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-- Sports News --
Direct and with respect - February 22, 2003
His name is Jonathan Taft. His instructor is Sensei Hector Pantoja. Their shared art is Shotokan, a time-intensive martial art defined by linear moves that incorporate direct, forward and precise punches, blocks and kicks. Shotokan, which emphasizes techniques considered basic, proves very effective and productive because of its dedication to the accuracy and detail of its katas or forms. "It's beautiful and a hard style," Pantoja said, who currently owns, operates and instructs at the Shotokan Dojo in Magalia. Pantoja, referred to by his pupils as sensei as a sign of respect, originally learned the art of Shotokan in 1976 in Mazatlan, Mexico and just a year and a half ago brought this branch of Karate and its lessons in life to town. Sensei Pantoja currently instructs more than 20 students, who range in age from six to nearly 60, at his dojo. Jonathan, better known as JT by his family and friends, is one of those students and who more than a decade ago, began to study, train and learn different styles of martial arts. Just one year ago Jonathan, now 17 years old, turned to another new discipline, that of Shotokan, which he said is his favorite of all the martial arts for a couple of reasons. "It's more straight forward," he said of how Shotokan differs from the other martial art forms, "but the main difference is Sensei (Pantoja)." And Pantoja has taught him well. So well in fact, Taft currently assists his sensei in teaching the younger pupils in class, taking on the role of, as he said, "the disciplinarian in the class" at times. Taft also works with Pantoja when it comes time to grade the students during their Kyu tests, which are exams that require the pupils to demonstrate his/her knowledge of the katas, as well as the different series of punching and kicking combinations. The final part involves sparring in what is referred to as Sabbon Kumite. Most recently at an open martial arts tournament in Redding, Taft demonstrated just how well he knows his katas and combinations by claiming the title of "Grand Champion." Ultimately, Taft merited the honor as a result of outscoring his final opponent, the champion from the over 35-age category. Taft earned the right to compete in the championship match by winning his own age bracket, the 17-35 year old division. The contests involved scoring from three judges on such elements as control, focus, power, speed and stances of the choreographed performances. It marked the third time in four years that Taft captured the prestigious honor. The two previous times were at competitions in Paradise in 2000 and 2001. However, little did Taft know an even greater honor was on its way. In fact, it was a dream come true that arrived in his mailbox in late December. Taft received a letter from the Amateur Athletic Union stating it had chosen him to be a member of the 2003 national karate team, which will represent the United States at the World Junior Japanese Karate Championships in Japan in March. Taft will compete in both team kata and team sparing at the tournament in Tokyo, Japan on March 30, but will also spend time traveling to the neighboring areas of Tokyo from March 27 through April 5. "I was very excited," said Taft, who added that he had been trying for three years to garner a spot on the distinguished team and complete his dream. "I couldn't believe it." Said Jonathan's mother, Charlotte Taft: "If it would have come as (JT's) Christmas present it would have been the best one." After Jonathan returns from Japan he will prepare to ship out again, this time literally, as he is set to enter the Navy in August. His journey, which he expects will conclude with him entering the Navy SEALs, begins with boot camp and then ‘A' school, before eventually joining a SEAL team. Although he has yet to take his first official step toward becoming a Navy SEAL, Jonathan is already well on his way. He currently holds a 3.87 grade point average as a student in the HomeTech Charter School, where he served as student council president last year. He has also served as a color guard team member and leading petty officer in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets. In addition to these achievements, Jonathan said the lessons he has learned from studying Shotokan has also helped in his preparation. However, Jonathan said one of the key reasons for his success and continued, positive direction in life is his mother's support. "She's there to help me keep my priorities straight," he said. Inside Pantoja's dojo hangs the dojo Kuhn or creed which each student is expected to learn and adhere to. It consists of five main principles to live by, which as it states, includes seeking perfection of character, being faithful in study, endeavoring to cultivate courage and tenacity, and above all else respecting others. One can only imagine that these traits will help Jonathan accomplish his future goals and continue to succeed in his ambitions. "He's a good person," said Pantoja. "He is ready for the SEALs." Even though Jonathan's next immediate endeavor involves military service, during a time of international uncertainty, his mother said she still stands by her son's decision. "We're a patriotic family and somebody has to give up their sons to keep our country free," said Charlotte Taft. She added that although she is concerned for her son's safety, her strong faith in God helps to comfort those worries. "He (God) has always taken care of us," she said, "and I know he will continue to do what is best for Jonathan." |
