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