Whiz Kid: Gabriel Walters

Name:  Gabriel Walters  

School:  Seventh-grader at in Salisbury Township.

Accomplishment:  He recently earned his first level black belt in Kung Fu.

Key to Awesomeness:  Gabriel, a Lower Macungie resident, has been a student at in Emmaus for the past five years.  “It’s my second home,” he said.  He currently holds a first level black belt and is working toward earning his second level.

Gabriel has learned a lot in five years including:

• How to take down someone bigger by using a nine-point system.  He said there are nine vulnerable points on the body which are used to disable a person, no matter what their size.
• The history of Kung Fu and karate.
• How to sense danger by using feelings—this is taught by blind-folding the student.
• Self-discipline and respect.
• How to defend himself in a confrontation.

Gabriel also participates in tournaments and performances throughout the year.  “Kung Fu is my life,” he said.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing volleyball on the St. Thomas More team and swimming, especially in last summer's hot weather.