Articles written on the Founder

Kempo Ascends in the Heartland
Geary's Kempo Karate expands in Omaha
Fitness for Kids: Build Muscles and Character with Karate



Kempo Ascends in the Heartland
1997-1998
by David Harding

In the heart of the nation, a new kind of martial arts instructor arises with the sun. His goal is to shine the light of Kempo on all who hunger for a life of balance, inner peace and discipline. He blends the old and the new in his teaching philosophy. He balances hard and soft techniques in his training regime. Sensei Christopher Geary has come home with 2,000 years of Kempo tradition to share.

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Christopher N. Geary had no real direction in his life. "He dabbled in things," said his stepfather, Eric Barntsen. "He tried different sports, but they were team sports and I think he really only wanted to compete with himself."

When he got out of the Marine Corps in 1994, Geary went home with more than an honorable discharge. He had developed a passion for martial arts while stationed in California, and he pursued this passion with such success that he earned a black in Kempo Karate twice as fast as most students. This was a remarkable achievement, especially since he earned his black belt from the legendary instructor and grand master, Professor Nick Cerio.

"Nothing is impossible to a willing mind." - Kempo principle

Back home in Omaha, Geary discovered there was no karate school specializing in the Kempo approach. He didn't have the money to open a school, but he wanted to teach others about the philosophy and the self-defense techniques that had given his life so much focus. So he distributed hand-lettered flyers door-to-door, and set up shop in a schoolyard after hours.

"I really wanted to have other people feel what I felt about Kempo," he said. "I had always felt a hunger that was only satisfied by martial arts. It had changed my life, and I wanted it to change theirs."

Sensei Geary recalls the feelings of anticipation as he set out to bring Kempo to others. Standing in the schoolyard by himself, he wondered,"Will they show up?" He felt his heart pounding - the Dragon's heartbeat - and the quick breaths of an idea being born. Gradually the roots took hold, and the students recognized the beneficial role of Kempo in their lives.

Before the year was over. Sensei Geary had attracted enough business to move to a downtown location, where he established Christopher N. Geary's Shaolin Kempo Karate. Three years later, he now has 125 students from Nebraska and Iowa and a growing reputation.

"Mastering others requires force; mastering the self requires enlightenment." - Lao Tzu

Mike Hipp studied martial arts at another dojo before coming to Christopher N. Geary's Shaolin Kempo Karate. But he was dissatisfied with what he perceived as a shallow attitude among students and teachers.

"A lot of people think martial arts is beating people up, and some teachers promote that attitude," said Hipp. "Sensei Geary doesn't allow sparring, except under supervision. He has a much philosophical approach. What really grabbed me about his dojo was everyone's dedication to the form and the history of Kempo. This is a place to learn what martial arts is truly about."

Twenty -year-old Mica agrees. She first came Christopher N. Geary's Shaolin Kempo Karate because she once had nearly been raped, and she wanted to be prepared in case it ever happened again. But she now appreciates much more than the confidence she has gained through Kempo.

"We learn a lot more than our art; we learn how it originated. When I practice a technique like sword kata, I'm aware that someone else did the same technique 2,000 years ago. I really appreciate how much went into perfecting each technique."

Sensei Geary puts history and philosophy at the core of his curriculum because they are the basis of all the techniques. "If you don't understand principles such as Wu-Wei, then you will have a lot more difficulty in learning martial arts," he said. " You'll also miss the greatest value of martial arts philosophy, which is to achieve a happier and more balanced life."

"To have no limitations as a limitation." - Bruce Lee

Sensei Geary has always been drawn to Kempo's potential for personal growth. He learned the value of discipline in the Marines, but he didn't find much balance or inner peace until he dedicated himself to Kempo. As a teacher, he encourages his students to use Kempo - not just for self-defense - but also for self-improvement.

"Sensei Geary is good with people," said student Mike Hipp. "He likes to help you figure out life, to take the edge off it. He understands everyday problems, and he likes to help you overcome life's challenges."

Hipp points to his own experience as an example. When he cut off three of his fingertips at work, Sensei Geary told him to let his wounds heal before coming back to school. A few weeks later, Sensei Geary called one day to urge him to come to class that evening, "I know you can handle what we'll be doing," he told Hipp.

