October 16, 2025

Episode 81 – John Sepulveda

1 hour 9 minutes

Host: Reggie Darden Guest: John Sepulveda URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq5U2MSC9r0

Reggie Darden sits down with Kempo Black Belt John Sepulveda to discuss his journey in the martial arts, the evolution of his teaching philosophy, the intellectual concepts of Kempo, and the importance of preserving Ed Parker’s legacy.

Show Notes

John Sepulveda’s Kempo Journey

An Accidental Start: John recounts how he began Kempo in 1964 with a friend in San Jose, CA, who eventually quit, leaving John hooked on the art. [02:03]

The Hook: He was immediately drawn to the personal discipline and individual effort required in martial arts, a contrast to team sports. [04:46]

Transition to Teaching: John wasn’t initially interested in teaching but was thrust into it as a Green Belt and later took a full-time position as a Brown Belt. [05:49]

Cross-Training: While his core is Kempo, he has explored Kajukenbo, stick, and knife work, and encourages his top black belts to cross-train and share the knowledge they gain. [11:30]

Teaching Philosophy & The Future of Kempo

Evolving as an Instructor: Sepulveda shares how his teaching style changed from the older “do it because I told you to” approach to one that emphasizes explaining the why to students. [13:10]

The Intellectual Art: He emphasizes that techniques aren’t meant to be performed exactly as presented, but to demonstrate a core theory or concept, leading to “variable expansions.” [19:13]

“Position Recognition”: The idea that students must recognize where they are in relation to an opponent to determine the best response and opportunity. [21:23]

Preserving Ed Parker’s Legacy: He encourages students to seek out first and second-generation Black Belts to ensure the accurate interpretation of Mr. Parker’s teachings, which he structured for different levels of learning. [28:10]

The Power of Eights: A fascinating insight into the structure of Ed Parker’s curriculum, noting the pattern of 40, 32, 24, and 16 techniques are all based on the number eight (binary). [30:51]

Less is More: Sepulveda favors the 16-technique curriculum, believing it allows students to internalize the information more deeply, rather than just memorizing a larger number of moves. [40:16]

Inspiration to Train: He is inspired by the hard work and “look on the students’ faces” when they finally grasp a concept he’s teaching. [01:02:11]

Lightning Round

Favorite Technique/Opening: “Self-Offense,” an opening move that utilizes the right side forward for a quick block and counter-strike. [55:15]

Favorite Set: Blocking Set One, for giving all the core elements of the system. [56:08]

Favorite Form: Long Form Five, which is obscure and is excellent for teaching opposites, reverses, and takedowns. [57:20]

Favorite Weapon: Kempo Sticks and Knives. (His advice on knives: “You see a knife, do a 180 and run as fast as you can.”) [58:30]

One Person to Train With (Besides Ed Parker): Danny Inosanto, for his diversity, knowledge, and teaching style. [01:01:02]

Final Advice

Invest in Yourself: John encourages everyone to attend as many seminars and clinics as possible to explore, learn, and find what works best for them. [01:05:07]

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By Reggie Darden

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