Part 1 - Danny Thiel – The Legacy of Paul Mills Kenpo American Kenpo History

What was it like to train during the evolution of Ed Parker's American Kenpo and witness the development of Paul Mills Kenpo firsthand?

In this special two-part episode of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Mr. Peter Tas welcomes Mr. Danny Thiel, a 5th Degree Black Belt under Senior Master Paul Mills whose martial arts journey began in 1979.

Danny shares his experiences training under Lee Wedlake, attending seminars with Ed Parker, Richard Planas, and Frank Trejo, before becoming a dedicated student of Senior Master Paul Mills. Together, they explore the principles of motion, flow, continuity, counter-balancing, and explosive movement that made Paul Mills' interpretation of American Kenpo unique.

In this two-part episode you'll discover:• The history of American Kenpo in Chicago• Training with Lee Wedlake and Frank Trejo• Seminars with Ed Parker and Richard Planas• Meeting Senior Master Paul Mills• The evolution of Paul Mills Kenpo• Motion, flow and continuity in Kenpo• Stories from over 45 years of martial arts training• Preserving the history and legacy of American Kenpo

If you're passionate about American Kenpo Karate, Ed Parker lineage, Kenpo history, martial arts philosophy, and the evolution of the art, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

American Kenpo, Kenpo Karate, Ed Parker, Paul Mills, Paul Mills Kenpo, Danny Thiel, Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast, Kenpo lineage, martial arts podcast, Kenpo history, self-defence, martial arts interviews.

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 martial arts teaching has evolved over time.• The balance between tradition, practicality, and modern training.• Why respect, discipline, and consistency remain essential.• The wider impact martial arts can have on confidence, mindset, and community.

If you enjoy conversations about martial arts philosophy, teaching, leadership, and personal development, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

website: https://threeworldsma.com

martial arts instructor, martial arts teaching, martial arts philosophy, John Van Cleve, Three Worlds Martial Arts, The Mind Sensei Podcast, dojo leadership, student development, respect, discipline, mindset, personal growth, martial arts education, self-improvement, community, mentorship.

Hashtags: #TheMindSenseiPodcast #JohnVanCleve #ThreeWorldsMartialArts #MartialArtsJourney #MartialArtsInstructor #MartialArtsEducation #Discipline #Respect #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #SelfImprovement #MartialArtsPodcast #Mentorship #Community

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 of John Van Cleve’s martial arts journey.

• The meaning and mission behind Three Worlds Martial Arts.

• Why character development matters as much as technical skill.

• How martial arts can build confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership.

• The role of self-defence, mindset, and personal growth in everyday life.

Martial arts podcast, John Van Cleve, Three Worlds Martial Arts, The Mind Sensei Podcast, martial arts philosophy, self-defence, discipline, leadership, personal growth, mindset, character development, dojo culture, martial arts training, confidence, resilience, self-improvement.

Website: https://www.threeworldsma.com/

#TheMindSenseiPodcast #JohnVanCleve #ThreeWorldsMartialArts #MartialArtsPodcast #MartialArts #SelfDefence #Discipline #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #CharacterDevelopment #DojoLife #MartialArtsTraining #Confidence #Resilience #SelfImprovement

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 disciplines such as Filipino Martial Arts, Shotokan Karate, and Practical Method Tai Chi influenced his understanding of combat and movement.

Grandmaster Sandler also reflects on co-founding Kenpo International, writing his book Martial Arts for Kids, and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations.

This is a powerful discussion on leadership, growth, and the enduring principles that make martial arts a lifelong journey.

In this episode:• Teaching philosophy and leadership• Preserving the legacy of Ed Parker• Kenpo International and its mission• Practical Method Tai Chi and cross-training• Advice for future generations• Building a lasting martial arts legacy

Guest Highlights:• 10th Degree Master of American Kenpo• Co-Founder of Kenpo International• International instructor and seminar presenter• Martial arts author• Lifelong student and mentor

If you care about the future of American Kenpo, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

American Kenpo, Kenpo International, Norman Sandler, Ed Parker Lineage, Martial Arts Leadership, Kenpo Instructor, Tai Chi, Filipino Martial Arts, Peter Tas

#AmericanKenpo #KenpoInternational #NormanSandler #EdParker #MartialArtsLeadership #TheMindSenseiPodcast #KenpoKarate #MartialArtsEducation #TaiChi #FilipinoMartialArts

• American Kenpo

• Ed Parker American Kenpo

• Kenpo Karate

• Norman Sandler

• Grandmaster Norman Sandler

• Grandmaster Velez

• Kenpo International

• U.S. National Karate Team

• Martial Arts Podcast

• Karate History

• Martial Arts Leadership

• Martial Arts Philosophy

• Traditional Martial Arts

• Filipino Martial Arts

• Practical Method Tai Chi

• Peter Tas

• The Mind Sensei Podcast

• Kenpo Lineage

• Kenpo History

• Martial Arts Legends

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 his training under Grandmaster Velez in 1974 to competing on the United States National Karate Team and earning medals at the Pan American Games and Olympic Festival, Grandmaster Sandler shares the experiences, challenges, and lessons that forged his path.

