As the host of The Mind Sensei Podcast, I get to meet warriors from every walk of life—but few embody the indomitable spirit of martial arts, resilience, and true inclusion like my guest this week: Sensei John Marrable.

John’s journey started in Romford, England, where a childhood accident at age ten left him a paraplegic. Rather than allowing this moment to limit him, it set him on a path of transformation and empowerment. When his family moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, John discovered Okinawan Goju Ryu karate. What began as a search for fitness and self-confidence became the foundation of a lifetime legacy.

Today, John is a 7th dan black belt and the founder of the Dunedin Institute of Traditional Karate—a dojo renowned not only for technical excellence but for its fiercely inclusive atmosphere. Here, John teaches able-bodied and disabled students side by side, proving every class that martial arts is for everyone. His innovation and compassion extend beyond the dojo mats, with John leading by example as an international Para athlete, marathon finisher, and passionate self-defense advocate.

But it’s not just medals and accolades that define him. John’s philosophy—“The fitter you are, the healthier you’ll be, which leads to a better quality of life”—is something he puts into practice daily, both in his competitive achievements and his tireless mentorship. His story is packed with lessons about perseverance, the power of mindset, and the importance of accessible coaching in sports and life.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The origins and evolution of John’s martial arts journey

• Building a truly inclusive dojo and the impact of adaptive karate

• The mental and physical strategies that have fueled decades of athletic success

• Stories from marathons and Para sport competitions representing New Zealand

• Why advocacy, mentorship, and giving back matter so much to John

Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted. Whether you’re a martial artist, athlete, coach, or just seeking motivation to overcome your own obstacles, John Marrable’s perspective is one you won’t want to miss.

Listen now on Spotify, and let The Mind Sensei Podcast help you find your fighting spirit.

#TheMindSenseiPodcast #JohnMarrable #Karate #AdaptiveSports #Resilience #Inclusion #GojuRyu #Paralympics #Dunedin #MartialArtsMindset

🎧 Episode Release – Part 2

The conversation with Mr. Michael Matsuda continues on The Mind Sensei Podcast.

Michael Matsuda is not only the 6th Generation Grandmaster of Tai Shing Pek Kwar but also the founder and president of the Martial Arts History Museum, the first of its kind in the world. Designed by artists from Disney, DreamWorks, and The Simpsons, the museum has become a cultural hub dedicated to preserving the traditions, stories, and sacrifices of martial arts pioneers.

In Part 2, Michael dives into the creation of the Museum, the challenges he faced in building a facility that honors martial arts history, and the importance of preserving culture for future generations. He also shares his personal vision for the legacy of martial arts and the role the Museum continues to play in uniting the global martial arts community.

👉 Don’t miss this powerful conclusion to our two-part series with one of the martial arts world’s most influential voices.

#TheMindSenseiPodcast #MichaelMatsuda #MartialArtsHistoryMuseum #MartialArtsLegacy #MonkeyKungFu #TaiShingPekKwar #MartialArtsCulture

🎧 Episode Release – Part 1

On this episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas sits down with Mr. Michael Matsuda, the 6th Generation Grandmaster of Tai Shing Pek Kwar (Monkey Kung Fu) and the founder & president of the Martial Arts History Museum.

With over 45 years of experience in martial arts, Mr. Matsuda is recognized worldwide as the leading authority on Monkey Kung Fu. He is the only living successor of this rare art, having personally trained under Master Paulie Zink, and is one of the few non-Chinese martial artists to master all five monkey forms.

In Part 1, Michael shares his early beginnings in martial arts – from Judo in 1968, to Hung Gar under Sifu Lyle Fujioka and Buck Sam Kong, and eventually to Monkey Kung Fu, where he dedicated decades of his life to preserving and teaching the art.

👉 Listen to Part 1 now and discover the story of one of martial arts’ most important historians and practitioners.

Contact Information

📩 If you've been inspired by the incredible journey and wisdom shared by our guest, Michael Matsuda   and you're interested in reaching out to him, you're in luck!

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (818) 245-6051

Website: www.mamuseum.com

Martial Arts History Museum

201 N. Brand Blvd., B100

Glendale, CA 91203

(use entrance at 111 Wilson Ave.)

