My Empty Hands

Scott Hilderbrand

Brittnay and Brandon Searles

Justin Koch

In this episode, I chat with Derek Wayne Johnson. He is a filmmaker and black belt, in the Superfoot System.

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.

In this episode, I speak with Paul Coffey, the host of the Keep Kicking Podcast. ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7M9mOCYr7jF3FHuAIcBLvZ

Rebecca Knight

Karri Barnes

On this episode, Duval Hamilton returns to talk about the 50 and 100 man kumite.

Randy Haskins

Today’s episode is with fencing coach, Charles Johnson. This episode is a “lost” episode. We recorded in early 2025 but somehow, it got lost in the shuffle of my busy life.

Mike Klusman III

I’m so excited to chat with one of my BJJ Professors, Phillip Bulloch. He got his martial arts start in Kenpo. We chat about his Kenpo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. He’s also co-host of the Legends and Dragons podcast with previous guest Jimmy Clouse.

Christine Bannon-Rodrigues

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. The Start of the Kempo Journey A.C. Rainey describes how Kempo found him in the 1970s while he was focused on college football and wrestling. The Challenge: After a tough wrestling match, he was at the gym when Dave Hebler and Paul Dy put on a Kempo demonstration and challenged anyone to fight (00:02:06). Accepting the Challenge: Paul Dy’s challenge prompted him to accept, and he used his wrestling skills to take down the first two opponents (00:04:12). Dedication: He was invited to their school and began what he calls a “love affair” with Kempo. Alongside his roommate Paul Dy, he devoted 16 hours a day to practicing, earning his Black Belt in a remarkably fast 22 months (00:07:49). Air Force and Teaching: After his school closed, he joined the Air Force and has been teaching Kempo ever since, tallying over 50 years in the art (00:08:28). Key Mentors and Influences A.C. Rainey credits a small group of individuals for grooming and advancing his art. Jim Thompson took charge of his technical development, even leading to stories of “pissing blood” from intense training sessions (00:05:53, 00:30:19). Ron Chappelle (Sefu) was the main person to improve his fighting skills (00:06:54, 00:33:28). Phil Kanti, a Golden Gloves boxer, helped him understand the aggressive, fighting side of the art (00:29:42). Dion Steckley is described as the “fastest man in Kempo” that A.C. Rainey had ever met (00:32:00). He also recalls being introduced to Ed Parker early on, at the Blue Belt level (00:12:56). Philosophy on Training and Martial Arts The conversation delves into A.C. Rainey’s strong opinions on specialization and the core principles of Kempo. Against Ground Fighting: He expresses his strong dislike for ground work, believing it’s impractical in a real fight, and calls the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu flawed because opponents won’t willingly go to the ground (00:17:56, 00:21:47). Specialization vs. Cross-Training: He considers himself a “one-martial-art guy” and believes cross-training is a “fad.” He argues that attempting to be great at multiple arts is often driven by ego and prevents one from becoming truly superior in a single discipline (00:23:08, 00:24:45). The Genius of Ed Parker: Mr. Rainey asserts that Ed Parker was always ahead of his time but that many instructors struggled to pass on his full teachings (00:37:47). Kempo Principles: He stresses that Kempo is not about the “big motion” but about the small motion and the “tiny things that go into creating power” (00:39:55). Memorization is Flawed: Mr. Rainey explains that Mr. Parker did not want students to memorize techniques (00:41:08). His greatest difficulty was “not understanding how to break down the memorization of motion,” a problem he only solved through teaching (00:42:01). Final Regret: He shares that he spent the last 15 years relearning the principles that Mr. Parker wanted, noting that Kempo practitioners’ egos often prevent them from going back to the basics (00:45:32). Lightning Round Favorites 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. 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]

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. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Martial Arts Journey Begins: Jeff shares his early influences, from his father’s Taekwondo training in Korea to the impact of Bruce Lee films on base in Germany [02:14]. The Blood and Guts Era: His intense training experience at the Texas Karate Institute (TKI) in Dallas, emphasizing sparring and body conditioning [04:27]. A World of Arts: Jeff’s path through Taekwondo, an unplanned Air Force stint with Aikido, and his time as a “throwing dummy” while learning Judo and Jiu-Jitsu at Vince Tumura’s school [10:06]. Finding His ‘Home’: The moment he was introduced to Kajukenbo by Bert Vickers and realized it was the complete art he had been searching for, blending striking, throws, and joint locks [16:00]. Kajukenbo Philosophy: Jeff discusses the art’s five contributing styles (Kempo, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo, and Chinese Boxing) and the importance of realistic, hard-contact training to test techniques [33:31]. Forms, Weapons, and Training: A look into Kajukenbo’s 14 forms, the nature of its weapons work (especially the knife), and the differences between various Kaji Kempo branches [34:05]. The Future of a Complete Art: The delicate balance of growing the Kajukenbo community without “softening” the training and losing its original combat intent [49:13]. Lightning Round: Jeff reveals his favorite rapid-fire technique, his favorite forms, and why the knife is his weapon of choice [58:09]. Shout-Outs & Resources: Guest’s Art: Kajukenbo Instructors Mentioned: Bert Vickers, Chris Kimbro, Tommy Burks, Steve Tapper Reggie’s Training: Reggie Darden gives a shout-out to Steve Tapper and Tommy Burks’s excellent training groups [23:38].

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.