Mind Sensei Podcast

JOHN VAN CLEVE | THE MIND SENSEI PODCAST (Part B) The conversation continues. In Part B, John Van Cleve reflects on the responsibilities of being an instructor, the evolution of martial arts education, and the importance of creating an environment where students can grow both inside and outside the dojo. This episode explores:• The role of the instructor in shaping students’ development.• How mart...

JOHN VAN CLEVE, THE MIND SENSEI PODCAST (Part A) What does it truly mean to develop the body, mind, and spirit through martial arts? In Part A, Peter Tas sits down with John Van Cleve, founder and chief instructor of Three Worlds Martial Arts, for a deep and thoughtful conversation about the philosophy, purpose, and long-term impact of martial arts training. This episode explores: • The beginnings...

Grandmaster Norman Sandler | Legacy, Leadership & The Future of Kenpo | Part 2 In Part 2 of this in-depth conversation, Grandmaster Norman Sandler shares the lessons learned from more than four decades of teaching, mentoring, and preserving the traditions of American Kenpo. We discuss the responsibilities of senior instructors, the evolution of Kenpo, the value of cross-training, and how disci...

Grandmaster Norman Sandler | The Journey | Part 1 What does it take to dedicate more than 50 years to the pursuit of martial arts excellence? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Mr. Peter Tas sits down with 10th Degree American Kenpo Grandmaster Norman Sandler to explore the remarkable journey that shaped one of the art's most respected instructors and ambassadors. From beginning...

🥋 EPISODE 75 – PART B NOW AVAILABLE 🥋 The conversation with Mr. Cliff Seminerio continues. In Part B of this special interview, we dive deeper into the concepts, principles, and future of American Kenpo Karate. Topics include: ✅ Teaching beyond memorization ✅ Understanding body mechanics, timing, and flow ✅ The role of technology in martial arts education ✅ Preserving Kenpo lineage in the di...

The Mind Sensei Podcast is honored to welcome Mr. Cliff Seminerio, co-founder of Casa de Kenpo and one of the pioneers of online American Kenpo education. Long before online martial arts instruction became commonplace, Mr. Seminerio helped create a platform that connected Kenpo practitioners around the world through detailed technical instruction, conceptual understanding, and a commitment to pres...

Part 3 of 3 — Scott Hilderbrand In the final chapter of this three-part series on  The Mind Sensei Podcast , host Peter Tas concludes his in-depth conversation with Scott Hilderbrand, 9th Degree black belt in the American Kenpo Karate International Associationand longtime practitioner within the lineage of Ed Parker. In this episode, Hilderbrand reflects on the responsibility of preserving the int...

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 Kenp...

"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 Sen...

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...

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 epi...

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 Kenp...

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 Gran...

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 Gran...

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 Ta...

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 Ta...

🚨 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 cr...

The Mind Sensei Podcast – Episode 1 with Mr. Scott Gonzalez (8th Degree Associate Master) In this episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast , host Peter Tas sits down with Mr. Scott Gonzalez , an 8th Degree Associate Master in American Kenpo , representing the respected Jeffcoat–Tatum lineage . Mr. Gonzalez began his Kenpo journey in 1990 , training under Mr. Rick Jeffcoat , initially in a garage studio...

In this three-part series of The Mind Sensei Podcast , host Peter Tas sits down with Glenn Haley , a 7th Degree Black Belt and Senior Professor in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate. 🎧 FINAL EPISODE – The Mind Sensei Podcast (Part 3) In the final part of this series, Mr. Glenn Haley reflects on mastery, leadership, and what it means to continue growing—regardless of age, rank, or experience. From...

In this three-part series of The Mind Sensei Podcast , host Peter Tas sits down with Glenn Haley , a 7th Degree Black Belt and Senior Professor in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate. Part 2 dives deeper into the realities of martial skill, responsibility, and restraint. With experience spanning point fighting, professional kickboxing, grappling, MMA, and international competition, Glenn Haley share...

In this three-part series of The Mind Sensei Podcast , host Peter Tas sits down with Glenn Haley , a 7th Degree Black Belt and Senior Professor in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate. Born prematurely and told he would likely never live a physically demanding life, Glenn Haley defied early limitations through discipline, resilience, and nearly 40 years of martial arts training. A direct student of S...

Juan Serrano | Teaching, Knowledge & Casa de Kenpo (Part 2) Part 2 continues the conversation with Mr. Juan Serrano , focusing on his evolution as an instructor and the creation of Casa de Kenpo —one of the first public instructional forums dedicated to American Kenpo Karate. With over 35 years of experience, Mr. Serrano discusses teaching methodology, preserving martial knowledge, and the res...

In this special 3-part series of The Mind Sensei Podcast , host Peter Tas welcomes Mr. Juan Serrano , 8th Degree Black Belt and founder of Casa de Kenpo . With over 35 years of martial arts experience, Mr. Serrano began training at the age of eight and developed an extensive background in Aikido, Aikijujutsu, Taekwondo, Shotokan Karate, Kali/Escrima, Boxing, and American Kenpo Karate. In 1998, he...

🎧 NOW LIVE ON SPOTIFY — PART 3 Part 3 of my conversation with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat , 7th-Degree Black Belt and founder of the Shaolin American Self Defense Academy, is now available on The Mind Sensei Podcast . In this episode, we continue exploring the deeper layers of the martial arts journey — leadership, mindset, legacy, and the responsibility that comes with guiding others on the path. Sen...

Guest: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat – 6th Degree Black BeltHost: Peter Tas | The Mind Sensei Podcast Welcome to Part 2 of my deep and meaningful conversation with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat. In this episode, we move beyond the beginnings of his martial arts path and explore the heart of his teaching philosophy, the formation of his dojo community, and the values that guide him as an instructor and mentor. D...