Corbin Daiber, 9, to become youngest Ki-Do Black Belt

Story as published in the Highland News Leader 9-11-08

Corbin Daiber of Highland will become the youngest ever Ki-Do Karate student to achieve the coveted rank of Black Belt. At 9 years old, Corbin will receive the honor during the Ki-Do Karate Black Belt Graduation Ceremony from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Highland Knights of Columbus Hall.

Corbin has already dedicated 5 years to martial arts training and excelled far beyond where 97% of children and adults give up. Corbin Daiber is small in stature at 53 inches tall and 59 pounds but a giant where it matters most - in self-discipline and determination - his instructors say. "Many times Corbin would have to practice his techniques against other students 2 or 3 times his body weight, but he did not let that get in his way," stated Zach Rakers, Senior Instructor.

Corbin not only held his own during normal practices and rank tests throughout the years, he is now well on his way to completing the difficult tasks of Black Belt. The Ki-Do Karate Black Belt Challenge is a 12-week test that challenges students day by day. For students to reach the level of Black Belt they must undergo a whole person transition: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. In an effort to help students achieve this state, students must complete 12 tests in areas ranging from responsibility and integrity to courage and from kindness and humility to mastery and confidence. To achieve in these areas, they must:

1. The Test of Responsibility and Integrity - Keep an accurate and honest journal of progress daily. Charting your success is motivating and will help you reach your goal.
2. The Test of Perseverance - Attend and participate fully in your normal classes and earn required ranks. Black Belt Candidates are expected to set an excellent example in regular classes as other students look up to them as role models.
3. Test of Determination and Advanced Skills - Candidates must also attend Black Belt Candidate's classes weekly.
4. The Test of Respect and Honor - Show respect and kindness towards others, especially instructors, teachers, parents, and family members.
5. The Test of Mastery and Confidence - Perform a past kata blind folded.
6. The Test of Focus, Power, and Control - Break 2 wooden boards with Jump Spin Knife and Switch Spin Side Kick. A Black Belt is powerful and under complete control, especially when performing techniques.
7. The Test of Courage - Defend against an instructor attacking with a knife.
8. The Test of Strength - Perform a minimum of 1200 push-ups in 12 weeks.
9. The Test of Stamina - Perform a minimum of 1200 sit-ups or crunches in 12 weeks.
10. The Test of Kindness and Humility - Perform a minimum of 60 acts of kindness (acts under an hour) in 12 weeks. Acts of kindness do NOT include normal chores, responsibilities, and/or expected behavior, such as cleaning your room, getting along with siblings, and/or not arguing with parents.
11. The Test of Service - Perform a minimum of 6 service hours (acts over an hour) in 12 weeks. May be done for family, friends, charities and/or organizations (excluding Ki-Do Karate).
12. The Test of Knowledge - Pass the Written Black Belt Exam.

When Corbin was asked what Black Belt meant to him, he responded, "Doing fun drills, kicks and stuff. It is always making good decisions and helping others." Ki-Do translates into English as "the way of inner strength". A true Black Belt in Ki-Do Karate practices perseverance in reaching goals, makes good decisions in everyday life, and resists unhealthy peer pressure, Ki-Do official said.

Corbin has already had to make some tough choices, often giving up another fun activity to attend karate class. But becoming a Black Belt is a family affair for Corbin's family, as his father, mother and older sister have all achieved that status. Corbin has a younger brother and sister who hope to follow in his footsteps as well.

"We want to celebrate an achievement of a remarkable young man and educate the public on what a true Black Belt is all about," said Dave Daiber, who is the owner of Ki-Do Karate and a master instructor.  "We hope this accomplishment and our event will help send a positive message to others, especially youth in our area. It is our hope and goal to change the public perception of what the martial arts are truly about. As our motto states, it is Ki-Do Karate's goal to 'change our community one Black Belt at a time.'"