Juan Serrano | Teaching, Knowledge & Casa de Kenpo (Part 2)

Part 2 continues the conversation with Mr. Juan Serrano, focusing on his evolution as an instructor and the creation of Casa de Kenpo—one of the first public instructional forums dedicated to American Kenpo Karate.

With over 35 years of experience, Mr. Serrano discusses teaching methodology, preserving martial knowledge, and the responsibility of passing the art forward with integrity and clarity.

This episode is essential viewing for instructors, senior students, and serious martial artists.

In the final episode of this 2-part series, Peter Tas and Mr. Juan Serrano dive into philosophy, rank, and what it truly means to walk the martial path.

Mr. Serrano shares the mindset that has guided him for decades—emphasising that growth is found in the journey of training, not the destination of rank. This episode offers timeless wisdom for martial artists of all styles and experience levels.

A fitting conclusion to an insightful and thought-provoking series.

Juan Serrano is an 8th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate with over 35 years of martial arts experience. Beginning his training at the age of eight in Brooklyn, New York, he developed a diverse background across multiple disciplines before dedicating himself to Kenpo. In 2008, he founded Casa de Kenpo, one of the first public instructional forums dedicated to sharing and preserving American Kenpo knowledge. Mr. Serrano is widely respected for his teaching philosophy, emphasising that true understanding is found in the journey of training rather than the pursuit of rank.

🎧 Now available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts#TheMindSenseiPodcast #MartialArtsPhilosophy #AmericanKenpo #CasaDeKenpo #LifelongLearning

In this special 3-part series of The Mind Sensei Podcast, host Peter Tas welcomes Mr. Juan Serrano, 8th Degree Black Belt and founder of Casa de Kenpo.

With over 35 years of martial arts experience, Mr. Serrano began training at the age of eight and developed an extensive background in Aikido, Aikijujutsu, Taekwondo, Shotokan Karate, Kali/Escrima, Boxing, and American Kenpo Karate. In 1998, he relocated to California to pursue his passion for Kenpo, later founding Casa de Kenpo in 2008 as one of the first public instructional platforms dedicated to the art.

Across this series, Mr. Serrano shares his journey, teaching philosophy, and insights into preserving knowledge while emphasising that true growth lies in the process of training—not the pursuit of rank.

This is a must-listen series for martial artists, instructors, and anyone committed to lifelong personal development.

Juan Serrano is an 8th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate with over 35 years of martial arts experience. Beginning his training at the age of eight in Brooklyn, New York, he developed a diverse background across multiple disciplines before dedicating himself to Kenpo. In 2008, he founded Casa de Kenpo, one of the first public instructional forums dedicated to sharing and preserving American Kenpo knowledge. Mr. Serrano is widely respected for his teaching philosophy, emphasising that true understanding is found in the journey of training rather than the pursuit of rank.

american kenpo, juan serrano, casa de kenpo, kenpo karate journey, martial arts podcast, kenpo origins, kenpo practitioner, martial arts mindset, traditional kenpo, self defence training, peter tas, the mind sensei podcast

🎧 NOW LIVE ON SPOTIFY — PART 3

Part 3 of my conversation with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat, 7th-Degree Black Belt and founder of the Shaolin American Self Defense Academy, is now available on The Mind Sensei Podcast.

In this episode, we continue exploring the deeper layers of the martial arts journey — leadership, mindset, legacy, and the responsibility that comes with guiding others on the path. Sensei Donnie shares insights shaped by decades of training, teaching, and lived experience, offering lessons that extend well beyond the dojo.

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply aligned with the true spirit of martial arts — personal growth, service, and integrity.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify

#TheMindSenseiPodcast #PeterTas #DonnieJeffcoat #AmericanKenpo #KenpoKarate #ShaolinKempo #MartialArtsPodcast #MartialArtsMindset #BlackBeltMindset #MartialArtsLeadership #DojoLife #MartialArtsCommunity #SelfDefence #PersonalGrowth #Discipline #Resilience #MartialArtsJourney

• 6thDegree Black Belt in American Kenpo

• Owner & Chief Instructor of Shaolin American Self Defense Academy (North Hollywood, CA)