#TheMindSenseiPodcast #MichaelMatsuda #MonkeyKungFu #TaiShingPekKwar #MartialArtsHistory #MartialArtsCulture #KungFuMasters

The Mind Sensei Podcast with Host Peter Tas

In this special memorial edition of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas and the Deep Dive Team pay tribute to one of the most respected figures in American Kenpo Karate — Senior Master of the Arts, Guru Richard “Huk” Planas.

For over six decades, Mr. Planas dedicated his life to refining, preserving, and teaching the art of Kenpo. Known around the world as the “Instructor’s Instructor,” he had a rare ability to break down the why behind every technique, helping generations of martial artists understand the true essence of motion, logic, and self-mastery.

In this episode, we explore his incredible journey — from his early days training under Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker in Fresno, to his pivotal role in the Fresno Four, the creation of the Big Red Manual, and his global influence as a teacher, mentor, and innovator.

We also reflect on his love of music, his memorable adventures with legends like Elvis Presley, and his craftsmanship in blades, bullwhips, and the finer details of life.

His mantra, “Fight like you train,” continues to inspire martial artists everywhere — a reminder of the realism, precision, and heart that defined his teaching.

Join us as we celebrate the life, lessons, and legacy of a true master whose flame will continue to guide the world of Kenpo for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Guru Richard “Huk” Planas — your art, wisdom, and spirit live on.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🔖 

#TheMindSenseiPodcast

#PeterTas

#RichardHukPlanas

#AmericanKenpo

#KenpoLegacy

#EdParkerKenpo

#MartialArtsPodcast

#KenpoKarate

#DeepDiveTeam

#FightLikeYouTrain

#FresnoFour

#KenpoFamily

#MartialArtsHistory

#InstructorsInstructor

#HukPlanasLegacy

Welcome back to the Mind Sensei Podcast! I’m your host, Peter Tas, and today we have the incredible honor of continuing to speak with a true warrior and scholar in the world of martial arts — Mr. Bryan Hawkins.

Mr Hawkins  journey in Kenpo Karate began over forty years ago, back in 1980, at the iconic West Los Angeles Studio.

He was a private student of the legendary Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker, the founder of American Kenpo Karate. From 1987 until Mr. Parker’s untimely passing in 1990, Mr Hawkins managed the West LA school, carrying forward a legacy that few have had the privilege to inherit directly.

In Part 3 our final part of his Interview of our deep dive with Mr. Bryan Hawkins, we continue the conversation about his role as a Kenpo technical advisor for The Perfect Weapon, his work leading United Kenpo Systems.

Don’t miss this conclusion to a remarkable life story in martial arts. If you missed Part 1 & 2 check that out first!

Don’t miss this conclusion to a remarkable life story in martial arts. If you missed Part 1, check that out first!

Contact Information

Facebook:  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/BryanHawkinsKenpo/⁠

Website:    ⁠https://bryanhawkinskenpo.com/⁠

Dojo Address: 

• West Los Angeles  - 12243 Venice Bl., Mar Vista, CA 90066

• Granada Hills - 17615 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA 91344

• Camarillo - 596 Mobil Av., Camarillo, CA 93010

Phone No:  +1 (310) 313-3883

#KenpoKarate #AmericanKenpo #EdParker #BryanHawkins #MartialArtsPodcast #TheMindSenseiPodcast

Part 2 of 3

Welcome back to the Mind Sensei Podcast! I’m your host, Peter Tas, and today we have the incredible honor of continuing to speak with a true warrior and scholar in the world of martial arts — Mr. Bryan Hawkins.

Mr Hawkins  journey in Kenpo Karate began over forty years ago, back in 1980, at the iconic West Los Angeles Studio.

He was a private student of the legendary Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker, the founder of American Kenpo Karate. From 1987 until Mr. Parker’s untimely passing in 1990, Mr Hawkins managed the West LA school, carrying forward a legacy that few have had the privilege to inherit directly.

In Part 2 of our deep dive with Mr. Bryan Hawkins, we continue the conversation about his role as a Kenpo technical advisor for The Perfect Weapon, his work leading United Kenpo Systems.

