Marisa Gardner ’04 has been practicing the Shaolin Kempo style of karate since she was twelve years old. Kempo focuses on self-defense, using what is termed the “Te” technique, or “empty hands.” As a result, Kempo focuses on punches and throws rather than on kicks.

“I do kick-boxing and I’d like to try other forms of martial arts,” says Gardner. “Other styles have better kicks, and I’d like to learn those. Kempo is kind of lacking in that area.”

Gardner discovered karate when she was very young, but at first she turned away from the sport. Later, after she moved, she found a new center where she could learn to get better and practice. From the time she took it up again eight years ago, she has been hooked.

“I started Kempo up again when we moved because my parents thought I should know how to defend myself,” remembers Gardener. “When I began classes, I was sort of into it again, and after I talked to the instructor, I knew I would continue it. He was really nice and all the people there became like a second family to me.”

Most forms of martial arts focus on self-defense, especially the sub-divisions of karate. A common misconception about karate is that it is used to beat people up; however, this is very far from the truth. Karate emphasizes mind, body, and spirit working as one to increase wisdom and maintain good health.

Gardner decided to take Kempo specifically because it works well with a person of her small stature. As with certain other types of martial arts, such as jujitsu, Kempo uses one’s opponent’s strength against him.

“The way the blocks and everything work in Kempo, a person can practice it against someone who is twice their height and weight,” notes Gardner. “This is great for a person like me.”

Other popular styles of martial arts include karate, judo, tae-kwon-do, jujitsu, and kung fu. Most of these styles originated in eastern Asia, in such countries as Japan and China, at various time periods throughout history. For example, judo is relatively recent – it was created in its modern form in the second half of the nineteenth century. Jujitsu, however, is 4000 years old. Another key difference between the various forms is the focus of their teaching: while judo and jujitsu focus mostly on throws, tae-kwon-do is mostly kicking.

One similarity between these styles of martial arts is that they can be started at practically any age or stage in life. Many young children begin to learn a martial art for a sense of community, fitness, or an activity outside of school. In addition, adults can practice for exercise or reasons of self-defense.

However, while beginning to learn a martial art is not usually a complex or difficult process, mastering one can be exhausting and labor-intensive. The road to becoming a black belt can take many years and requires extensive training, practice, and learning.

“It took me six years to get my black belt in Kempo,” said Gardner. “I had to pass a really intense nine-hour test to get the rank; it was exhausting. They made me spar with five different people at once, do push-ups and crunches, and show moves. However, they never let someone take the black belt test whom they don’t feel will pass, and the only way that you fail is if you pass out during it or if you give up.”

Even with this grueling test of strength and endurance, Gardner believes most anyone can achieve the rank of black belt in a particular martial art. She remarked, “It’s mostly a matter of how hard you want to work at it. If you put a lot of time into it and practice really hard, you can definitely learn a martial art.”

In Claremont and the surrounding area, there are many places to practice and learn martial arts. In Pomona, there are four locations, including Continental Tae-Kwon-Do Federation, Red Dragon Karate, and Chung’s Tae-Kwon-Do Studio. Chino also has martial arts, such as American Martial Arts and Self-Defense and Young Kim’s Tae-Kwon-Do.