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

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 Grandmaster Ed Parker.

Mr. Halsey began training at a young age and earned his black belt at just 16 years old—testing in front of Mr. Parker himself. Over the past four decades he has built a remarkable career as both a competitor and an instructor.

He is the founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, where he has been teaching since 1986, helping shape generations of martial artists. During his competitive career, Mr. Halsey also achieved significant success, winning multiple titles at prestigious tournaments including the Long Beach Internationals and earning Grand Champion honours at events such as the Boston and Las Vegas Internationals.

Today he continues to carry forward the principles and traditions of American Kenpo while mentoring students and instructors alike.

It’s an honour to welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast — Mr. Scott Halsey.”

In this episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas sits down with highly respected American Kenpo instructor Mr. Scott Halsey, a 9th Degree Black Belt and direct student of Richard Huk Planas, one of the most influential first-generation students of Edmund K. Parker.

Mr. Halsey’s journey in the martial arts spans more than four decades. He earned his black belt at just 16 years old, testing directly under Mr. Parker, and went on to become a highly accomplished competitor during the golden era of open karate tournaments.

As the founder and chief instructor of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, Mr. Halsey has spent nearly 40 years teaching and mentoring students while preserving the Parker–Planas lineage of American Kenpo.

In this conversation we explore:

• Mr. Halsey’s early martial arts journey

• Training under Senior Master Huk Planas

• Memories of the legendary tournament circuit

• Lessons from Ed Parker and the Parker lineage

• The philosophy and evolution of American Kenpo

• Teaching the next generation of martial artists

This episode offers valuable insight into the history, philosophy, and living legacy of American Kenpo Karate.

• 9th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate

• Direct student of Senior Master Richard “Huk” Planas

• Tested for black belt at age 16 under Ed Parker

• Founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate (established 1986)

• Multiple champion at the Long Beach International Karate Championships

• Kata Grand Champion at major tournaments including Boston and Las Vegas Internationals

• Over 40 years of martial arts training and teaching experience

Halsey’s Kenpo Karate

https://www.halseykarate.com/

Hosted by Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast explores the philosophy, history, and personal journeys of martial artists around the world.

Guest Bio HighlightsGuest WebsiteListen to The Mind Sensei Podcast

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 Grandmaster Ed Parker.

Mr. Halsey began training at a young age and earned his black belt at just 16 years old—testing in front of Mr. Parker himself. Over the past four decades he has built a remarkable career as both a competitor and an instructor.

He is the founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, where he has been teaching since 1986, helping shape generations of martial artists. During his competitive career, Mr. Halsey also achieved significant success, winning multiple titles at prestigious tournaments including the Long Beach Internationals and earning Grand Champion honours at events such as the Boston and Las Vegas Internationals.

Today he continues to carry forward the principles and traditions of American Kenpo while mentoring students and instructors alike.

It’s an honour to welcome to The Mind Sensei Podcast — Mr. Scott Halsey.”

In this episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas sits down with highly respected American Kenpo instructor Mr. Scott Halsey, a 9th Degree Black Belt and direct student of Richard Huk Planas, one of the most influential first-generation students of Edmund K. Parker.

Mr. Halsey’s journey in the martial arts spans more than four decades. He earned his black belt at just 16 years old, testing directly under Mr. Parker, and went on to become a highly accomplished competitor during the golden era of open karate tournaments.

As the founder and chief instructor of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate in Redding, California, Mr. Halsey has spent nearly 40 years teaching and mentoring students while preserving the Parker–Planas lineage of American Kenpo.

In this conversation we explore:

• Mr. Halsey’s early martial arts journey

• Training under Senior Master Huk Planas

• Memories of the legendary tournament circuit

• Lessons from Ed Parker and the Parker lineage

• The philosophy and evolution of American Kenpo

• Teaching the next generation of martial artists

This episode offers valuable insight into the history, philosophy, and living legacy of American Kenpo Karate.

• 9th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate

• Direct student of Senior Master Richard “Huk” Planas

• Tested for black belt at age 16 under Ed Parker

• Founder of Halsey’s Kenpo Karate (established 1986)

• Multiple champion at the Long Beach International Karate Championships

• Kata Grand Champion at major tournaments including Boston and Las Vegas Internationals

• Over 40 years of martial arts training and teaching experience

Halsey’s Kenpo Karate

https://www.halseykarate.com/

Hosted by Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast explores the philosophy, history, and personal journeys of martial artists around the world.

Guest Bio HighlightsGuest WebsiteListen to The Mind Sensei Podcast