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

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

"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

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