Mind Sensei Podcast

Part 2 of 3 — Scott Hilderbrand

In Part 2 of this special three-part conversation on The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas continues his deep discussion with Scott Hilderbrand, a 9th Degree black belt in the AmericanKenpo Karate International Association and longtime student within the lineage of Ed Parker.

This episode shifts deeper into the principles, concepts, and evolution of American Kenpo, including Hilderbrand’s decades of training under Paul Mills and the impact that relationship had on his understanding of the art.

Peter and Hilderbrand discuss the transition from memorising techniques to understanding underlying principles, how Kenpo has evolved over the years, and the importance of preserving the integrity of the system while still encouraging growth and innovation.

This episode offers valuable insight for practitioners, instructors, and martial artists interested in the deeper mechanics and philosophy behind American Kenpo Karate.

• Training philosophy and conceptual learning

• The influence of Paul Mills on modern Kenpo

• Principles over rote memorisation

• Evolution within American Kenpo

• Leadership, teaching, and preserving lineage

• Scott Hilderbrand — 9th Degree black belt in the American Kenpo Karate International Association

• Over 50 years of American Kenpo training experience

• Trained directly under Ed Parker

• Longtime student of Paul Mills for approximately 35 years

• AKKI Regional Representative for Northern Nevada

• Founder of the Kenpo Mill

• Instructor based in Reno, Nevada

American Kenpo, Ed Parker, AKKI, Scott Hilderbrand, Paul Mills, Kenpo Karate, martial arts podcast, self defence, Kenpo principles, The Mind Sensei Podcast, American Kenpo Karate, martial arts lineage, conceptual martial arts training

#MindSenseiPodcast #AmericanKenpo #KenpoKarate #EdParker #AKKI #MartialArtsPodcast #Kenpo #SelfDefence #PaulMills #KaratePodcast #MartialArts #KenpoTraining #TraditionalMartialArts

🎧 Part 2 of a 3-part series with Scott Hilderbrand.

In This Episode:🥋 Guest Bio

"Welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast. Today, we are honored to sit down with a true veteran of American Kenpo.

Joining us from Reno, Nevada, is Mr. Scott Hilderbrand, a 9th Degree Black Belt in the AKKI with over 50 years of experience on the mats.

Scott’s journey is a direct link to the legends of the art.

He began his path in Tucson, Arizona, and was personally inspired and mentored by Senior Grand Master Ed Parker, training with him directly for a decade.

He later spent 35 years evolving his skills under the guidance of Grand Master Paul Mills.

As the founder of 'The Kenpo Mill' and a regional representative for the AKKI, Scott is dedicated to preserving the core principles of Kenpo while ensuring the art continues to grow and adapt. Please join me in welcoming a master of the art—Mr. Scott Hilderbrand."

Episode 74: The Evolution of Kenpo with 9th Degree Master Scott Hilderbrand 

Join host Peter Tas as he interviews Mr. Scott Hilderbrand, a 9th Degree Black Belt with 50+ years of American Kenpo experience.

From training directly with Ed Parker to his 35-year journey with Paul Mills, Scott shares insights into "The Kenpo Mill" and the importance of principles over rote techniques. Don't miss this masterclass on martial arts lineage and evolution.

Keywords: American Kenpo, Scott Hilderbrand, Ed Parker, Paul Mills, AKKI, Martial Arts Evolution, Kenpo Principles, Reno Martial Arts, Mind Sensei Podcast.

• Rank: 9th Degree Black Belt, American Kenpo Karate International Association (AKKI).

• Experience: Over 50 years of training in American Kenpo.

• Early Training: Began at age 12 in Tucson, AZ; inspired by Ed Parker’s 1975 demonstration.

• Direct Lineage: Trained directly under Senior Grand Master Ed Parker from 1980 until 1990.

• School Ownership: Opened AA Action Kenpo Karate in Las Vegas as a green belt with Ed Parker’s blessing.

• Promotion: Promoted to Black Belt by Dennis Conatser.

• Mentorship: Trained for ~35 years under Grand Master Paul Mills (1989–2024).

