In this episode of “My Empty Hands,” host Reggie Darden interviews Barbara “Barb” White. The conversation covers her journey into martial arts, her experience teaching and competing, her thoughts on cross-training, and her perspective on the future of the Kempo community.

Discussion Points:

[44:11] Barb promotes upcoming events, including a women’s symposium on April 6th.

[00:35] Introduction to the podcast and guest Barbara White.

[02:24] Barb discusses how she started in martial arts about 34 years ago.

[05:22] Her transition to Kempo after her initial studio closed.

[09:36] She shares her love for all aspects of martial arts, especially sparring.

[11:19] Barb talks about her initial fear of teaching and how she overcame it.

[18:27] Her advice for new instructors: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

[19:36] Her experience with competing.

[28:15] She discusses her current training in Jiu-Jitsu and how it applies to women’s self-defense.

[39:08] Barb advocates for more unity within the Kempo community.

[40:30] Her favorite technique, “Kneel of Compulsion.”