Welcome to another episode of the Mind Sensei Podcast, where we dive deep into the minds and experiences of some of the most fascinating and accomplished individuals. I’m your host, Peter Tas, and today, I’m thrilled to introduce a very special guest, someone whose life story is as inspiring as it is formidable—Mr. Marcus Buonfiglio. This episode marks the beginning of an in-depth, three-part series dedicated to exploring Marcus’s extraordinary journey and the powerful insights he’s gained along the way.

Born to a US Air Force Master Sergeant and an English mother, Marcus’s early years involved constant relocation, a lifestyle that shaped his resilience and taught him to stand up for himself. After high school, his path led him to American Kenpo, where he began training under the esteemed Mr. John Sepulveda in 1980. Over a 14-year competitive career, Marcus not only earned his 3rd-degree black belt but also took home numerous Grand Champion titles, proving his dedication and skill in the martial arts arena.

In 1994, Marcus pivoted to focus on the combative aspects of Kenpo, training under Grandmaster Michael Robert Pick and eventually achieving an 8th-degree black belt. His expertise extended into knife and pistol combat, and he’s imparted this knowledge to elite military and law enforcement personnel, including the US Army’s 10th Special Forces Group.

Marcus’s legacy as a teacher and innovator includes founding Modern American Warrior, the American Kenpo Fighting System, and co-founding Critical Distance Combatives—all programs that blend Kenpo with modern combative techniques and close-quarter defense. He’s also a sought-after speaker on predator awareness and sociopathic behavior, lending his insights to help communities stay safe.

In this three-part series, we’ll journey through Marcus’s life and philosophy—from his early days and martial arts career to his deep knowledge of personal safety and predator awareness. Whether you’re a martial artist, a personal safety enthusiast, or someone eager to learn from a true warrior, this series will be filled with invaluable lessons.

So, without further ado, let’s welcome Mr. Marcus Buonfiglio to the Mind Sensei Podcast.

To our Guest Mr Bounfiglio thank you again for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s an honor to have you on the podcast, and I know our listeners gained so much from this conversation.To our listeners, thank you for joining us for Part 2. If today’s discussion resonated with you, stay tuned for the final part of our series, where we will dive even deeper into the mental and strategic aspects of self-defense, as well as his mission to spread awareness about predator behavior. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

For any questions or to reach out to Marcus directly, feel free to contact him through [his social media or preferred contact platform]. And as always, you can reach out to us with feedback, comments, or questions about today’s episode on our social channels or website.

Until next time, and until next time, stay mindful, stay curious and keep cultivating the art of Self Discovery. This is Peter Tas, signing off for The Mind Sensei Podcast. Thank you, and take care.

If you’d like to connect with Marcus or learn more about his work, you can reach out to him directly through

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marcus.buonfiglio

Books Recommended

American Warrior: The True Story of a Legendary Ranger - Gary O'Neal (Author)
Gift of Fear - Gavin Debecker
Marc Animal Young - The Combat Perspective
On Killing - David Grossman

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Episode 42a - 9th Deg Master Marcus Buonfiglio, AKFS, Texas, USA (Part 1 of 3)

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