This article is about a young man who started taking Martial Arts with a big obstacle to overcome.  Jacob "JAKE" Hill is a 10 year old boy with asthma. He is a Fifth Grade Honor Student and a well-liked young man at Bloomfield Elementary in Trenton, Ohio.  He is described as kind to everyone and a hard worker by his teachers, cool by his friends and a wonderful boy by his family. When he first began Karate (Tang Soo Do) lessons at Flips 'N' Kicks Extreme Martial Arts School in Fairfield, Ohio, it was November of 2003.  

A flyer came home from Fairfield Central, where he attended school at the time, advertising Martial Arts Lessons.  His mother, who was unable to get him to lessons at the time, due to illness, asked his grandmother if she would be willing to take Jacob.  Grandmother was more than happy, as usual!  Jacob didn't know if he could tolerate the activity, but he was willing, and very excited about giving it his best effort.  

 

Michelle Ates and Walter Randolph were his instructors and their relationship took off right away.  Jacob was determined to do the very best he could. 

As Jake trained, he began to get stronger, his breathing became more disciplined and so did he.  Karate was actually helping him with his asthma.  Jacob's Doctor was amazed. Everyone believed God was blessing Jacob's effort.  

He learned to use a Bo and Kamas, perform cartwheels, splits, and aerials.  He began to compete both regionally and nationally.  Winning First Place Trophies for Forms and/or Weapons in such Tournaments as:  QUEEN CITY REGIONALS,  ALLSTARS KARATE NATIONALS, and a Second Place Trophy at the BLUEGRASS NATIONALS WORLD KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. He has many other trophies, plaques, and medals from many different Tournaments. He has also performed with his karate team (Team Livin' 4 Him) at volunteer demonstrations for churches, schools and youth groups. 

 

 He's taken car trips and plane trips and made great friends, not only at his karate school, but in the new places he's visited.  Jacob has been supported by his family, teachers, friends and instructors. 

Today, Jacob is a Red Belt and studying for his first black belt. He no longer needs a nebulizor to help him breath. 

 

  He only uses an inhaler twice a day and before competitions.  Karate has been a life changing experience for Jacob Hill, mentally, physically, and spiritually.  He  will carry lessons he has learned while taking Karate with him always.