Don’t miss this conclusion to a remarkable life story in martial arts. If you missed Part 1, check that out first!

Don’t miss this conclusion to a remarkable life story in martial arts. If you missed Part 1, check that out first!

Contact Information

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BryanHawkinsKenpo/

Website:    https://bryanhawkinskenpo.com/

Dojo Address: 

• West Los Angeles  - 12243 Venice Bl., Mar Vista, CA 90066

• Granada Hills - 17615 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA 91344

• Camarillo - 596 Mobil Av., Camarillo, CA 93010

Phone No:  +1 (310) 313-3883

#KenpoKarate #AmericanKenpo #EdParker #BryanHawkins #MartialArtsPodcast #TheMindSenseiPodcast

Welcome to the Mind Sensei Podcast! I’m your host, Peter Tas, and today we have the incredible honor of speaking with a true warrior and scholar in the world of martial arts — Mr. Bryan Hawkins.

Mr Hawkins  journey in Kenpo Karate began over forty years ago, back in 1980, at the iconic West Los Angeles Studio.

He was a private student of the legendary Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker, the founder of American Kenpo Karate. From 1987 until Mr. Parker’s untimely passing in 1990, Mr Hawkins managed the West LA school, carrying forward a legacy that few have had the privilege to inherit directly.

Because of this unique and deeply personal connection, Mr Hawkins is known as one of the authorities on American Kenpo Karate today. His expertise even extended to Hollywood, where he served as a Kenpo technical advisor alongside Ed Parker on the film The Perfect Weapon, and has since contributed to numerous television and film projects.

Mr Hawkins  is a visionary leader that owns and operates multiple Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate studios across California and serves as President of United Kenpo Systems, an organization with affiliates around the globe.

As the Founding Senior Master Mr Ed Parker once said, “My name on that sign is what brings people in, but Bryan’s name is what keeps them here.” Bryan Hawkins has been a vital torchbearer for Kenpo’s spirit and community, especially in West Los Angeles, a place rich with Kenpo history.

Today, we dive deep into Mr Hawkins  remarkable journey, his insights on martial arts, and the enduring legacy of Kenpo Karate.

Welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast — Part 1 of our exclusive 3-part interview with Mr. Bryan Hawkins, Master Instructor and founder of Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate in Los Angeles.

With nearly 50 years of experience, Mr. Hawkins trained privately under Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker and helped shape the final revisions of American Kenpo as we know it today.

In Part 1, he shares his early training, insights into Ed Parker’s influence, and stories that every Kenpo student should hear.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BryanHawkinsKenpo/

Website:    https://bryanhawkinskenpo.com/

Dojo Address: 

• West Los Angeles  - 12243 Venice Bl., Mar Vista, CA 90066

• Granada Hills - 17615 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA 91344

• Camarillo - 596 Mobil Av., Camarillo, CA 93010

Phone No:  +1 (310) 313-3883

#KenpoKarate #EdParkerKenpo #MartialArtsPodcast #BryanHawkins #TheMindSenseiPodcast

Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome back to the Mind Sensei Podcast!

Part 2 of my conversation with Phil Buck is now live on The Mind Sensei Podcast!

In this episode, Phil shares his experiences teaching across the world — from running his own school to leading national and international seminars, and even working with law enforcement, civilian, and commercial groups.

We also dive into his current focus: exclusively teaching the Locksmith Method for PKS. Phil explains how this specialized method differs from traditional approaches, why it is so effective, and how it continues to empower students in their martial arts journey.

If you’re passionate about martial arts, joint manipulation, and the evolution of teaching methods, this episode is filled with powerful lessons and insights.

Join me on The Mind Sensei Podcast as we dive deep into his story, his philosophies, and the experiences that have defined his path in the martial arts world.

Martial Arts Podcast, Locksmith Method, PKS, Martial Arts Evolution, Martial Arts Instruction, Kenpo Karate, Jointlocking Techniques, International Martial Arts, Law Enforcement Training, Self Defense, Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast.

