika in Palm Coast, Florida on Saturday, the 22nd [52:28].
View all episodes
