Episode 68 – Barbara White

10/07/2025 52 min
Episode 68 – Barbara White

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Episode Synopsis


In this episode of “My Empty Hands,” host Reggie Darden interviews Barbara “Barb” White. The conversation covers her journey into martial arts, her experience teaching and competing, her thoughts on cross-training, and her perspective on the future of the Kempo community.



Discussion Points:



[44:11] Barb promotes upcoming events, including a women’s symposium on April 6th.



[00:35] Introduction to the podcast and guest Barbara White.



[02:24] Barb discusses how she started in martial arts about 34 years ago.



[05:22] Her transition to Kempo after her initial studio closed.



[09:36] She shares her love for all aspects of martial arts, especially sparring.



[11:19] Barb talks about her initial fear of teaching and how she overcame it.



[18:27] Her advice for new instructors: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”



[19:36] Her experience with competing.



[28:15] She discusses her current training in Jiu-Jitsu and how it applies to women’s self-defense.



[39:08] Barb advocates for more unity within the Kempo community.



[40:30] Her favorite technique, “Kneel of Compulsion.”