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

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 Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. Alongside his martial arts journey, he built a successful career in broadcasting and voiceover, developing a unique ability to communicate, connect, and tell meaningful stories.

In Part 1, Brian shares the formative experiences that shaped his foundation—early training, overcoming setbacks, influential mentors, and the lessons that kept him on the path.

In Part 2, the focus shifts to his evolution as a podcast creator. Brian discusses the long road from pitching a martial arts radio show in the late 1990s to ultimately launching the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, a platform dedicated to celebrating the stories of martial artists from all walks of life.

This conversation explores not only martial arts, but the mindset required to persevere, adapt, and create something meaningful.

Biography

Brian Doucette is a lifelong martial artist with over 40 years of training experience across multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. With more than 30 years in broadcasting and voiceover, he is the host of the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, where he combines his passion for martial arts and storytelling to highlight the journeys, insights, and experiences of practitioners from around the world.

• ​“EVERYDAY WARRIOR”
• ​“40+ YEARS TRAINING”
• ​“MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY”
• ​“FROM STUDENT TO HOST”
• ​“REAL MARTIAL ARTS”#TheMindSensei #BrianDoucette #EverydayMartialArtist#MartialArtsPodcast #MartialArtsJourney #MartialArtsLife#KenpoKarate #ShotokanKarate #TangSooDo #Aikido #Taekwondo#MartialArtsMindset #MartialArtsTraining #MartialArtsCommunity#SelfDevelopment #Discipline #Leadership #PodcastLife#CombatSports #MartialArtsWorld

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 Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. Alongside his martial arts journey, he built a successful career in broadcasting and voiceover, developing a unique ability to communicate, connect, and tell meaningful stories.

In Part 1, Brian shares the formative experiences that shaped his foundation—early training, overcoming setbacks, influential mentors, and the lessons that kept him on the path.

In Part 2, the focus shifts to his evolution as a podcast creator. Brian discusses the long road from pitching a martial arts radio show in the late 1990s to ultimately launching the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, a platform dedicated to celebrating the stories of martial artists from all walks of life.

This conversation explores not only martial arts, but the mindset required to persevere, adapt, and create something meaningful.

Biography

Brian Doucette is a lifelong martial artist with over 40 years of training experience across multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and American Kenpo. With more than 30 years in broadcasting and voiceover, he is the host of the Everyday Martial Artist Podcast, where he combines his passion for martial arts and storytelling to highlight the journeys, insights, and experiences of practitioners from around the world.

• ​“EVERYDAY WARRIOR”
• ​“40+ YEARS TRAINING”
• ​“MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY”
• ​“FROM STUDENT TO HOST”
• ​“REAL MARTIAL ARTS”#TheMindSensei #BrianDoucette #EverydayMartialArtist#MartialArtsPodcast #MartialArtsJourney #MartialArtsLife#KenpoKarate #ShotokanKarate #TangSooDo #Aikido #Taekwondo#MartialArtsMindset #MartialArtsTraining #MartialArtsCommunity#SelfDevelopment #Discipline #Leadership #PodcastLife#CombatSports #MartialArtsWorld

🚨 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 creating a training environment that develops not only martial arts skills, but also leadership, confidence, and personal growth.

His teaching philosophy reflects decades of training and experience, combined with his professional background as a secondary school teacher, allowing him to effectively communicate concepts and build long-term student development.

In this episode we explore the responsibilities of teaching, running a martial arts school, and continuing to grow within the art.

• Moving to Arizona and opening Desert Dragons’ Kenpo• Building a martial arts school and community• Teaching children leadership and confidence• Training adults, beginners, and law enforcement professionals• The role of environment and awareness in Kenpo training• Continuing to learn under Grand Master Larry Tatum• The responsibility of passing knowledge forward

• 8th Degree Associate Master in American Kenpo• Student of Rick Jeffcoat and Grand Master Larry Tatum• Began training in 1990• Earned 1st Degree Black Belt in 1995• Founder of Desert Dragons’ Kenpo (Arizona)• Instructor to both children and adult martial artists• Nearly a decade of experience as a secondary school teacher• Regularly teaches seminars and develops students across the Kenpo community

Desert Dragons’ Kenpo – Arizona

Website:https://desertdragonsaz.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=desert%20dragons%20kenpo%20karate%20sc

The Mind Sensei Podcast explores the mindset, philosophy, and personal journeys of martial artists and thought leaders from around the world.

In this episode we discuss:Guest Biography – Mr. Scott GonzalezGuest School & Contact
Hosted by Peter Tas, martial artist and member of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

#AmericanKenpo #KenpoKarate #MindSenseiPodcast #MartialArtsPodcast #LarryTatum #RickJeffcoat #KenpoCommunity #MartialArts

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 environment. He later became the first enrolled student at Mr. Larry Tatum’s Green Street school, where he continued developing his understanding of the system.

Training under both Mr. Rick Jeffcoat and Grand Master Larry Tatum, Mr. Gonzalez earned his First Degree Black Belt in 1995, laying the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge within American Kenpo.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we explore Scott’s early years in Kenpo, the training culture of the time, and the influence of his instructors.

• ​ How Scott first discovered American Kenpo• Training in the early days with Rick Jeffcoat​ Becoming the first student at Larry Tatum’s Green Street studio​ The training environment and culture of early Kenpo schools• Lessons learned from direct mentorship• How lineage shapes understanding of the art

• ​ 8th Degree Associate Master in American Kenpo​ Represents the respected Jeffcoat / Tatum lineage​ Began training in 1990 under Mr. Rick Jeffcoat​ First enrolled student at Larry Tatum’s Green Street studio​ Earned 1st Degree Black Belt in 1995​ Founder and head instructor of Desert Dragons’ Kenpo in Arizona• Nearly a decade of experience as a secondary school teacher in California and Arizona​ Continues his training and personal development under the guidance of Grand Master Larry Tatum

Desert Dragons’ Kenpo – Arizona

Website:https://desertdragonsaz.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=desert%20dragons%20kenpo%20karate%20sc

The Mind Sensei Podcast explores the mindset, philosophy, and personal journeys of martial artists and thought leaders from around the world.

Hosted by Peter Tas, martial artist and member of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

In this episode we discuss:Guest Biography – Mr. Scott GonzalezGuest School & Contact

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 school ownership and coaching fighters to executive leadership in engineering and technology, Glenn connects the Martial Way to life beyond the dojo.

This is a conversation about legacy, humility, and the understanding that true mastery begins—and ends—within.

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 Senior Master John Sepulveda, Glenn’s journey spans traditional Kenpo, professional kickboxing, grappling, MMA, international competition, school ownership, and executive leadership in engineering and technology.

Across this in-depth conversation, we explore:

• How adversity shapes mindset and character

• The responsibility that comes with real skill

• Competition as a tool for pressure-testing discipline

• Restraint, accountability, and self-control

• Leadership inside and outside the dojo

• Why mastery does not end with age, rank, or experience

This series is not about chasing belts or trophies—it’s about understanding the Martial Way as a lifelong pursuit of self-mastery.

🎙️ The Mind Sensei Podcast🎧 Available now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

#MartialLegacy #LeadershipThroughDiscipline #MartialArtsPhilosophy #TheMindSensei #LifelongStudent