• Current Role: Founder of "The Kenpo Mill" and AKKI Regional Representative for Northern Nevada.

• Location: Resides and teaches in Reno, Nevada.

• Reno Martial Arts, Kenpo Principles, Dennis Conatser, Martial Arts History, Black Belt Training, AKKI Regional Representative.

• #MindSenseiPodcast #AmericanKenpo #ScottHilderbrand #EdParkerLegacy #PaulMills #KenpoKarate #MartialArtsJourney #BlackBelt #MartialArtsEvolution #AKKI #SelfDefense #PodcastDownUnder

MIND SENSEI PODCAST — EPISODE 74

“The Essential Principles of Ed Parker’s American Kenpo”

with Senior Master Lee Wedlake | Hosted by Peter Tas

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Mind Sensei podcast, where we explore the journeys of martial arts legends and dive deep into the philosophies that drive their success. 

“The Essential Principles of Ed Parker’s American Kenpo”

with Senior Master Lee Wedlake | 10th Degree Black Belt

This one has been a long time coming.

This week on Mind Sensei, host Peter Tas sits down with one of the most respected names in American Kenpo — Senior Master Lee Wedlake — a man who trained directly under Ed Parker, served as his Midwest representative for eleven years, and has spent over five decades teaching, refining, and preserving one of the most intelligent martial art systems ever created.

We’re talking about his brand new book — Essential Principles of Ed Parker’s American Kenpo — and trust us, this is not your typical technique manual.

Lee goes deep on:

🔹 Why rigidity is a liability in real combat — and what to do instead

🔹 The three power principles that every Kenpo practitioner must master

🔹 What Master Keys are — and why they simplify everything under pressure

🔹 The Four T’s — Tools, Timing, Targets & Travel — and why missing just one destroys your technique

🔹 The mental and ethical weight of being trained to protect yourself

🔹 How to move from mechanical repetition to true spontaneous mastery

Whether you’re a white belt, a seasoned black belt, or a martial arts instructor — this conversation will change the way you think about training.

Lee Wedlake:

✅ Direct student of Ed Parker

✅ 10th Degree Black Belt

✅ 11 years as Ed Parker’s Midwest representative

✅ Inducted into 3 Martial Arts Halls of Fame

✅ Author of 11+ books on American Kenpo

✅ Named a History General by the Sport Karate Museum — 2025

Now on Mind Sensei Podcast. Ep. 74. 🎙️🥋

👉 Watch / Listen now — link in bio & comments below

📚 Get the book — available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble now

🌐 Learn more about Lee — kenpotv.com

📩 Contact Lee for seminars — [email protected]

Drop a 🥋 in the comments if you’re a Kenpo practitioner — we want to hear from you!

Get Cranial podcast : https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-qairw-1a5bce3

How does Kenpo adapt to the realities of modern-day self-defence while maintaining its identity?

In Part 2, Mr. Peter Tas continues the conversation with David Pantano, focusing on the evolution of Kenpo through practical application and personal expression.

Mr. Pantano breaks down the philosophy behind Counterstrike Kenpo, emphasising adaptability, fluidity, and real-world effectiveness. This episode explores how techniques must evolve beyond structured drills to meet unpredictable scenarios, while still remaining rooted in the principles established by Ed Parker.

The discussion also highlights the responsibility of instructors to develop students who can think, adapt, and respond—not just perform techniques.

• The creation and philosophy of Counterstrike Kenpo

• Real-world self-defence application vs traditional training

• The importance of adaptability and fluid motion

• Teaching students to think beyond techniques

• Encouraging personal expression within Kenpo

• The evolution of American Kenpo in modern times

🔑 In This Episode:🥋 Why Listen to Part 2:
This episode delivers practical insight into how Kenpo functions outside the dojo. It’s a must-listen for practitioners and instructors who want to refine their understanding of application, adaptability, and the future direction of the art.

