There's no question that Layne Fujioka, 10, is mad about martial arts.

The Ma'ema'e Elementary School fifth-grader trains in judo and escrima, and also recently earned a black belt in karate.

"It's not common to see 10-year-olds do that," said Layne's karate sensei — or teacher — James Kerr. "I think that's a testament to his focus."

Layne's love of the sports started early. He was about 4 years old when he became fascinated with kung fu-type flicks; he's especially a fan of Jackie Chan movies.

"It's fun, and it's good for my body," Layne said.

His interest is just as great as his dedication; Layne's schedule includes classes in karate, judo and escrima Tuesdays through Saturdays. He also helps teach beginning karate on Saturdays.

"He is a kind and good person, and a fantastic martial artist," said Kerr, Layne's sensei of about five years at Smart Karate. "Layne is a role model, not only for students in our class, but I think for his peers as well. ... He's an all-around superstar."

While Layne devotes a lot of time to martial arts, school always comes first, said Layne's dad, Stuart Fujioka.

"There are times when he needs to miss practice here and there because his school work takes priority," Fujioka said.

At Ma'ema'e, where Layne is a student council co-president and active in the school community council, Layne studies hard with hopes of one day becoming a forensic entomologist — he's into studying insects.

Despite everything on his plate, Layne still finds time to be a kid. Like others his age, he enjoys watching "SpongeBob SquarePants" and playing his Nintendo DS.

But he encourages his peers to also make time for healthy activities.

"Besides a good diet and sleep, everyone needs exercise," he said.

LAYNE FUJIOKA

Age: 10

Profession: Ma'ema'e Elementary School fifth-grader

Home: Nu'uanu

Height: 4 feet 2

Weight: 65 pounds

Stays in shape by: Training in karate, judo and escrima

Workout habits: Karate classes Wednesdays and Saturdays at Smart Karate; judo Tuesdays and Fridays at Kailua PAL Judo Club; and escrima Thursdays at Pedoy's School of Escrima

When and why I started working out: "At age 4 I wanted to learn how to fight like the guys in the movies. My instructors quickly taught me that martial arts should not be used to hurt people."

Interesting fact: Layne won for most pushups, situps and squats done in a one-minute period for his age division at the 2007 Great Hawaiian International Fitness Challenge.

My good food: Tofu

My bad food: French fries

My biggest motivator: Senseis James Kerr and Bobby Duckworth "because they help me to do my best karate."

What saves my sanity: Playing Nintendo DS and practicing martial arts

Advice for those in the same boat: "Never give up, work your hardest. You can achieve anything if you try."

INTERESTED?

Smart Karate: 738-5425, smartkarate@gmail.com, www.smartkarate.com

Kailua PAL Judo Club: 544-0068

Pedoy's School of Escrima: 216-3211, www.pedoysescrima.com, gmty@pedoysescrima.com