JUST KICKIN' IT IN THE VALLEY TEENS KARATE CHOP THEIR WAY TO MENTAL, PHYSICAL STRENGTH.

Writer When it comes to martial arts, people have different reasons for taking up the discipline.

For some, it starts off as a workout or a way to fulfill a New Year's resolution. But for others, it can turn into a challenging pursuit of physical and mental fitness.

For 14-year-old Chantal Valenzuela, a blue-belt student and instructor for younger kids at Sonny Barnes' nonprofit San Fernando Karate Club in San Fernando, it's a combination of all those things.

``It's good discipline and it keeps you in pretty good shape,'' Valenzuela said. ``And it's fun, too.''

Complete story / Page 6

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(color) Chantal Valenzuela, 14, left, and her brother Michael, 11, display techniques they've learned in their six years of study at Sonny Barne's San Fernando Karate Club.

Rick Coca/Valley News