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.