Ethan McCauley earns Black Belt in karate
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COLUMBIA FALLS — On Sept. 17, after 3,163 days, 3,843 hours and 205,344 miles, Ethan McCauley, earned his Black Belt in karate. Ethan is a 13-year-old seventh grader at Polson Middle School. Ethan’s instructors are Jeff and Janie Green, owners of the American Karate Academy in Columbia Falls.
The Black Belt test was an intense four hours of forms, kicks, self-defense, one-steps, weapons defense, sparring, and board breaking before a Black Belt board of examiners and audience of family, friends and karate school students. Ethan was required to break four boards and did so by breaking two boards at one time by a flying sidekick, the third board by a step behind sidekick, and the fourth board by a spinning elbow.
There are nine principles of a Black Belt: self-discipline, self-control, courage, courtesy, respect, modesty, integrity, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. Ethan began his journey toward Black Belt as a 4-year-old Little Dragon. He started karate because of the excitement of the discipline and to spend more time with his cousins. Ethan’s commitment to this discipline and sport never wavered.
During the 205,344 miles, 3,843 hours of travel time, Ethan used his road time to do his homework and read hundreds of books. Ethan appreciates the never ending support of the Polson teachers and coaches over the years that never discouraged him from leaving school early or missing an occasional practice for karate class.
For every 10,000 students that join a Martial Arts Academy, only 10 will earn their Black Belt. Ethan McCauley is one of the few that had the perseverance to reach a goal he set for himself as a four year old and now holds the title of Black Belt.
