Jake Wolf

One afternoon in 2001 a nanny named Remy brought a little boy named Jake Wolf into the dojo. Being from the Philippines, Remy spoke very fast and I was a little overwhelmed trying to follow her conversation. I had a 3-5 year old Koi class about to start and I needed to end the conversation.

When Remy said, "So can you get Jake not to bite other kids anymore?” I looked over and Jake had a mouth full of candy. The type of candy with all the coloring and sugary texture that makes most three year olds go into psycho-type behavior. I was shocked! I said, "Please just stop feeding him this type of candy.” Remy laughed and said, "No, no! Jakes is a good boy!"

Remy said, "Jake is here for his first class. Ms. Trimble, the teacher from the Torrance Mom and Me classes, said you would help!" I said, "Yes, I know Ms. Trimble. All right, please get the candy out of his mouth." She laughed and told Jake listen to Sensei Steve. Jake said, "Yes Remy.”

Remy was right! Jake thrived in the Koi program with the focus and concentration of a future Sensei. Within six month Jake was helping me coach the classes. All the other kids looked up to Jake. Parents would request that their kids train in Jake’s classes. They wanted some of his character to rub off on their children. And it did in many ways.

Jake had a waiting list for playdates with friends from school. Jake had gone a long way from the kid who bites other children. To a future Sensei of the dojo.

Jake has a real intensity about him. I personally am still amazed how he was able to perform at local libraries in front of large groups of people at just 3 ½ years old and was one of the stars of our dojo DVD.

In the dojo enviroment Jake has found a place that has honor and rules that are based on strong character. He needed to have an environment that allowed for him to channel his energy into something positive and truly wonderful and the the dojo is it.

Jake has steadily climbed and advanced through our Sensei Says martial arts program. He was a Koi , Tiger, Dragon. If Jake did not have to move away he would have been teaching his own class at the dojo in a few years as a black belt.

Jake earned character and citizenship awards in front of his school for his great character starting in Kindergarten and this continues to this day. Jake did not peak at 4 years old. Every year he has made more improvement.  He plays soccer and video games with friends and looks after his little sister.

For these reasons Jake Wolf is my choice for Southwest Karate & Aikido Centers Student of the Month for January 2008!  

Steve Gancherov