#MartialArts #KenpoKarate #LocksmithMethod #PKS #Jointlocking #SelfDefense #MartialArtsPodcast #MartialArtsTraining #TheMindSenseiPodcast #PeterTas #MartialArtsCommunity #MartialArtsLife

Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome back to the Mind Sensei Podcast!

I'm your host, Peter Tas, and today, we have an extraordinary guest joining us.

He's a martial artist with a remarkable journey spanning over three decades, a true dedication to his craft, and a unique expertise that has left a lasting impact in the world of martial arts. Please give a warm welcome to the one and only, Phil Buck!

Phil Buck has been personally mentored by Mr. Wedlake, and his long-standing membership with PKS speaks volumes about his commitment to the arts.

As a joint locking specialist, he holds impressive Black Belts in Okinawan Martial Arts, Kenpo, and Aikido, and has earned equivalent certifications in Chinese and Filipino martial arts, showcasing his passion for diverse and comprehensive training.

Throughout his illustrious career, Phil has shared his knowledge through teaching at his own school and conducting national and international seminars.

He's had the privilege of providing guidance to law enforcement, civilian groups, and commercial entities, leaving a positive impact on countless individuals.

Now exclusively teaching the Locksmith Method for PKS, Phil continues to be a driving force in the advancement of martial arts.

His dedication to empowering others through this specialized and effective approach is truly commendable.

I'm honored to have Phil Buck as our special guest today, and I know you'll be inspired by his journey, wisdom, and passion for martial arts.

So, let's dive into this enlightening and captivating episode on the Mind Sensei Podcast with the one and only, Phil Buck!

In this episode, we explore Phil’s early journey into martial arts, his training under Mr. Wedlake, and the influences that shaped his development across multiple systems.

With Black Belts in Okinawan Martial Arts, Kenpo, and Aikido, as well as certifications in Chinese and Filipino martial arts, Phil offers a rare insight into the blending of traditional and progressive systems.

Join me on The Mind Sensei Podcast as we dive deep into his story, his philosophies, and the experiences that have defined his path in the martial arts world.

Listen now on Spotify:  

Keywords: Martial Arts Podcast, Kenpo Karate, PKS, Jointlocking Specialist, Martial Arts Training, Martial Arts Journey, Aikido, Okinawan Martial Arts, Filipino Martial Arts, Chinese Martial Arts, Martial Arts History, Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast.#MartialArts #KenpoKarate #Aikido #OkinawanMartialArts #FilipinoMartialArts #ChineseMartialArts #Jointlocking #MartialArtsPodcast #PKS #MartialArtsTraining #TheMindSenseiPodcast #PeterTas

🔥 *The Mind Sensei* Podcast Special Series Finale! 🔥

 🔊 The Mind Sensei Podcast: 3-Part Interview with Senior Professor Larry Kongaika – Part 3

In the final installment of this epic 3-part series, Senior Professor Larry Kongaika, 7th Degree Black Belt, shares his current role as Head Instructor at MAX Dojo in Diamond Bar, his leadership insights, and his mission to uphold and pass on the true spirit of American Kenpo.

A respected educator and board member of the International Kenpo Karate Association, Mr. Kongaika’s voice is a beacon for the next generation of martial artists.

🎙️ This episode explores:

• Leadership through martial arts

• Building MAX Dojo and cultivating black belts

• Preserving the legacy of Grandmaster Ed Parker

Wrap up this powerful trilogy with wisdom and purpose from one of Kenpo’s most dedicated torchbearers.

Contact Information

Facebook:  ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/kenpo.official⁠⁠

Website:  ⁠⁠https://maxdojo.com/⁠⁠

Dojo Location: 

962 N. Diamond Bar Blvd., 

Diamond Bar, CA, USA 91765 

Email:  ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Phone : + 1 909-979-3434

#KenpoKarate #LarryKongaika #MindSenseiPodcast #EdParkerKenpo #IKKA #PaulMillsKenpo #MAXDojo #MartialArtsPodcast #AmericanKenpo

#KenpoKarate #LarryKongaika #MAXDojo #MindSenseiPodcast #EdParkerLegacy #IKKA #AmericanKenpo #MartialArtsLeadership #KenpoBlackBelt