David Pantano (Part 1) – Foundations, Lineage & the Philosophy Behind Counterstrike Kenpo

What shapes a martial artist into a leader, and how does that journey influence the way they teach and evolve the art?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Mr. Peter Tas sits down with David Pantano, 8th Degree Associate Master and founder of Counterstrike Kenpo, to explore the foundations of his Kenpo journey.

This episode dives into Mr. Pantano’s early training, influences, and the mindset required to progress through the ranks while staying aligned with the principles of Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. The discussion highlights the importance of lineage, discipline, and the philosophical underpinnings that guide his approach to both training and teaching.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how strong foundations and respect for the art shape the evolution of a practitioner into an instructor and leader.

• Mr. Pantano’s introduction to American Kenpo

• Key influences and lineage connections

• The journey to 8th Degree Associate Master

• The role of discipline and mindset in progression

• Philosophical principles of Ed Parker’s Kenpo

• Building strong technical foundations

This episode sets the groundwork for understanding the depth behind Counterstrike Kenpo.

It’s essential listening for anyone wanting to connect with the roots, mindset, and philosophy that drive high-level Kenpo practitioners.

Keywords: Krav Maga, law enforcement training, pre-fight indicators, resilience, leadership, self-protection.

• Hashtags: #KravMaga #SelfDefense #MartialArtsPodcast #Leadership #Resilience #Training #Podcast

American Kenpo

Ed Parker Kenpo

David Pantano

Counterstrike Kenpo

Kenpo Karate Podcast

Kenpo Martial Arts

Self Defence Training

Martial Arts Podcast

Kenpo Techniques

Practical Self Defence

Welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast.

Today’s guest is a highly respected figure in the American Kenpo community and someone whose journey traces directly back to the Parker and Planas lineage of the art.

Mr. Scott Halsey is a 9th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate and a direct student of Senior Master Richard ‘Huk’ Planas, one of the most influential first-generation students of Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker.

Mr. Halsey began training at a young age and earned his black belt at just 16 years old—testing in front of Mr. Parker himself. Over the past four decades he has built a remarkable career as both a competitor and an instructor.

He is the founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, where he has been teaching since 1986, helping shape generations of martial artists. During his competitive career, Mr. Halsey also achieved significant success, winning multiple titles at prestigious tournaments including the Long Beach Internationals and earning Grand Champion honours at events such as the Boston and Las Vegas Internationals.

Today he continues to carry forward the principles and traditions of American Kenpo while mentoring students and instructors alike.

It’s an honour to welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast — Mr. Scott Halsey.”

In this episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas sits down with highly respected American Kenpo instructor Mr. Scott Halsey, a 9th Degree Black Belt and direct student of Richard Huk Planas, one of the most influential first-generation students of Edmund K. Parker.

Mr. Halsey’s journey in the martial arts spans more than four decades. He earned his black belt at just 16 years old, testing directly under Mr. Parker, and went on to become a highly accomplished competitor during the golden era of open karate tournaments.

As the founder and chief instructor of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, Mr. Halsey has spent nearly 40 years teaching and mentoring students while preserving the Parker–Planas lineage of American Kenpo.

In this conversation we explore:

• Mr. Halsey’s early martial arts journey

• Training under Senior Master Huk Planas

• Memories of the legendary tournament circuit

• Lessons from Ed Parker and the Parker lineage

• The philosophy and evolution of American Kenpo

• Teaching the next generation of martial artists

This episode offers valuable insight into the history, philosophy, and living legacy of American Kenpo Karate.

• 9th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate

• Direct student of Senior Master Richard “Huk” Planas

• Tested for black belt at age 16 under Ed Parker

• Founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate (established 1986)

• Multiple champion at the Long Beach International Karate Championships

• Kata Grand Champion at major tournaments including Boston and Las Vegas Internationals

• Over 40 years of martial arts training and teaching experience

Halsey’s Kenpo Karate

https://www.halseykarate.com/

Hosted by Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast explores the philosophy, history, and personal journeys of martial artists around the world.

Guest Bio HighlightsGuest WebsiteListen to The Mind Sensei Podcast

Welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast.

