Five students earned their Junior Black Belts at The Martial Instinct Self Defense, on 60 Mellen St., in Hopedale. The last Junior Black Belt promoted was three years ago, as getting a black belt at the school is no easy task. It requires years of commitment and training and extraordinary dedication. That kind of commitment is unusual for adults, let alone children, and they are fortunate to have a group of five students that have met the stringent requirements. These students have continued training at home initially, during this pandemic. When classes resumed this summer, they were first students to attend. To qualify for their black belts students must perform, perfectly, over 45 different techniques, including kicking, striking, joint locks and weapons techniques. They must be able to perform these techniques both right- and left-handed. In addition they must demonstrate, perfectly, five different forms or routines including a long stick form. The students receiving their Junior Black Belt all have come to two or three classes per week for years. They are: Eric Stockwell, 16, started training with them at 6 in 2010. Hayle Ortla, 15, started training with them at 5, in 2010. Kiarra Ortla, 17, started training with them at 7, in 2010. Sophia Zechello, 20, started training with them at 15, in 2015. She is the only candidate we’ve ever had that started as a child, to achieve this rank in just five years. Brynn Dianni, 12, started training 5, in 2013. She is the youngest student they have ever promoted to Junior Black Belt in over 25 years they have been around. Moving forward, these students will focus on learning the adult techniques and should receive their adult black belts within a few years. They will also be working on developing their teaching skills as they assist the younger children.