Karate Kids

RHIANNA MC KENZIE

The King family are martial arts enthusiasts and train with Purple Dragon International. The two youngest, nine-year-old Xzavier and 12-year-old Isaiah recently competed in the super grading competition that took place at Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain.

The boys competed alongside 300 other competitors, having been chosen as outstanding in their respective categories at the Purple Dragon national grading competition. The stadium floor was littered with fighters in their gi’s (traditional karate uniforms), as parents and supporters flooded the stands cheering on their dojo’s finest. Drummers and moko jumbies added to the excitement as students competed for a chance to win a trip to Miami, Florida to be part of the Purple Dragon International black belt grading and seminar in July. Although the brothers did not make it into the finals, they didn't allow it to put a damper on their love for the sport and their participation in any future competitions.

Both Isaiah and Xzavier have been practising martial arts since they were three years old, encouraged by their parents Arnold and Natalie King, both of whom have been practising and teaching martial arts for over 25 years. Their parents are very proud of the progress they’ve made in the sport, saying they encourage the boys because they themselves have seen the benefits of the sport in their lives. “It teaches them confidence…and discipline,” says Arnold. The boys also have an older sister, 17-year-old Adiola King, who is a black belt in the sport.

Isaiah is already a brown belt and is aiming to be the next member of the family to become a black belt, and has been preparing for the black belt grading competition in July. He told Newsday Kids he practices four times a week in preparation for the event, and his love of the sport keeps him going. He says that what he loves most about martial arts is “learning how to protect yourself.”

Both Rosary Boys RC students may have their roots in martial arts, but they have other interests as well. Isaiah enjoys swimming and his favourite subject in school is math. He recently completed the SEA exams and is hoping to pass for his first choice, Trinity East College. He says when he grows up he would like to be a policeman and put some of his skills to use for the greater good. Xzavier is a green belt in martial arts and also enjoys basketball and football. The Standard One pupil says his favourite subject in school is grammar and dreams of being a fire fighter when he grows up.