It turned out his class was breaking bricks that evening. When Hipp stepped up to take his turn, he hesitated. Doubt filled his mind. He raised his left hand. "Stop, said Sensei Geary. "Other hand please." With a look of surprise, Hipp lowered his left hand and raised his injured right hand. Then his doubt subsided. He remembered what he had learned about the importance of discipline and self-confidence. "This brick represents a barrier within myself," he thought. "I must crash through it." When his right hand came down, the brick shattered. Sensei Geary turned away (was that the hint of a smile on his face?). "Next person please," he said.

"He gave me the confidence to use that hand," Hipp said. "It was a big uplift; it gave me self-confidence. Ever since then, my hand has felt better."

"Kempo is the power of adaptability and yielding; the harmony of all things working together." - Ying Kuchan

While Sensei Geary's philosophy emphasizes tradition, he wants his business to be state-of-the-art. He incorporates new business technologies and participates in the local entrepreneurial community. He is the only martial arts school in Nebraska with a home page on the internet (www.kempokarate.com) and a membership in the Better Business Bureau.

Sensei Geary's Kempo technique is equally adaptable. He combines a variety of styles, including Aikido, Jiujitsu and Kung Fu. He blends hard and soft movements, and emphasizes fluidity and the redirection of hostility.

Relying on the wisdom of ancient principles; exercising patience, flexibility and determination in teaching and in business; showing a genuine interest in the lives of his students - these are all elements in the success of Christopher N. Geary's Shaolin Kempo Karate. Has Sensei Geary achieved his goals?

"In Kempo, the attainment of one goal opens up another," Sensei Geary said. "Now that the school is established, I want to make it accessible to people throughout the region. I want Kempo to radiate from the heart of the continent, to cast it's light in all directions, bringing the harmony and inner peace of martial arts philosophy to all who are ready."

Sensei Christopher N. Geary once asked, "What is the similarity between Kempo and a sunrise?" As the sun rises, Kempo rises through the clouds; it casts its light in all directions. Like the sun, Kempo and its lessons are limitless; they know no boundaries. The sun's energy fuels the spirit as it rises and starts another day. Moving in harmony with the earth. Kempo, like the sunrise, is the harmony of all things working together. Bringing inner peace and discipline. - Stephanie Steigleder, student




Geary's Kempo Karate expands in Omaha
MIDLANDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 16 - 22, 1999
by Kim Clark

In the past five years 28-year-old Christopher N. Geary has gone from teaching shaolin kempo karate lessons to students outdoors near Field Club Elementary School in Omaha to owning multiple kempo schools in the metropolitan area.

Geary's business has two locations, with another opening this summer. A fourth and fifth location are planned in the next four years.

"Having more than one school makes people trust you," Geary said. "They think that your doing something right."

After the first school was established in Suite 101 at 3035 Harney St., Geary opened the second and third schools in areas without a high density of martial arts schools.
The second school, in Suite 116 at 13808 W. Maple Road, has been open for nine months and already has more than 60 students, Geary said.

Geary said a strong curriculum is another reason students return.
"Kempo is the oldest of the martial arts, and yet it is the most modern," he said. "We teach everything in depth. It's not watered down. We concentrate on perfection."
People are signing up for kempo classes for two main reasons, Geary said.

"The first is for self-confidence and the second is for technique, or self-defense," he said. "Students also enjoy the classes because they enjoy the atmosphere."

Geary handles all black belt promotions himself.

Each school has its own chief instructor, similar to a franchise, Geary said. All of the instructors have been promoted to the level of sensei (teacher in Japanese), are black belts and have had years of training under Geary.

The schools have a set rate of $60 per month which covers the cost of uniforms, belt testing fees and eight hours of instruction a month. Hours vary at each of the schools but generally are from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Private lessons also are available.

Instruction concentrates on philosophy and morals, Geary said. Students are taught about effort and building good character and the five principles of good conduct: effort, etiquette, sincerity, self-control and character.

Geary's video, "The beginning student," is available in each branch of the Omaha Public Library. It can be purchased from Geary's Web site for the schools at www.kempokarate.com.

