The Action Karate junior black belt program is for students ages 7-12.

It teaches “the fundamentals of our martial arts style, which form the basis for their advancement into the senior program, and uses the tools of martial arts to help with character development,” said Keith Keffer, the Whitehall Action Karate head instructor.

Currently, five students are preparing to earn their junior black belts. In order to do this, the students must first earn the 10 belts leading up to the black belt and apply for the black belt challenge.

The black belt challenge consists of a written test, letter of recommendation and a personal black belt project. Many students choose to give back to their community as part of their project. This also allows them to share the benefits of martial arts with others.

While each student completes their own project, they are there to help support their classmates with their projects.

Kasey chose to stain rails and pick up garbage May 2 on the Ironton Rail Trail, since she spends a lot of time on the trail.

Keeghan did a Karate-Thon April 18 to raise money for pet oxygen masks to donate to local fire departments. He raised enough money to donate 10 masks.

Colin collected donations for Peaceable Kingdom at Fullerton Memorial Park April 24 and at the karate school.

Jayden collected money for Angel 34, an organization that donates funds to help children and their families battle cancer.

Liana presented to her class on the benefits of karate and what it has taught her.

Karate teaches students more than self-defense. It also teaches determination and perseverance. For example, Kasey’s IRT project was postponed twice because of the weather, but the students still showed up 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning to help her.

Karate also teaches discipline, commitment and acceptance, as well as how to give and take constructive criticism. The junior black belt contenders are at karate classes four days a week. They take classes two weekday nights and Saturday mornings, with partner training Friday nights.

After the black belt challenge is complete, students are invited to take a black belt pretest to demonstrate their knowledge, fitness, control and perseverance.

Students who pass this test move onto the real junior black belt test, which was held June 12, and can last three to three-and-a-half hours. During this time, students are tested in a variety of ways and cannot leave the mat.