Listen "Episode 76 – Mark Gallagher"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of “My Empty Hands,” host Reggie Darden interviews Mark Gallagher. They discuss their respective martial arts backgrounds, with a focus on Kempo. The conversation covers how they got into the art, their philosophies on training, and their experiences with competition and teaching.
Discussion Points:
[50:07] A lightning round where Mark shares his favorite techniques, forms, and inspirations.
[00:24] Introduction to the guest, Mark Gallagher, and the podcast, “My Empty Hands.”
[00:55] Reggie shares his background in Kempo, Capoeira, Muay Thai, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
[02:02] Mark talks about his start in martial arts in 1991 at the age of 10, inspired by media like the Ninja Turtles.
[03:53] Reggie shares how the movie The Perfect Weapon inspired him to start Kempo.
[07:31] Mark describes Kempo as a sophisticated, modern, and open martial art.
[13:27] Mark discusses his experience competing as an orange belt.
[19:05] The conversation shifts to kickboxing and the importance of consistent training.
[47:46] Mark shares that he has been teaching martial arts since 1995 and that it is the only job he has ever had.
More episodes of the podcast My Empty Hands
Episode 94 – Justin Koch
10/01/2026
Episode 93 – Derek Wayne Johnson
09/01/2026
Episode 92 – Shawn Knight
31/12/2025
Episode 91 – Paul Coffey
24/12/2025
Episode 90 – Rebecca Knight
19/12/2025
Episode 89 – Karri Barnes
11/12/2025
Episode 88 – Duval Hamilton
05/12/2025
Episode 87 – Randy Haskins
28/11/2025
Bonus Episode – Charles Johnson
26/11/2025
Episode 86 – Mike Klusman III
22/11/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.