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MULLICA HILL, N.J. — In many ways Ethan Pekarchik is a typical 10 year old. He enjoys watching The Simpsons, reading, and playing video games. Yet, one thing sets him apart from his peers 鈥� a first degree black belt in karate.

In June of 2022, Ethan earned the rank of Shodan, First Degree Black Belt and showcased his skills at the Extravaganza along with candidates from four area karate schools.

At the age of 4, Ethan began taking karate with Sensei Fran at OKKA Mullica Hill. 鈥淢y mother signed me up because I thought it sounded fun, which it was,鈥� he says. 鈥淪ensei Fran always made me feel happy, excited, and accepted.鈥�

“I started as a Little Dragon, and went up the rankings until Sensei Fran said I was ready for Basics,鈥� Ethan continues.聽Students begin with a white belt, then work toward either the next belt or next tip by following the respective curriculum during an eight week cycle. At the graduation for each belt or tip, the student demonstrates what was learned during that particular cycle.聽鈥淢ost of the time it’s a special kick, combination, kata, and maybe weapons. Sometimes we do self-defense cycles,” he explains.聽Over the past six years, Ethan moved through Basics, Intermediates, and Advanced. After having his brown belt for a while, and tipping a lot, he was invited to be a candidate for his black belt.

A black belt candidate requires a high brown belt in Advanced and is invitational only. All invitees and their parents are invited to the West Deptford dojo to learn about the process and expectations prior to accepting.聽This is important because black belt training is rigorous鈥� eight weeks of a challenging curriculum followed by two big test days at three hours each. 鈥淲e had stations, like push ups and six inches and sit ups. We had to do all of our katas and combinations,” says Ethan. “On the second day, you have to do a three mile run.鈥� Candidates are also required to do a board breaking challenge and a tournament.

After training and testing, the candidates spend a week practicing for the Extravaganza 鈥� an event with performances from four area karate schools. The Extravaganza showcases katas, combinations, board breaking, weapons, and different moves across the floor. This particular Extravaganza was extra special thanks to an illustrious guest,聽 Hanshi Larry Isaac 鈥� the only 10th degree black belt in聽Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo and the Grandmaster for the system.

鈥淚 am so proud he went through the grueling training,鈥� says Ethan’s mother, Elyse.聽鈥淲e were told by some of the black belts that the first night was the worst. I was worried Ethan would not want to continue. But, he told me he did.” His tenaciousness and resilience has always been evident. Years ago, when he moved up from Little Dragons to Basics, the challenge overwhelmed him. Instead of quitting or losing heart, he simply moved back to Dragons for a cycle, and kept persisting until he met all his goals.

“I love seeing my son as a leader, following directions and encompassing the ‘indomitable spirit’ that is in the Black Belt oath,鈥� says Elyse.聽Ethan also expresses pride for his most recent accomplishment, and is already setting his next goals. He plans to continue karate at OKKA and become a CIT, attend Harvard University, become either a lawyer or a pilot, and visit all Seven Wonders of the World. If anyone will turn those dreams into reality, Ethan Pekarchik undoubtedly will.

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