Jordan Lucas Wapachee is undoubtably the youngest person we have ever heard of to get a black belt. Jordan and his older brother Izaak love karate. They study Shorin-Ryu style of Japanese karate from Okinawa. Aside from regular karate and martial arts training each week, they study kobudo (Okinawan weaponry) and kumite (sparring) every other week. They attend the Bonsai Martial Art Schools in Elora, Ontario under the tutelage of Sensei Frank Verbakel, a 2nd degree Black Belt. On Thrusday, December 7th 2000 in front of the Yondan, the head instructor, their dojo shodan (teacher), and their peers, both Izaak and Jordan tested for their belts.
For Jordan, a six-year old Cree from Mistissini, it was the end of Little Dragons and the beginning of another journey. Having spent countless hours in a dojo per week, additional classes in weapons and weekends for special kumite training sessions and finally 15-20 minutes every day practicing katas at home, it was a moment of great triumph when he recieved his black belt. His brother Izaak recieved three stripes on his blue/black belt.
Below are the youngsters statistics.
Jordan Lucas Wapachee Born: March 18, 1994 Godparent: Raymond Menarick
December 5th, 2000: After earning 3 stripes on his Brown Belt for different katas learned, Jordan tested in front of his karate instructors, peers and spectators for his final belt. Heperformed three
different katas with approximately 30 body/hand/step movements in each kata plus one demonstration of competency in weapons: his choice…the Bo staff.
December 12th, 2000: Received at a club dinner his Junior Dragons Black Belt.
To date: Started with a white belt in karate 2 !4 years ago. Spends 2-3 hours per week in a dojo. Practices 15-20 minutes every day at home.
Other hobbies or sports: Plays Pre-Novice hockey as centre and defence. Reads music and plays piano. Level 4 swimmer at the local YMCA. B+ average in grade 1 at a local French school.
Has one brother whom he loves and plays with on their farm in Elora, Ontario.
Izaak Bally Wapachee
Born: August 30, 1991 Godparent: John Philip Bosum
December 5th, 2000: After earning 3 stripes on his Blue/Black Belt, Izaak tested in front of his karate instructors, peers and spectators for another new belt level.
December 12th, 2000: received at a club dinner his Youth Green Belt
Performed 4 different katas with approximately 40 body/hand/ step movements in each kata plus one demonstration of competency in weapons: his choice…the nunchaku.
To-date: Started karate 3 years ago. Spends a minimum of 3 hours per week in a dojo. Practices with brother 15-20 minutes every day at home.
Other hobbies or sports: Plays Novice Select AA hockey as defence. Reads music and plays piano/synthesizer. Level 6 swimmer at the local YMCA. Read Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire in one week and still waiting eagerly…completed Youth Computer and Science classes at the University Guelph. An A average in grade 4 at a local French school.
If you are interested in having your child’s achievements profiled in the Nation call 51 4-272-3077 and ask for Will.