Today’s guest is a highly respected figure in the American Kenpo community and someone whose journey traces directly back to the Parker and Planas lineage of the art.

Mr. Scott Halsey is a 9th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate and a direct student of Senior Master Richard ‘Huk’ Planas, one of the most influential first-generation students of Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker.

Mr. Halsey began training at a young age and earned his black belt at just 16 years old—testing in front of Mr. Parker himself. Over the past four decades he has built a remarkable career as both a competitor and an instructor.

He is the founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, where he has been teaching since 1986, helping shape generations of martial artists. During his competitive career, Mr. Halsey also achieved significant success, winning multiple titles at prestigious tournaments including the Long Beach Internationals and earning Grand Champion honours at events such as the Boston and Las Vegas Internationals.

Today he continues to carry forward the principles and traditions of American Kenpo while mentoring students and instructors alike.

It’s an honour to welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast — Mr. Scott Halsey.”

In this episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas sits down with highly respected American Kenpo instructor Mr. Scott Halsey, a 9th Degree Black Belt and direct student of Richard Huk Planas, one of the most influential first-generation students of Edmund K. Parker.

Mr. Halsey’s journey in the martial arts spans more than four decades. He earned his black belt at just 16 years old, testing directly under Mr. Parker, and went on to become a highly accomplished competitor during the golden era of open karate tournaments.

As the founder and chief instructor of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, Mr. Halsey has spent nearly 40 years teaching and mentoring students while preserving the Parker–Planas lineage of American Kenpo.

In this conversation we explore:

• Mr. Halsey’s early martial arts journey

• Training under Senior Master Huk Planas

• Memories of the legendary tournament circuit

• Lessons from Ed Parker and the Parker lineage

• The philosophy and evolution of American Kenpo

• Teaching the next generation of martial artists

This episode offers valuable insight into the history, philosophy, and living legacy of American Kenpo Karate.

• 9th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate

• Direct student of Senior Master Richard “Huk” Planas

• Tested for black belt at age 16 under Ed Parker

• Founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate (established 1986)

• Multiple champion at the Long Beach International Karate Championships

• Kata Grand Champion at major tournaments including Boston and Las Vegas Internationals

• Over 40 years of martial arts training and teaching experience

Halsey’s Kenpo Karate

https://www.halseykarate.com/

Hosted by Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast explores the philosophy, history, and personal journeys of martial artists around the world.

Guest Bio HighlightsGuest WebsiteListen to The Mind Sensei Podcast

Part Two of this episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas sits down with Mr. Brian Doucette, host of the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, for a deep dive into a journey defined by passion, persistence, and purpose.

Beginning his martial arts training in 1984 after being inspired by The Karate Kid, Brian’s path has spanned over four decades and multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. Alongside his martial arts journey, he built a successful career in broadcasting and voiceover, developing a unique ability to communicate, connect, and tell meaningful stories.

In Part 1, Brian shares the formative experiences that shaped his foundation—early training, overcoming setbacks, influential mentors, and the lessons that kept him on the path.

In Part 2, the focus shifts to his evolution as a podcast creator. Brian discusses the long road from pitching a martial arts radio show in the late 1990s to ultimately launching the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, a platform dedicated to celebrating the stories of martial artists from all walks of life.

This conversation explores not only martial arts, but the mindset required to persevere, adapt, and create something meaningful.

Biography

Brian Doucette is a lifelong martial artist with over 40 years of training experience across multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. With more than 30 years in broadcasting and voiceover, he is the host of the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, where he combines his passion for martial arts and storytelling to highlight the journeys, insights, and experiences of practitioners from around the world.

• ​“EVERYDAY WARRIOR”
• ​“40+ YEARS TRAINING”
• ​“MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY”
• ​“FROM STUDENT TO HOST”
• ​“REAL MARTIAL ARTS”#TheMindSensei #BrianDoucette #EverydayMartialArtist#MartialArtsPodcast #MartialArtsJourney #MartialArtsLife#KenpoKarate #ShotokanKarate #TangSooDo #Aikido #Taekwondo#MartialArtsMindset #MartialArtsTraining #MartialArtsCommunity#SelfDevelopment #Discipline #Leadership #PodcastLife#CombatSports #MartialArtsWorld

In this two-part episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas sits down with Mr. Brian Doucette, host of the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, for a deep dive into a journey defined by passion, persistence, and purpose.