Listeners will gain unique insights into training during the golden era of American Kenpo, the influence of Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker, and the mindset required to achieve success at the highest levels of martial arts competition.

In this episode:• Training under Grandmaster Velez• The influence of Ed Parker's American Kenpo• The U.S. National Karate Team years• International competition and lessons learned• The evolution of a lifelong martial artist

Guest Highlights:

• 10th Degree Master of American Kenpo• Student of Grandmaster Velez since 1974

• Former U.S. National Karate Team member (1977–1987)• Pan American Games Medalist• Olympic Festival Medalist

• Co-Founder of Kenpo International

Subscribe now and join us for Part 2, where we explore Grandmaster Sandler's teaching philosophy, leadership, and vision for the future of Kenpo.

American Kenpo, Ed Parker, Norman Sandler, Kenpo Karate, U.S. National Karate Team, Kenpo History, Martial Arts Podcast, Peter Tas, The Mind Sensei Podcast, Grandmaster Velez

#AmericanKenpo #KenpoKarate #NormanSandler #EdParker #MartialArtsPodcast #TheMindSenseiPodcast #KenpoHistory #MartialArts #Karate #KenpoInternational

🥋 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 digital age

✅ Advice for future instructors and practitioners

Mr. Seminerio shares valuable insights gained from decades of study, teaching, and helping practitioners worldwide develop a deeper understanding of the art.

Whether you're a beginner or a lifelong Kenpo practitioner, this is a discussion filled with wisdom and perspective.

Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway.

#TheMindSenseiPodcast #AmericanKenpo #EdParkerKenpo #CasaDeKenpo #CliffSeminerio #KenpoKarate #MartialArtsPodcast #KenpoConcepts #KenpoPrinciples #MartialArtsLeadership #KenpoCommunity #PeterTas

Guest Bio

Mr. Cliff Seminerio is a respected American Kenpo practitioner, educator, and co-founder of Casa de Kenpo. Through pioneering online instructional content, he helped make authentic Ed Parker American Kenpo Karate accessible to practitioners worldwide.

His work has contributed significantly to preserving Kenpo concepts, techniques, lineage knowledge, and training methodology for future generations.

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 preserving the teachings of Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker.

In Part A, we explore:

✅ Mr. Semanerio's martial arts beginnings

✅ His journey through the Southern California Kenpo community

✅ The creation of Casa de Kenpo

✅ Early challenges of teaching Kenpo online

✅ Preserving the integrity of Ed Parker's American Kenpo

This episode offers a fascinating look into the evolution of Kenpo instruction and the importance of maintaining lineage, principles, and authenticity in the modern era.

Listen now and join the conversation.

Short Guest Bio

Mr. Cliff Seminerio is a respected American Kenpo practitioner, educator, and co-founder of Casa de Kenpo. Through pioneering online instructional content, he helped make authentic Ed Parker American Kenpo Karate accessible to practitioners worldwide. His work has contributed significantly to preserving Kenpo concepts, techniques, lineage knowledge, and training methodology for future generations.

#TheMindSenseiPodcast #AmericanKenpo #EdParkerKenpo #CasaDeKenpo #CliffSeminerio #KenpoKarate #MartialArtsPodcast #KenpoHistory #MartialArtsEducation #SelfDefense #KenpoCommunity #PeterTas

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 integrity of American Kenpo while continuing to evolve as a martial artist and instructor.

Drawing from over five decades of training and decades spent under the guidance of Paul Mills, he shares insights into leadership, teaching methodology, the future of Kenpo, and the importance of passing knowledge to the next generation.

This final installment provides valuable perspective on lineage, growth, adaptability, and what it truly means to live the principles of the art beyond the dojo.

• Preserving the legacy of American Kenpo
• Leadership and mentorship in martial arts
• The future evolution of Kenpo Karate
• Teaching beyond techniques
• Building the next generation of practitioners

• 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 Kempo Mill
• Instructor based in Reno, Nevada

American Kenpo, Ed Parker, AKKI, Scott Hilderbrand, Paul Mills, Kenpo Karate, martial arts podcast, self defence, Kenpo philosophy, martial arts leadership, Kenpo lineage, The Mind Sensei Podcast, traditional martial arts

#MindSenseiPodcast #AmericanKenpo #KenpoKarate #EdParker #AKKI #MartialArtsPodcast #Kenpo #PaulMills #MartialArts #KaratePodcast #TraditionalMartialArts #KenpoTraining #SelfDefence

🎧 Final episode of a 3-part series with Scott Hilderbrand.

In This Episode:🥋 Guest Bio🔍 Keywords#️⃣ Hashtags