The Early Days
Quanjanim Laura Kemper began her martial arts career in the early 1990’s under instructor William Wade who is the current Owner/Chief Instructor of Circle Tae Kwon Do in Chicago, Illinois. After training under Master Wade, Quanjanim began training concurrently with Master Wade’s instructor, Fred Richmond, Chief Instructor of the United States Dragons Tong Karate Academy (U.S.D.T.K.A.) of Chicago, Illinois. She earned her first through fifth degree black belts under the U.S.D.T.K.A. system and was also certified through the AKA.
Wanting to preserve the true nature of the martial arts she had learned, Quanjanim began her own system of martial arts—the Kemper’s Academy of Martial Arts System in the year 2006. Her current instructor is the President of the American Karate Association, Sensei John Sharkey, Jr. She was promoted to her 7th degree in 2020.
During the course of more than twenty years of teaching, Quanjanim promoted a select handful of dedicated and talented students to black belts. These students include: Sabumnim Jose Rodriguez, 5th Dan; Sabumnim Miran Maksumic, 4th Dan; Kyosanims: Miguel A. Rivera III; 3rd Dan, Javier Rodriguez, 3rd Dan; Galo Arias, 3rd Dan; Hua Nguyen, 3rd Dan; Stephanie Richmond, 2nd Dan; Jackie Albert, 2nd Dan; Carlos Arias, 2nd Dan; Theresa Nguyen, 2nd Dan; David Nguyen, 2nd Dan, Ariel Sanchez, 1st Dan; Antonn Harden, 1st Dan; Larry Steinberg, 1st Dan; Helena Rickijevic, 1st Dan; Armin Maksumic, 1st Dan;
Professional Career
Quanjanim began her tournament competition as a first degree black belt and subsequently went on to become rated number one in the American Karate Association’s tournament circuit as: 1) black belt men and women’s Traditional Forms; 2) black belt women’s Sparring; 3) black belt women’s Open Forms; and number two in black belt men and women’s Weapons.
Quanjanim is in semi-retirement from the competition scene since receiving shoulder surgery in 2003. All of the other K.A.M.A.S. instructors have also competed both locally and nationally quite successfully with Sabumnim Miran Maksumic representing TEAM AKA as both a competitor and a coach, and Kyosanim Jackie Albert competing on the national TEAM SIDEKICK under the tutelage of Master John Chung, a direct descendent of the Supreme Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, the Father of American Tae Kwon Do.
In addition to Quanjanim’s own personal tournament victories, she has been a tournament promoter for the AKA since 1995, in 2003 was inducted into the AKA Hall of Fame and appointed as the Director of the AKA tournament circuit, and became the official AKA awards banquet announcer. Additionally, in 2012 she was recognized as an Outstanding Instructor, and in 2013 she was recognized as an Outstanding Black Belt in the AKA. In both 2012 and 2013, Quanjanim was asked to be the arbitrator and ring coordinator for the AKA Grand Nationals AKA events. This is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country and it was a great honor.
OUR PRINCIPLES ARE SIMPLE:
Discipline
Moral Purity
Honesty
Honor
Do you have what it takes?
At Kempers Academy of Martial Arts System, we believe that true strength transcends mere physical power. Our Tae Kwon Do studio is not just about mastering the art of self-defense; it’s about discovering the power within yourself and unlocking your full potential.
Beyond Physical Strength
Strength is not solely defined by how much weight you can lift or how hard you can kick. It goes far beyond the boundaries of the physical realm. True strength encompasses mental fortitude, discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. It’s about finding harmony between your mind and body, and mastering the art of self-control.
The Journey Towards True Strength
When you step onto the mats at Kempers Academy, you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Our dedicated instructors are not just here to teach you techniques; they are here to guide you through a transformational process. You will learn not only how to defend yourself but also how to build character, confidence, and resilience.
The Power of Community
Strength is not developed in isolation. It thrives in a supportive community of like-minded individuals. At Kempers Academy, you’ll find a family of martial artists who share your passion for personal growth and self-improvement. Together, we’ll encourage and inspire one another to reach new heights.
Unlock Your Potential
So, do you have what it takes to discover your true strength? Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-improvement, discipline, and empowerment? We invite you to take the first step and join us at Kempers Academy of Martial Arts System.
Contact Us Today
Contact us to schedule your first class and experience the transformative power of Tae Kwon Do. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, our academy is open to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Together, we’ll help you unlock the boundless potential that lies within you.
Join us on this extraordinary journey towards true strength. The power to transform your life is in your hands, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
| date | opponent | location | result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-04-21 | Saul Alvarez 51 1 2 | Gaerdehov Icehockey Arena | WKO |
| 2018-01-27 | Terence Crawford 24 0 2 | Arena Riga, Riga | WTKO |
| 2017-04-22 | Gennady Golovkin 54 6 3 | Sporthallen, Sundsvall | WUD |
| 2016-12-03 | Vasiliy Lomachenko 32 0 2 | Arena Armeec, Sofia | WUD |
| 2016-09-10 | Anthony Joshua 52 0 2 | Hovet, Stockholm | LTKO |
| 2016-04-23 | Oleksandr Usyk 44 2 2 | Johanneshov, Stockholm | WUD |
| 2015-12-19 | Errol Spence Jr 24 0 2 | Rosvalla Arena, Nyköping | WUD |
| 2015-09-19 | Callum Smith 24 0 2 | Rosvalla Arena, Nyköping | LKO |
| 2015-06-20 | Mikey Garcia 25 2 4 | Ballerup Super Arena, Ballerup | WTKO |
| 2015-05-19 | Shawn Porter 32 4 1 | Hovet, Stockholm | WKO |
| 2015-04-19 | Leo Santa Cruz 22 3 2 | Johanneshov, Stockholm | DUD |
| 2015-03-20 | Miguel Berchelt 32 2 0 | Rosvalla Arena, Nyköping | WUD |
Recent Fights
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Gallery
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