• Founder of SASDA’s inclusive, community-first teaching model

• Over three decades of martial arts practice and teaching

• Specialized in American Kenpo, Shaolin Kempo, and performance-based combat arts

• Experienced fight choreographer with a strong background in film and television

• Developer of programs for all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, and students with special needs

• Committed to providing accessible, authentic martial arts education

• Known for blending modern self-defense with traditional values and personal empowerment

Official Dojo Website:👉 https://shaolinamericansda.com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @shaolin_american_sda | @donniejeffcoatofficial

• Facebook: Shaolin American Self Defense Academy

• YouTube: Shaolin American SDA Channel

For training, seminars, or direct enquiries, visit the official SASDA website or message through social media.

🔶 Bio: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat🔗 Connect with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat

Guest: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat – 6thDegree Black BeltHost: Peter Tas | The Mind Sensei Podcast

Welcome to Part 2 of my deep and meaningful conversation with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat. In this episode, we move beyond the beginnings of his martial arts path and explore the heart of his teaching philosophy, the formation of his dojo community, and the values that guide him as an instructor and mentor.

Donnie shares the intentions behind building a welcoming, safe, and empowering training environment, and the principles he believes truly shape a martial artist — discipline, humility, compassion, and the courage to grow.

This episode touches on everything from teaching methodology, to navigating adversity, to what it means to build a dojo family rooted in respect and connection. If Part 1 explored the roots, Part 2 reveals the spirit of the martial artist he has become.

A sincere, warm, and uplifting conclusion to a remarkable two-part interview.

• 6thDegree Black Belt in American Kenpo

• Owner & Chief Instructor of Shaolin American Self Defense Academy (North Hollywood, CA)

• Founder of SASDA’s inclusive, community-first teaching model

• Over three decades of martial arts practice and teaching

• Specialized in American Kenpo, Shaolin Kempo, and performance-based combat arts

• Experienced fight choreographer with a strong background in film and television

• Developer of programs for all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, and students with special needs

• Committed to providing accessible, authentic martial arts education

• Known for blending modern self-defense with traditional values and personal empowerment

Official Dojo Website:👉 https://shaolinamericansda.com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @shaolin_american_sda | @donniejeffcoatofficial

• Facebook: Shaolin American Self Defense Academy

• YouTube: Shaolin American SDA Channel

For training, seminars, or direct enquiries, visit the official SASDA website or message through social media.

🔶 Bio: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat🔗 Connect with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat
Donnie Jeffcoat teaching philosophy, dojo culture, dojo family, martial arts leadership, building a martial arts school, inclusive martial arts training, martial arts mentorship, teaching kenpo, martial arts values, community focused dojo, empowering students, martial arts for all ages, authentic martial arts training, modern kenpo teaching, martial arts purpose, leadership through martial arts, legacy in martial arts

Guest: Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat – 7th Degree Black BeltHost: Peter Tas | The Mind Sensei Podcast

In Part 1 of this special two-episode interview, I sit down with Sensei Donnie Jeffcoat, a 7th-Degree Black Belt, actor, lifelong martial artist, and the founder of the Shaolin American Self Defense Academy in North Hollywood, California.

This episode takes you back to the beginning of Donnie’s journey — from the early influences that shaped him, to the challenges he faced growing up, and how martial arts became both a personal sanctuary and a path toward empowerment.

Donnie opens up about the emotional, mental, and physical lessons that built the foundation of his teaching today. His humility, warmth, and genuine passion for helping others shine through every moment of this conversation.

Settle in for an inspiring and heartfelt look at the origins of a martial artist who has dedicated his life to the growth of others.

• 7th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo

• Founder & Chief Instructor of Shaolin American Self Defense Academy (SASDA)

• Over 35 years of martial arts training

• Began training in 1985 in the Villari Kempo lineage

• Experienced in Shaolin Kempo, American Kenpo, and fight choreography

• Opened SASDA in 2011, emphasizing inclusive, community-driven training

• Actor known for his work in film and television

• Dedicated mentor to students of all ages, including specialized programs for women, children, teens, seniors, and individuals with special needs

• Passionate advocate for personal growth through martial arts

Website: Shaolin American Self Defense Academy👉 https://shaolinamericansda.com

Instagram:👉 @shaolin_american_sda👉 @donniejeffcoatofficial

Facebook:👉 Shaolin American Self Defense Academy

YouTube:👉 Shaolin American Self Defense Academy Channel

Enjoy Part 1 of this powerful conversation — and stay tuned for Part 2.

