December 31, 2025

Episode 92 – Shawn Knight

1 hour 6 minutes

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Reggie Darden sits down with Mr. Shawn Knight, a lifelong martial artist and Kempo instructor with 35 years of experience. Shawn shares his journey from a “rough childhood” to becoming a dedicated practitioner and school owner. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of American Kempo, the transition between the Tracy and Ed Parker systems, and the mental and emotional benefits of lifelong training.

Key Moments & Discussion Points

[01:44] The Origin Story: Shawn recounts his first class on December 5, 1990. After a violent altercation in high school left him with a fractured orbit, a friend purchased a trial self-defense course for him—a moment that changed his life forever.

[02:19] Tracy’s vs. Parker Kempo: Shawn discusses his beginnings in the Tracy system under Bill Packer, highlighting the heavy focus on fighting and kickboxing. He later transitioned to the Ed Parker system under the guidance of Steven Leounty.

[07:55] Running a School and Curriculum: Having owned a school since 1994, Shawn explains his rotating curriculum model. This method helps students manage the vast amount of Kempo material by breaking it into manageable “semesters” or rotations [08:53].

[13:39] Tradition vs. Evolution: A discussion on the “work smarter, not harder” philosophy. Shawn emphasizes the importance of modernizing training models (like reducing concussions from hard sparring) while still honoring the foundational teachings of the masters [14:12].

[22:53] The Value of Forms (Katas): Despite “hating” forms early in his career, Shawn explains how they eventually became moving meditations that improved his timing and discipline [26:37]. He compares doing a form to “shadow boxing” for MMA [28:06].

[37:43] What Defines a Black Belt? Shawn defines a black belt not just by physical skill, but by a commitment to constant refinement of fundamentals and “honest, humble introspection” [40:08].

[57:38] Empowerment and Mental Fortitude: In a powerful segment, Shawn discusses how martial arts taught him that he was “worth defending” [58:17]. He reflects on how training helps practitioners “fight themselves” every day to overcome their own weaknesses and egos [59:32].

The Lightning Round

Favorite Technique: “Thundering Hammers” (Hammering Ram) for aggressive energy, or “Five Swords” (Countering Ram) for technical flow [52:04].

Favorite Form/Set: Finger Set and Form Four [53:51].

Favorite Weapon: The Karambit (daily carry) and the Staff [54:23].

Dream Training Partner: Steven Leounty (his late mentor), for one more class of philosophy and technique [56:08].

Guest Information

Shawn Knight has been training in Kempo for 35 years and instructing for 34. He currently operates a school in Tucson, Arizona, and continues to be coached by Kempo legends John Sepulveda and Lee Wedlake.

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