EVERY JOURNEY BEGINS WITH THE FIRST STEP. This idea is the foundation of everything that Second Degree Black Belt Cole Eckert, 13, uses for his motivation to be the Nation’s top competitor.

Cole began karate when he was 4, earned his black belt at age 6 and quickly became noticed by many. He has competed in over 300 tournaments across the US and Canada and has made a name for himself as a top competitor. Cole competes on team AKA as a 10x World Champion on NASKA circuit and is currently ranked 1st in Traditional Forms & Weapons, Musical Forms and Extreme Weapons. He recently won the US Open ISKA World Championships in Orlando, FL, which will air on ESPN2 on July 19, 2009.

He trains under Sensei John Sharkey of Sharkey’s Karate in=2 0Naperville, IL. Craig Henningsen, Matt Mullins and Brendon Huor are his performance coaches and mentors. Cole’s training isn’t just about competition. He is a member of the Sideswipe Performance Team and has performed across the country, in shows like: Theatricks, Macy’s Passport 2005, corporate shows including Aflac and college shows like Lake County, IL and University of Minnesota.

Besides his dedication to karate, he maintains a 4.0 and is a member of the National Honor Society. Cole wrestles, runs cross country and track and set new records in the high jump for his school this past spring. He loves to snowboard, ski and swim.

Cole has dreams of sharing his experiences with all those who have a common interest and someday hopes to find a career that uses the skills he has developed both physically and mentally in his journey to be the best martial artist. For Cole, it is not just Karate, it’s a way of life. He is=2 0inspired by many who train him, those who compete against him, and lives by his karate oath of dedication:

When I train or compete, I will always enter the ring with poise and confidence. I must remember I am a Black Belt of only one day. I present myself to the judges with many things on my mind. It is I, whom has trained harder. It is I, whom is more focused and dedicated, than those who compete against me. My enthusiasm for all I do, will define the champion in me. My commitment will prove my respect for leadership, and allow me to be a leader. Integrity will build the champion. Perseverance and passion will fuel the successful competitor that I want to be. I am on a journey, where being focused is the only path I know. I am a Black Belt of only one day.