🎧 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. Sensei Donnie shares insights shaped by decades of training, teaching, and lived experience, offering lessons that extend well beyond the dojo.

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply aligned with the true spirit of martial arts — personal growth, service, and integrity.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify

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• 6thDegree Black Belt in American Kenpo

• Owner & Chief Instructor of Shaolin American Self Defense Academy (North Hollywood, CA)

• Founder of SASDA’s inclusive, community-first teaching model

• Over three decades of martial arts practice and teaching

• Specialized in American Kenpo, Shaolin Kempo, and performance-based combat arts

• Experienced fight choreographer with a strong background in film and television

• Developer of programs for all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, and students with special needs

• Committed to providing accessible, authentic martial arts education

• Known for blending modern self-defense with traditional values and personal empowerment

Official Dojo Website:👉 https://shaolinamericansda.com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @shaolin_american_sda | @donniejeffcoatofficial

• Facebook: Shaolin American Self Defense Academy

• YouTube: Shaolin American SDA Channel

For training, seminars, or direct enquiries, visit the official SASDA website or message through social media.

🔶 Bio: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat🔗 Connect with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat

Guest: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat – 6thDegree 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.

Donnie shares the intentions behind building a welcoming, safe, and empowering training environment, and the principles he believes truly shape a martial artist — discipline, humility, compassion, and the courage to grow.

This episode touches on everything from teaching methodology, to navigating adversity, to what it means to build a dojo family rooted in respect and connection. If Part 1 explored the roots, Part 2 reveals the spirit of the martial artist he has become.

A sincere, warm, and uplifting conclusion to a remarkable two-part interview.

• 6thDegree Black Belt in American Kenpo

• Owner & Chief Instructor of Shaolin American Self Defense Academy (North Hollywood, CA)

• Founder of SASDA’s inclusive, community-first teaching model

• Over three decades of martial arts practice and teaching

• Specialized in American Kenpo, Shaolin Kempo, and performance-based combat arts

• Experienced fight choreographer with a strong background in film and television

• Developer of programs for all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, and students with special needs

• Committed to providing accessible, authentic martial arts education

• Known for blending modern self-defense with traditional values and personal empowerment

Official Dojo Website:👉 https://shaolinamericansda.com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @shaolin_american_sda | @donniejeffcoatofficial

• Facebook: Shaolin American Self Defense Academy

• YouTube: Shaolin American SDA Channel

For training, seminars, or direct enquiries, visit the official SASDA website or message through social media.

🔶 Bio: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat🔗 Connect with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat
Donnie Jeffcoat teaching philosophy, dojo culture, dojo family, martial arts leadership, building a martial arts school, inclusive martial arts training, martial arts mentorship, teaching kenpo, martial arts values, community focused dojo, empowering students, martial arts for all ages, authentic martial arts training, modern kenpo teaching, martial arts purpose, leadership through martial arts, legacy in martial arts

Guest: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat – 7th Degree Black BeltHost: Peter Tas | The Mind Sensei Podcast

In Part 1 of this special two-episode interview, I sit down with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat, a 7th-Degree Black Belt, actor, lifelong martial artist, and the founder of the Shaolin American Self Defense Academy in North Hollywood, California.

This episode takes you back to the beginning of Donnie’s journey — from the early influences that shaped him, to the challenges he faced growing up, and how martial arts became both a personal sanctuary and a path toward empowerment.

Donnie opens up about the emotional, mental, and physical lessons that built the foundation of his teaching today. His humility, warmth, and genuine passion for helping others shine through every moment of this conversation.

Settle in for an inspiring and heartfelt look at the origins of a martial artist who has dedicated his life to the growth of others.

• 7th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo

• Founder & Chief Instructor of Shaolin American Self Defense Academy (SASDA)

• Over 35 years of martial arts training

• Began training in 1985 in the Villari Kempo lineage

• Experienced in Shaolin Kempo, American Kenpo, and fight choreography

• Opened SASDA in 2011, emphasizing inclusive, community-driven training

• Actor known for his work in film and television

• Dedicated mentor to students of all ages, including specialized programs for women, children, teens, seniors, and individuals with special needs

• Passionate advocate for personal growth through martial arts

Website: Shaolin American Self Defense Academy👉 https://shaolinamericansda.com

Instagram:👉 @shaolin_american_sda👉 @donniejeffcoatofficial

Facebook:👉 Shaolin American Self Defense Academy

YouTube:👉 Shaolin American Self Defense Academy Channel

Enjoy Part 1 of this powerful conversation — and stay tuned for Part 2.

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