First-degree black belt Elijah Harper, 8, is past the “wax-on, wax-off” stage of his martial arts career. With only two and a half years under his belt at the Life Time Martial Arts dojo, he’s already stood out as a “natural born leader.”
“He helps us out on Saturdays in ‘cubs’ and family classes as an assistant,” said Kellie Sisk, who operates the dojo with her husband, Paul. “He tries really hard in setting the example.”
Harper is also a part of the Junior Leadership program, which teaches its participants how to lead martial arts classes, and how to transcend what they’ve learned on the mats, transferring it to their personal life.
When it comes to tournaments, Harper leads himself into the high ranks. So far, he’s participated in two: one in Oildale, where he placed first in sparring and third in forms; and another in Ventura, in which he ranked third at sparring and third in forms.
“He is always practicing to accomplish,” Sisk said.
Sisk thinks Harper will earn his third-degree black belt in four years.
This article appears in Dec 16-23, 2010.