Manifest your vision through relentless, focused action until it becomes reality.
Never give up.
I enjoy traveling, yoga, dog rescue, snowboarding, making art, working a heavy bag, splitting wood, running, building things driving with the top down, kenpo, and spending time with my family.
One of my first students, Zach, made a lasting impression on me. He was eight years old and, and his mom enrolled him to learn self-defense and build up his confidence. After a couple months of training, Zach’s mom told me that she was having a difficult time bringing him to class and he wanted to quit. As Zach walked into my office, I thought how can we get this kid to stick with it? I asked him if he wanted a pair of nunchucks. His eyes lit up! I gave him some foam chucks and taught him some moves. I told him if he practiced at home, next week he could show all his classmates and then help me teach them. He was pumped. It worked!
Fast forward three years later to Zach’s Junior Black Belt test. He was strong, confident, and as he was testing, I couldn’t help but remember the time when he was going to quit at yellow belt. I had given him a little spark that ignited something inside him. Sometimes people just need a little encouragement in the right direction. There is nothing like watching the transformation from white to black belt that occurs. Seeing a student succeed is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. It’s why I teach.
THE BEGINNING
My journey started in Baltimore, MD. Growing up I loved sports, Star Wars, and playing outside until dinner time. My parents owned an Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate Studio. I had the unique experience of being raised in a karate school in the late 70’s and 80’s. The school was my playground. As soon as I could walk, I was running around the school in a karate gi my Aunt made me.
LEARNING YEARS
My Mom and Dad (Suzanne and Joe Palanzo) opened the school in 1970. Mom ran the business side of things while Dad taught classes and ran the floor. I spent countless hours there training, taking class, and just hanging out. During the summer I lived off the McDonald’s that was next door and had the most epic karate school sleepovers with my buddies! It was my second home. The experiences I had at that school shaped me into the person I am today.
I was fortunate enough to be around some of the most influential martial artists of the time. Looking back, they taught me more than punching and kicking.
Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo, was my father’s instructor, mentor, and close friend. Mr. Parker visited our school and home often. Whether I was watching him teach, having him in my corner to watch me compete, or listening to his jokes at dinner, Mr. Parker captivated me. Even though I was mostly a kid, Mr. Parker’s influence on me cannot be understated. Being around him set the bar high and gave me a sense of infinite possibilities.
Tom Kelly’s integrity was undeniable. He stood by his beliefs and demanded doing things the right way. Frank Trejo taught me to lighten up and not to take things too seriously. Bart Vale impressed upon me that no matter how skilled you are, if you don’t have enough gas in the tank, you can’t beat anyone. Joe Lewis’ system of fighting was unparalleled. It was a science. I realized his greatness was not an accident. Dr. Maung instilled the importance of maintaining balance with exercises to center the mind and restore the body. Cartwheel ax kick superman cape and all, Billy Blanks taught me to be myself!
The person who had the greatest influence on me was my father. He led by example and had a unique ability to connect with people. My dad made the people around him feel empowered. He was positive and encouraging to all his students. Whether that was dressing up as a ninja for some kid’s karate birthday party or knowing when to highlight that shy student in class, he tried to give his students a great experience. I will always remember how he treated everyone the same regardless of their background or physical talent. His goal was to impact as many people as possible. I was lucky enough to be one of them.
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SEMINARS, TRAINING, & EVENTS
I teach seminars, in-person or streaming lessons, and I love working on new projects and events. Submit your contact info and I'll personally respond as soon as possible.
CURRENT PROJECTS
WKKA+
SNAPSHOT
Series of paintings using expressive painting techniques to apply the paint on large canvas.