Donnie Jeffcoat early life, Donnie Jeffcoat martial arts journey, starting martial arts, bullying and martial arts, confidence through martial arts, kenpo training journey, shaolin american self defense academy, martial arts origin story, martial arts adversity, building resilience through martial arts, mindset development, overcoming challenges, martial arts discipline, becoming a martial arts instructor, kenpo lineage, martial arts transformation, personal development through martial arts

The Mind Sensei Podcast – Senior Master Tim Bulot (Part 3)

In the final part of our series, we explore Senior Master Bulot’s tactical expertise and how he blends American Kenpo with real-world combat through the Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas.

His approach—bridging traditional Kenpo concepts with modern survival tactics—offers essential insight for today’s practitioners.

We discuss his ongoing work, his legacy as a media archivist and historian for the art, and his continued efforts to elevate Kenpo across the world.

Guest Summary:

• Founder of the Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas

• Specialist in firearms, SWAT, and anti-terrorism tactics

• Innovator of “Kenpo Fusion”

• Active seminar instructor and international educator

• Dedicated historian preserving the legacy of American Kenpo

Guest Contact:

YouTube: Tim BulotBULOTMEDIA

Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas (SWATX)

A powerful look at the responsibility, humility, and commitment required to guide the next generation.

The Mind Sensei Podcast – Senior Master Tim Bulot (Part 2)

In part two, we go deeper into Senior Master Bulot’s history of instruction, mentorship, and leadership within American Kenpo. We discuss his role in guiding high-level practitioners, including his 30-year mentorship of Senior Master Mark Reding, and the philosophy behind restoring core Kenpo principles in a modern world.

We cover his extensive video work, the creation of the Kenpo Adventures series, and his mission to capture and preserve authentic Kenpo knowledge.

Guest Summary:• Senior Master recognized by the IKKA with a path to 10th degree• Promoted high-ranking Kenpo practitioners, including 9th Degree Mark Reding• Producer of the 15-year "Kenpo Adventures" film series• Director and actor in the 2010 feature film El Negocio• International seminar instructor and educator

Guest Contact:

BULOTMEDIA Productions

YouTube: Tim BulotKenpo Unlimited

Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas (SWATX)

A powerful look at the responsibility, humility, and commitment required to guide the next generation.

The Mind Sensei Podcast – Episode with Senior Master Tim Bulot (Part 1)

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.

Welcome to the Mind Sensei podcast.

I’m your host, Peter Tas, and today I’m honored to have with us Tim Bulot—a 10th Degree Senior Master in American Kenpo, a seasoned deputy commander in his local county swat team trainer, and the owner of Bulot Media.

Mr Bulot brings decades of martial arts mastery and real-world tactical experience, along with a unique perspective on training, leadership, and mindset.

Get ready for an insightful conversation that goes deep into the art and science of Kenpo and beyond.In this first installment of our three-part series, I sit down with 10th Degree Senior Master of American Kenpo, Mr. Tim Bulot. His journey from deep martial arts research, to training under Larry Tatum, to applying Kenpo under pressure during a 21-year law enforcement career sets the tone for an extraordinary conversation.

We explore his early development, the mentors who shaped him, and how the realities of street violence refined his understanding of the art.

Guest Summary:​ 10th Degree Senior Master of American Kenpo

Current 40 year career as police officer and U.S. Government Anti-Terrorism operative•

Direct lineage through Larry Tatum to Ed Parker•

IKKA Senior Master; Director of International Membership•

Founder of Kenpo Unlimited (with Master Frank Soto)•

Owner of BULOTMEDIA Productions•

Tactical training expert and founder of the Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas

Guest Contact:

Website / Media: BULOTMEDIA Productions

YouTube: Tim BulotStrategic

Weapons Academy of Texas:

S.W.A.TXKenpo Unlimited:

Kenpo Unlimited

Join me as we begin unpacking the life and legacy of a true modern Kenpo pioneer.