Black belt at age nine

By Bridget Cook
JACK Murphy is passionate about martial arts: At just nine he has worked his way up the coloured belt ranking system and earned his black belt.
Jack started martial arts when he was five and has been training for four years at All Stars Martial Arts in Narre Warren.
His father, Troy Murphy, said he steered Jack into martial arts because he himself had practised it for many years.
“I encouraged him to get started at a young age,” he said.
Jack trains weekly and attends grading, usually on Saturdays. Mr Murphy said his son had made a great group of friends through the sport.
“He absolutely loves going, and he looks forward to the day,” he said.
Jack’s passion intrigues his friends at school, Mr Murphy said. “Not too many Grade 4 pupils have a black belt in martial arts.”
Now that Jack is a black belt he has started training in weaponry, beginning with how to use a sword.
Mr Murphy is amazed at how much Jack has learnt about life skills from martial arts.
“He has improved co-ordination and confidence and especially has learnt discipline,” he said.
Jack’s instructors at All Stars Marital Arts are Steeve Mackay and Teresa Caruso. Mr Murphy says it is through their expertise that Jack had reached the level he is at today.
“They have put so much hard work and dedication into assisting Jack to get to where he is,” he said. “The instructors provide a great environment for all children,” he said.
Mr Murphy said Jack wanted to continue doing martial arts because he enjoyed it so much, and he wanted to keep achieving higher levels of competency.
“He just wants to keep going and continue improving his skills,” he said.