Jacob Summerfield

Youngest Black Belt in Boundary County! Article and Photo By Robert Lavala.

When folks think of a Black Belt in martial arts, certain people may jump into your mind: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and many others are names most of us have heard our entire life. But when you look across the martial art landscape in the United States, one thing is for sure - there are a lot of different martial art studios available for both kids and adults to take advantage of.

Back in the winter of 2008, the Lavala family decided to test an idea. They put out the word that a new Taekwondo studio was opening in Moyie Springs in November of that year. One family signed up and the dojang (training hall) began in the Lavala's garage. Within three months the number of students increased to 18, and life at the Lavala household would never be the same.

Then one day along came a young lad named Jacob. He, along with his parents Nati and Matt, visited the studio, and that same day Jacob Summerfield signed up for lessons. This began Jacob’s journey in martial arts, the quest for his Black Belt.

Jacob was one of the youngest students at the dojang but jumped right in and soon impressed everyone with how well he managed the curriculum. Not only was Jacob required to learn how to properly kick and punch, he also had to learn ten life skills such as discipline, respect and self-control to name a few. If that were not enough, Jacob also needed to learn how to use weapons (Nunchuka, Bo Staff, Escrima Sticks & a sword), how to break boards with both hands and feet, how to spar (controlled fight) another student, and also how to use proper self defense.

You might be thinking right about now that that is way too much for such a young student. But Jacob handled the pressure and tested every three months for five years (approximately 60 full months) before testing for his goal: First Degree Black Belt.

There are some naysayers in the world of martial arts that will say nine years old is too young for a Black Belt. But when a young boy or girl devotes his time twice a week for nearly five years to earn something based on his knowledge that is tested, he or she has earned the right to have the Black Belt. Can they go out on the street and defend mom and dad against a 200-pound criminal? No, but they have the smarts from training to understand what is happening and how to function at their level.

Like Jacob, all the students at Boundary Martial Arts earn their belts. Mr. Lavala believes that you have to prove that you should wear any particular color belt, and the testing, when you get closer to the Black Belt, becomes more challenging.

Since earning his Black Belt, Jacob assists the Lavala family in the dojang. He is an invaluable asset for the Taekwondo studio as he helps the younger students (and some who are older) progress towards what he has worked so hard for. Jacob is now studying for his 2nd Degree Black Belt and will be eligible sometime next year to test.

#lifecommunity #local #sports