Seven days after Geary graduated from Central High School in 1990, he went to Marine Corps boot camp at Camp Pendleton. His first training in kempo took place in San Clemente, Calif. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Geary returned to Omaha.

Fitness for Kids: Build Muscles and Character with Karate
Greater Omaha Family
January 2005
by Ginny Hermann

When children are looking for exercise and fun, parents often think of soccer, basketball or baseball to fit the bill, but karate is one sport that offers more advantages than all three of these activities combined. Karate is gaining in popularity with adults and children alike and, as many enthusiasts know, it is much more than just kicking, punching and having fun.

Karate offers a way for people of all ages to exercise while learning self control, self defense, self confidence and discipline. Karate also teaches the advantages of working to achieve goals, which can be applied in many other areas of life, including school, sports, music and hobbies. Children who study karate also enjoy the benefits of improved mental focus by learning to listen, follow directions and tune out distractions.

Many parents who consider getting their children involved in martial arts are concerned that the techniques learned in class may lead to increased violence, but this is not true. Karate takes a "do no harm" approach to fighting and stresses self control and respect. Research also shows that martial arts is beneficial to children with ADHD and other behavior problems. The structured training and focus on self discipline and self esteem that is at the heart of martial arts help boost confidence that children with behavior problems often lack.

Christopher Geary, owner and president of Kempo Karate in Omaha, says karate also offers excellent cardiovascular exercise and teaches coordination. The blocks, punches, kicks, footwork, upper body movements and other movements help create the technique necessary to excel in martial arts. "The secret of martial arts is consistency," Geary says. "In our school, we work on technique all the time. The movements we use in karate are practical and natural, but we work them over and over until they become second nature. This takes discipline."

Geary says discipline is essential to be successful in martial arts. Learning to make the right moves every time takes practice and self control. Through practice, the techniques become second nature, he says.

The martial arts date back more than 2,000 years; today the include a number of different types of martial arts, including tai kwan do, tai chi and judo. According to Geary, all of these disciplines stem from Kempo, the term used to describe the original martial arts style, which is also the focus of Geary's Kempo Karate schools. Shaolin Kempo was originated by Indian Prince Bodidharma to develop fitness and mental awareness in the Shaolin Monks. This discipline later evolved into defensive techniques known today as the Kempo-style of karate. This original, eclectic martial art has changed with the times to include techniques used in self defense.

Geary holds a sixth degree black belt in three styles of martial arts and was named Master Instructor of the Year by the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2003. He began teaching his Kempo Karate in 1994 following a distinguished military career. Geary is an expert in the martial arts and firmly believes in its many benefits for students of all ages. "Besides giving us the ability to defend ourselves, martial arts empowers us to have total control over our mind, body and spirit," he says. "It enables us to have the confidence and courage to do whatever we need to do in our lives. When taught by a true master, it can be an almost overwhelming form of self expression. Martial arts can give us the tools we need to stand up to any threat or fear and thereby, conquer the self."

Geary says there are many factors to consider when choosing a martial arts school. Choosing the type of martial art is the first step. Geary considers karate to be the purest form, as opposed to other more "watered down" types of martial arts. It is also essential to look at the credentials of the school founders and its teachers. Choosing a school that uses only adult teachers, rather than a "students teaching students" approach, is preferred. The potential for injury is present in any sport, so it is not recommended to choose a program that allows teaching without proper credentials.

Look for a program that offers practical self defense, where the moves are broken down into clear, realistic maneuvers, rather than simply teaching basic moves with no focus on real-world applications. Choosing a school simply because it is close to your home is also not advised. Do your research and make sure you're choosing the best program available.

Kempo Karate offers two Omaha-area locations, 180th and Pacific and 138th and Maple. Students attend class twice weekly; a variety of times are available. The Kempo school offers a year-round program with 6- and 12-month memberships and features two trial programs. New students can choose from one free week of classes or one month of classes for $40, which includes a free uniform. Private instruction is also available. For more information about martial arts training or Christopher N. Geary's Kempo Karate schools, visit them online at www.kempokarate.com.