Stoughton 7-Year-Old Becomes Junior Black Belt

The following is from the Stoughton Old Colony YMCA:

Ben Zola recently completed his three hour test to become a junior black belt, and anxiously awaited the results. The 7-year-old star of the Stoughton Old Colony YMCA’s Karate Program got good news – he passed!

Ben started with the program in 2010, when he was only 4 years old.

“I fell in love with karate at the first class. I really wanted to become a black belt,” he said.

And he did. The hours of hard work and studying certainly paid off, as he knew every move and combination it took to become a junior black belt.

His father, Michael Zola, had nothing but great things to say about the experience he and his son have had in the program.

“I think the sensai’s have done an amazing job building confidence in their students,” he explained. “It’s a special place, and I think it should be recognized.”

Ben will be turning 8 in September, and has plenty of other hobbies in addition to karate. He speaks, reads, and writes Russian, plays chess, enjoys baseball and hockey, and loves to ride bikes and scooters. Needless to say, Ben is busy!

Although Ben has already received a high honor in karate, he knows his work is far from over. One day, he wants to become a Master, like the Y’s Master Bob.

While that may be years down the road, Ben considers karate to be a lifelong journey.

For information regarding the Y’s karate program, please contact Ellen Greene at egreene@oldcolonyymca.org.