“Hello and welcome to Mushin Kempo Karate. Your local martial arts dojo located in Benton City WA! Our website is currently a work in progress, but please use what’s here to familiarize yourself with who we are
At Mushin Kempo Karate, we extend the lessons learned on the mat to all areas of life. For our students, many of whom are school-aged, this means applying the discipline and focus they develop through Kempo to their studies, extracurricular activities, and personal projects. Just as we approach a new technique—step by step and with determination—the same approach can transform a daunting homework assignment into a well-crafted project or turn a challenging subject into an area of strength.
Keep an eye on our progress here! We teach our students that with perseverance and determination, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity for growth. This philosophy doesn’t just apply within the walls of our dojo—it’s a way of living that we carry into every new venture, no matter how daunting it may initially seem”.
Sensei DeLong 4th Dan
About Mushin Kempo Karate
At Mushin Kempo Karate, we combine Okinawan Kempo with Go-Ju-Ryu influence and 1st generation American Kenpo with Kung Fu influence to offer a comprehensive martial arts experience. Our training includes defensive blocks, strikes, kicks, throws, breaks, grappling, and body manipulations, emphasizing practical self-defense over sport. We practice Mushin, a concept often translated as “no mind.” This doesn’t mean a lack of awareness or emotion; rather, it refers to a state of pure reaction. In Mushin, the mind is free from clutter such as fear, ego, or overthinking, allowing for instinctual and immediate action. This training aims to condition your body and mind to respond to threats reflexively, without the need to consciously think about each move. The goal is to develop the ability where your actions become automatic in the face of danger, embodying true self-defense and efficiency in combat and everyday life.
Our Philosophy
Belt Progression: Commitment and Hard Work
Achieving each belt at Mushin Kempo Karate requires dedication and mastery of techniques. Our training instills discipline and perseverance, ensuring that students earn their advancements through hard work and consistent effort. Every achievement is a testament to the student’s commitment, with no shortcuts allowed.
This class isn’t meant to be easy; it’s about overcoming difficult challenges and realizing you’re capable of even more. It typically takes an average of 1 to 2 years to achieve the first belt, depending on the effort you put in. We do not use stripe systems on beginner belts. To qualify for your first belt, you need to master the basic stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. You must also learn about 20 situational applications, a dozen combinations, and a kata. For subsequent belt tests, you are required to demonstrate all the material you have learned up to that point, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and ability in Kempo Karate.
Mushin Kempo Karate’s Training Methodology:
At Mushin Kempo Karate, our training methods are crafted to simulate real-life defense scenarios, fully preparing students for genuine self-defense situations. Light sparring and conditioning form essential components of our curriculum, providing not just practice, but also building real-world confidence. We emphasize the realistic application of techniques to ensure students are equipped for any challenge they might face.
In teaching these techniques, we begin by teaching moves slowly to ensure thorough understanding and muscle memory. Once a student grasps a technique, we then challenge its application—students must learn to apply these techniques effectively against full force or strength. This step is crucial: it transitions the training from theory to practical, real-world application. By challenging students in this way, we ensure they can effectively defend themselves when a technique is resisted with full strength, avoiding any false sense of competence. This rigorous training fosters true instinctual reaction, enabling students to respond swiftly and appropriately when real situations arise.
Inclusivity
Our dojo is a welcoming space for everyone. Regardless of age, sex, or race, all students receive rigorous training and respect. We foster a supportive and inclusive community where every individual can thrive and grow.
Overcoming Challenges
Training at Mushin Kempo Karate pushes students beyond their limits, both physically and mentally. We teach students to overcome the voice that tells them to quit, fostering a mindset of resilience and determination. This philosophy extends beyond martial arts, helping students develop lifelong skills.
Quality of Life
Our training is not just about martial arts; it’s about improving the overall quality of life. Through consistent practice, students enhance their health, confidence, posture, endurance, and more. We believe that the benefits of martial arts extend far beyond the dojo, impacting every aspect of life.
Respect and Discipline
Respect and discipline are core values in our dojo. Students are taught to respect their peers, instructors, and the art itself. Discipline is enforced through structured training routines and adherence to dojo rules, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
Self-Defense Focus
Our primary focus is on practical self-defense. While we occasionally participate in competitions, our training is designed for real-life applications. Students learn techniques to defend against kidnappers, muggers, abusers, and other threats, equipping them with the skills needed to protect themselves and others.
“At Mushin Kempo Karate, we focus on more than just martial arts. Our training helps you grow both as a fighter and as a person. It’s about building confidence, improving health, and preparing for life’s challenges. Join us to see how Kempo can change your life”.
Sensei DeLong
Class Schedule
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 6 PM – 7 PM
Advance Class
7 PM – 7:30 PM (participation in the first class is required)
Fee
Only $50 a month.
“If you value the training and wish to contribute more, you’re welcome to do so, I do very much appreciate it. If the fee is challenging to pay, no worries, just message me privately for a flexible arrangement, we can make it work. I am committed to passing down this art and value a dedicated student over financial gain. I believe in preserving the integrity and quality of our training, ensuring it continues without compromise, rather than diluting it to retain numbers for profit. My commitment remains to uphold the tradition and excellence of this art”.
Sensei DeLong
Contact Us at Mushin Kempo Karate
Sensei (Instructor)
Sensei DeLong, 4th Dan (Preston DeLong)
Phone
Call or Text: (415) 308-4316
Social Media
Feel free to reach out for any questions or to discuss joining our dojo. We look forward to welcoming you to the Mushin Kempo Karate family!
Mushin Kempo Karate’s Location
704 9th St, Benton City, WA, 99320
“Use the back entrance, it will be left open 10 to 15 minutes before class to 15 minutes after class starts”
Sensei DeLong
Preferred Age:
9 and older (exceptions can be made)
“Our standard age for starting classes is 9, but exceptions can be made based on a child’s focus and behavior. For instance, I have a 4-year-old who joins just to stretch and work out, and several students aged between 6 to 9 years. While their effort may sometimes be lacking, the technique they learn tends to stick. for younger then 9 belting will be at naturally slower then average, and they get the most pushups in class, but not impossible. We do teach techniques that could very effectively cripple an individual, so the maturity to understand that taking someone’s elbow or knee out just because they punched you is not the way we do things, and will in fact get you in huge trouble. We teach moves for real threats. If someone is trying to abduct you, taking their knee out by snapping it, is a great way to stop that from happening”.
Sensei DeLong
Student Reviews
“Affordable, great for kids’ self-defense. Comfortable environment.”
“After moving across the country, we found a local family-oriented dojo with the most reasonable prices. The environment is top-notch for both adults and children.”
“Sensei Preston has a complete knowledge of Kempo Karate. His patience and understanding make him an excellent teacher. Even as a black belt, I attend his classes to increase my understanding of the Kempo style.”
“Sensei Preston DeLong is fantastic with the kids and adults alike. The classes are engaging and informative, teaching not just techniques but also discipline and respect.”
“The dojo atmosphere is very welcoming, and the community is supportive. I’ve seen significant improvements in my physical fitness and mental toughness since joining.”
Feel free to reach out for any questions or to discuss joining our dojo. We look forward to welcoming you to the Mushin Kempo Karate family!