Mind Sensei Podcast

Episode 74b - 9th Deg Scott Hilderbrand, The Kenpo Mill, Reno, NV, USA (Part 2 of 3)

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

Episode 74a - 9th Deg Scott Hilderbrand, The Kenpo Mill, Reno, NV, USA (Part 1 of 3)

"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

Episode 73 - 10th Deg Lee Wedlake, Essential Principles of Ed Parker American Kenpo Book, FtMyers, Florida USA

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 — lee@leewedlake.com 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

Episode 72b - 8th Deg Dave Pantano, Counterstrike Kenpo, PA , USA (Part 2 of 2)

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.

Episode 72a - 8th Deg Dave Pantano, Counterstrike Kenpo, PA USA (Part 1 of 2)

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