In honor of being a guest on the Kim Hoang Podcast Experience, I’m dropping this episode a little early.

This episode of My Empty Hands features host Reggie Darden talking with Kempo veteran A.C. Rainey about his extensive journey in martial arts, from his unexpected start in Kempo to his candid views on training, and the mentors who shaped his career.

A.C. Rainey describes how Kempo found him in the 1970s while he was focused on college football and wrestling.

A.C. Rainey credits a small group of individuals for grooming and advancing his art.

The conversation delves into A.C. Rainey’s strong opinions on specialization and the core principles of Kempo.

Anyone to Train With (besides Ed Parker and Danny Inos): Bruce Lee (00:44:44)

Favorite Technique: Destructive Twins (from BKF) (00:43:29)

Favorite Form/Set: Long Form Six (and TND Set Number 2, which he teaches to all students) (00:43:56)

Favorite Weapon: Knives (00:44:32)

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.

John Sepulveda’s Kempo Journey

Teaching Philosophy & The Future of Kempo

Lightning Round

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]

In Episode 80 of My Empty Hands, host Reggie Darden sits down with martial artist Jeff Grant for an insightful Kenpo Conversation. Jeff takes us through his decades-long journey, starting from watching Bruce Lee movies as a kid in Germany to finding his true martial arts home in the comprehensive system of Kajukenbo.

Listen as Jeff shares his unique experience cross-training across multiple disciplines—from Texas Blood and Guts Karate to Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Kempo—and explains why Kajukenbo became the “full bloom” art that satisfied his hunger for realistic, complete combat training.

This episode of “My Empty Hands” features an interview with martial artist Sal Luciano, who discusses his journey and insights into the martial arts, with a specific focus on Kempo. The conversation covers his background in Judo and Aikido, his transition to Kempo, and his philosophy on training and teaching.

Discussion Points:

[49:45] Criticism of chasing rank over genuine skill and self-improvement.

[00:37] Introduction to the “My Empty Hands” podcast, which focuses on Kempo.

[01:02] Sal Luciano discusses his martial arts journey, starting with Judo and Aikido, which he considers his “mother arts.”

[03:05] The importance of asking questions, showing respect, and cross-training in different disciplines.

[03:56] Luciano’s experience with kickboxing and boxing.

[05:07] The significance of self-awareness, common sense, and integrity in martial arts training.

[09:59] Luciano’s transition from the Shaolin Kempo system to the American Kempo system.

[19:57] Discussion on the evolution of martial arts and the need to incorporate techniques from other disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

[29:19] Luciano’s views on teaching and the importance of accountability for students.

In this episode of “My Empty Hands,” host Reggie Darden interviews Evan Wiley about his journey in martial arts. The discussion covers Evan’s start in Kenpo, his long-term relationship with his teacher, and his evolution from student to teacher and opening his own school, 519 Combatives.

Discussion Points:

[50:16] A lightning round where Evan shares his favorite techniques and forms.

[00:30] Introduction to the podcast and the guest, Evan Wiley.

[01:20] Evan shares how he began training in Kenpo in 1997, inspired by martial arts movies.

[02:26] Discussion about his teacher, Jamie Seabrook, whom he has trained with for 28 years.

[03:16] Evan talks about being exposed to and training in other styles like Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, and Modern Arnis.

[28:41] The journey from student to teacher and the opening of his school, 519 Combatives, in 2019.

[35:28] Evan discusses adapting his teaching methods during the COVID-19 pandemic, including moving classes to Zoom.

In this episode of “My Empty Hands,” host Reggie Darden interviews Paul Britton. They discuss Paul’s martial arts journey, including his early experiences with Taekwondo and his transition to Kempo. Britton shares his teaching philosophy, which is heavily influenced by his 25 years as a police officer, and his thoughts on the future of Kempo.

Discussion Points:

[56:47] Britton shares his thoughts on the evolution of Kempo.

[00:36] The host, Reggie Darden, introduces his guest, Paul Britton.

[02:01] Paul talks about his early martial arts experiences with Taekwondo in the 1970s.

[04:12] He discusses how he transitioned from Taekwondo to Kempo.

[12:49] Paul explains the appeal of Kempo, including its speed and effectiveness, which were a better fit for him due to a back condition.

[18:04] Paul shares his teaching system, which uses 10 techniques per belt to avoid overwhelming students.

[21:24] He discusses his teaching philosophy, emphasizing realism and practicality based on his experience as a police officer.

In this episode of “My Empty Hands,” host Reggie Darden interviews Mark Gallagher. They discuss their respective martial arts backgrounds, with a focus on Kempo. The conversation covers how they got into the art, their philosophies on training, and their experiences with competition and teaching.

Discussion Points:

[50:07] A lightning round where Mark shares his favorite techniques, forms, and inspirations.

[00:24] Introduction to the guest, Mark Gallagher, and the podcast, “My Empty Hands.”

[00:55] Reggie shares his background in Kempo, Capoeira, Muay Thai, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

[02:02] Mark talks about his start in martial arts in 1991 at the age of 10, inspired by media like the Ninja Turtles.

[03:53] Reggie shares how the movie The Perfect Weapon inspired him to start Kempo.

[07:31] Mark describes Kempo as a sophisticated, modern, and open martial art.

[13:27] Mark discusses his experience competing as an orange belt.

[19:05] The conversation shifts to kickboxing and the importance of consistent training.

[47:46] Mark shares that he has been teaching martial arts since 1995 and that it is the only job he has ever had.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the show!!

I’m chatting with my very first guest, Jamie Seabrook!

This episode of “My Empty Hands” features an interview with guest Frank Vigoroux. The discussion focuses on his martial arts journey, from his beginnings in Kempo in Chile to moving to the United States and opening his own studio. Frank also shares his philosophy on Kempo and the values he feels are important in martial arts.

Discussion Points:

[01:01:30] Frank shares his inspiration, citing movies like Rocky and The Last Samurai.

[00:41] The host, Reggie Darden, introduces the podcast and his guest, Frank Vigoroux.

[02:55] Frank discusses how he started training in Kempo in Chile in the mid-1980s.

[03:43] Frank talks about the challenges he faced as an immigrant in the United States, including trying to find a Kempo academy in New York City.

[10:54] The story of how he began teaching Kempo in a studio in Manhattan, despite not speaking English well at first.

[28:49] Frank expresses gratitude for his mentor, Larry Tatum.

[39:09] Frank’s definition of American Kempo as a “rapid fire, multiple directional strikes and multi-dimensional targets” art.

[46:06] Frank’s perspective on the state of Kempo and martial arts today, including the rise of MMA.

[51:50] The importance of discipline, loyalty, and values in martial arts.