Patch All-Star Kid: Janvier Lamont

All-Star Kid: Janvier Lamont

Accomplishment: Eight-year-old Lamont of the Falk Laboratory School became a purple belt this month at on South Braddock Avenue. She started doing in November of 2010 and has since passed three belt tests. Currently, she is a “Dragon,” which is the group name for competitors ages seven to 10.

The belt tests have allowed her to show off the strength and technique she has developed over the past year.

All-Star Kid’s key to success: Lamont’s favorite aspect of karate is the strength exercises. She particularly enjoys sparring, a free-form strength exercise where the kids compete for points while practicing punching and kicking in a safe, low-risk way.

“It’s very hard, but it makes you stronger," Lamont said.

This is evidenced by her fast progression through the belt levels. Lamont practices twice a week at Shaolin, as well as at home. One of her fellow classmates at the studio is her six-year-old sister, a “Tiger” at Shaolin. Nothing will make an All-Star work harder than a little sibling rivalry.

Give her time Lamont, it seems like All-Star-ism might run in the family. But don’t be too modest—wear that purple belt with pride! You've certainly earned it.