Beginning his martial arts training in 1984 after being inspired by The Karate Kid, Brian’s path has spanned over four decades and multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. Alongside his martial arts journey, he built a successful career in broadcasting and voiceover, developing a unique ability to communicate, connect, and tell meaningful stories.

In Part 1, Brian shares the formative experiences that shaped his foundation—early training, overcoming setbacks, influential mentors, and the lessons that kept him on the path.

In Part 2, the focus shifts to his evolution as a podcast creator. Brian discusses the long road from pitching a martial arts radio show in the late 1990s to ultimately launching the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, a platform dedicated to celebrating the stories of martial artists from all walks of life.

This conversation explores not only martial arts, but the mindset required to persevere, adapt, and create something meaningful.

Biography

Brian Doucette is a lifelong martial artist with over 40 years of training experience across multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. With more than 30 years in broadcasting and voiceover, he is the host of the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, where he combines his passion for martial arts and storytelling to highlight the journeys, insights, and experiences of practitioners from around the world.

• ​“EVERYDAY WARRIOR”
• ​“40+ YEARS TRAINING”
• ​“MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY”
• ​“FROM STUDENT TO HOST”
• ​“REAL MARTIAL ARTS”#TheMindSensei #BrianDoucette #EverydayMartialArtist#MartialArtsPodcast #MartialArtsJourney #MartialArtsLife#KenpoKarate #ShotokanKarate #TangSooDo #Aikido #Taekwondo#MartialArtsMindset #MartialArtsTraining #MartialArtsCommunity#SelfDevelopment #Discipline #Leadership #PodcastLife#CombatSports #MartialArtsWorld

🚨 Part 2 is Here! 🚨

 The Mind Sensei Podcast – Episode 2 with Mr. Scott Gonzalez (8th Degree Associate Master)

In Part 2 of this conversation, host Peter Tas continues the discussion with Mr. Scott Gonzalez, an 8th Degree Associate Master in American Kenpo and founder of Desert Dragons’ Kenpo in Arizona.

After relocating to Arizona in 2005, Mr. Gonzalez opened his school with the goal of creating a training environment that develops not only martial arts skills, but also leadership, confidence, and personal growth.

His teaching philosophy reflects decades of training and experience, combined with his professional background as a secondary school teacher, allowing him to effectively communicate concepts and build long-term student development.

In this episode we explore the responsibilities of teaching, running a martial arts school, and continuing to grow within the art.

• Moving to Arizona and opening Desert Dragons’ Kenpo• Building a martial arts school and community• Teaching children leadership and confidence• Training adults, beginners, and law enforcement professionals• The role of environment and awareness in Kenpo training• Continuing to learn under Grand Master Larry Tatum• The responsibility of passing knowledge forward

• 8th Degree Associate Master in American Kenpo• Student of Rick Jeffcoat and Grand Master Larry Tatum• Began training in 1990• Earned 1st Degree Black Belt in 1995• Founder of Desert Dragons’ Kenpo (Arizona)• Instructor to both children and adult martial artists• Nearly a decade of experience as a secondary school teacher• Regularly teaches seminars and develops students across the Kenpo community

Desert Dragons’ Kenpo – Arizona

Website:https://desertdragonsaz.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=desert%20dragons%20kenpo%20karate%20sc

The Mind Sensei Podcast explores the mindset, philosophy, and personal journeys of martial artists and thought leaders from around the world.

In this episode we discuss:Guest Biography – Mr. Scott GonzalezGuest School & Contact
Hosted by Peter Tas, martial artist and member of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

#AmericanKenpo #KenpoKarate #MindSenseiPodcast #MartialArtsPodcast #LarryTatum #RickJeffcoat #KenpoCommunity #MartialArts