Little Falls karateka humbled and steadfast as the youngest black belt in his dojo

Dojos mould form and technique but also craft character.

Standing tall despite his growing years, Cale Firmin exudes controlled surgical precision. The 13-year-old completed his black belt grading in March this year to become the youngest Dan in his dojo. Trained by Sensei Wendy Wannenburg at Horizon Karate Centre, the Trinityhouse Little Falls learner already has several national championship medals under his belt, including a gold medal in the 2019 kata section when aged just 10.

Cale began walking his karate path at age five and now has eight years under Sensei Wendy, herself a 6th Dan black belt. The young man was not naturally drawn to the martial arts world admitting he was apprehensive about first pulling on a gee.

“When I first started I didn’t want to go but once I was there I didn’t want to stop. SA JKA is one of the best things I have ever done and I encourage everyone to take part,” said Cale.

Through repetition and rigorous training, Cale has risen rapidly through the belts, collecting several medals along the way. His first medal of significance was a silver at the 2018 nationals in the kumite section. In 2022, he earned a silver medal in kata and a bronze in kumite at the provincial championships, before a bronze medal in kata at nationals. Having received his black belt, Cale notes how the belt itself is physically heavier than the preceding belts while humbly accepting the personal weight of responsibility.

Proud parents, Gavin and Charlene, describe their boy as determined, hard-working, committed, consistent and authentic. Sensei Wendy echoes these sentiments, adding, “He is a great example to the juniors. He has achieved in the competition arena but I believe the greatest accomplishment is his development as a young man. Cale has impeccable manners and a solid Christian value system. Friendly, intelligent, self-driven, honest and sensible are words I would use to describe Cale. I am incredibly proud of him.”

Karate and martial art are not just about medals and belts, but inner growth that develops a maturity that causes others to look at with respect and in search of guidance. Still evolving yet with feet firmly grounded, Cale is not one to boast with words. Overcoming his nerves before stepping onto the mat, he shakes off the butterflies and delivers only actions.