My Empty Hands

Reggie Darden

5.0 (6)
SPORTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Conversations with martial artists, primarily focused on Kenpo.

2D AGO · VIDEO

Episode 101 – Martin Seck

Martin Seck

1h 6m
3D AGO · VIDEO

Episode 100 – NaKeesha Hayes

Episode 100 – I’m talking Capoeira with NaKeesha Hayes. She’s new to the world of Capoeira but is truly inspired to train and grow! I find her story extremely expiring!

48 min
JAN 30 · VIDEO

Episode 98 – Tim Bulot

Tim Bulot

1h 7m
JAN 23 · VIDEO

Episode 96 – Scott Hilderbrand

Scott Hilderbrand

1h 21m
JAN 15 · VIDEO

Episode 95 – Brittnay and Brandon Searles

Brittnay and Brandon Searles

1h 41m
JAN 10 · VIDEO

Episode 94 – Justin Koch

Justin Koch

53 min
JAN 9 · VIDEO

Episode 93 – Derek Wayne Johnson

In this episode, I chat with Derek Wayne Johnson. He is a filmmaker and black belt, in the Superfoot System.

1h 13m
12/31/2025

Episode 92 – Shawn Knight

Episode Overview In this episode, host Reggie Darden sits down with Mr. Shawn Knight, a lifelong martial artist and Kempo instructor with 35 years of experience. Shawn shares his journey from a “rough childhood” to becoming a dedicated practitioner and school owner. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of American Kempo, the transition between the Tracy and Ed Parker systems, and the mental and emotional benefits of lifelong training. Key Moments & Discussion Points [01:44] The Origin Story: Shawn recounts his first class on December 5, 1990. After a violent altercation in high school left him with a fractured orbit, a friend purchased a trial self-defense course for him—a moment that changed his life forever. [02:19] Tracy’s vs. Parker Kempo: Shawn discusses his beginnings in the Tracy system under Bill Packer, highlighting the heavy focus on fighting and kickboxing. He later transitioned to the Ed Parker system under the guidance of Steven Leounty. [07:55] Running a School and Curriculum: Having owned a school since 1994, Shawn explains his rotating curriculum model. This method helps students manage the vast amount of Kempo material by breaking it into manageable “semesters” or rotations [08:53]. [13:39] Tradition vs. Evolution: A discussion on the “work smarter, not harder” philosophy. Shawn emphasizes the importance of modernizing training models (like reducing concussions from hard sparring) while still honoring the foundational teachings of the masters [14:12]. [22:53] The Value of Forms (Katas): Despite “hating” forms early in his career, Shawn explains how they eventually became moving meditations that improved his timing and discipline [26:37]. He compares doing a form to “shadow boxing” for MMA [28:06]. [37:43] What Defines a Black Belt? Shawn defines a black belt not just by physical skill, but by a commitment to constant refinement of fundamentals and “honest, humble introspection” [40:08]. [57:38] Empowerment and Mental Fortitude: In a powerful segment, Shawn discusses how martial arts taught him that he was “worth defending” [58:17]. He reflects on how training helps practitioners “fight themselves” every day to overcome their own weaknesses and egos [59:32]. The Lightning Round Favorite Technique: “Thundering Hammers” (Hammering Ram) for aggressive energy, or “Five Swords” (Countering Ram) for technical flow [52:04]. Favorite Form/Set: Finger Set and Form Four [53:51]. Favorite Weapon: The Karambit (daily carry) and the Staff [54:23]. Dream Training Partner: Steven Leounty (his late mentor), for one more class of philosophy and technique [56:08]. Guest Information Shawn Knight has been training in Kempo for 35 years and instructing for 34. He currently operates a school in Tucson, Arizona, and continues to be coached by Kempo legends John Sepulveda and Lee Wedlake.

1h 6m

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

Conversations with martial artists, primarily focused on Kenpo.

Creator

Reggie Darden
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

50
Rating

Clean
Show Website

My Empty Hands