For some, it takes years to discover
their passion and find a way to make it happen in the world. However, for
10-year-old Jordan Roberts, formerly of Windham, the enthusiasm for martial
arts began at the young age of 6. His desire for the art of karate has led him
to become a world champion in the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF), an
organization founded by Chuck Norris. But Jordan’s personal achievement was not
an overnight success. Hard work and much dedication were needed to reach his
dream and goals.
His interest in the martial arts was
sparked by the Disney show “Kicking It” and other super hero movies that used
various forms of karate. “I liked the idea of knowing how to protect myself
from harm and I loved the art of karate itself,” Jordan explained. Observing
and then mimicking the forms and motions portrayed in the films, Jordan began
practicing on his own. It wasn’t long before Jordan was determined to learn
more and asked his parents if he could become professionally trained. After a
year of making his request, his father who works in advertising shared Jordan’s
passion with a client. That client was a karate teacher Cub Lewis. Sensei Cub
Lewis (as he is known by his students) is a fourth degree black belt, teaching young and
adults alike for over 37 years. Lewis owns and operates Krav Maga Force Maine.
Krav Maga Force Maine, previously located in Falmouth, is now established in
Brunswick. “Once we met Sensei Cub Lewis, everything just fell into place”
Jordan stated as he shared his excitement about this special form of Karate.
“Krav Maga is an Israeli style of
self-defense and is of the most efficient forms of martial arts,” said Jordan’s
father, Bill Roberts. Jordan began training with Lewis at the age of seven.
Within two years, Jordan became a red belt and traveled to Las Vegas in July
2015 to compete in the World Championship, where he received first place. He returned again this past
July where, this time, he fought against black belts. Despite obtaining an eye
injury during the first competition that caused some temporary vision
impairment, he continued to participate and received fourth place. Jordan’s
goal is to return to Las Vegas for a third year in July 2017 to compete at the
black belt level with the hope of obtaining the world championship title once
again.
“There are three points to the
competition,” Jordan began as he described the three areas. The competitions
include forms, weaponry (Jordan fights with the bo staff) and hand to hand
combat. In addition to the competition portion of the championship, training is
provided with advanced and diverse individuals, including the children of Chuck
Norris. This experience allows Jordan the opportunity for self-improvement as
he progresses toward more advanced degrees.
Getting to Las Vegas and being part of
the competition and training requires funds that are difficult to obtain. The first year, Jordan discovered that
their year-long savings for the 2015 event was not quite enough for the
unexpected costs that they endured such as extra hotel costs and purchasing the
correct karate suite (known as a Gi.) As a result, Jordan and his father set
out to raise funds for his 2016 competition this past July. Through door to
door efforts, partial funding from his Sensei (teacher), a gofundme website,
and year-long personal savings – both Jordan and his father were able to return
to Las Vegas despite any unexpected costs.
“We’ve already begun saving for the 2017
competition,” Jordan said. He hopes that enough funds will be raised this year
so his mother, Rhonda and sister, Aaliyah can go too. “It is really important
to me that people who support me all year long can be present and watch me at
the 2017 UFAF competitions.” Jordan also hopes that his close friends, Kate
Barter, Torin Svedlow, and Aiden Hanson who are always there to support and
encourage him can go as well.
For those who made a donation toward the
expenses of the July’s competition, Jordan took the time to email each
individual with a thank you note along with a picture of himself with both
Chuck Norris and Norris’ brother Aaron. Jordan’s note shared his gratitude,
“Thank you for your donation to help me get to Las Vegas to compete in the
World Championship Karate Competition. This year, for the first time, I
went up against black belts (I am a red belt) and one of the black belts took
first place. I also battled with an injured eye. I plan on achieving my black
belt this year and go back to regain my title. As promised, here is the picture
of me with Chuck Norris and Aaron Norris.” Jordan also expressed that the trip
was made possible due to the donations and the caring efforts of those who
donated.
If one is lucky enough to meet Jordan in
person, he/she would be very impressed with his gentle, mature, and caring
nature that, no doubt, is a result of the discipline and respect required of
those who participate in the martial arts. To continue the opportunity for competition
and training at the UFAF in 2017, donations would help tremendously and would
be greatly appreciated. Many who know Jordan and have donated in the past will
surely be contributing once again to this thoughtful and contributing member of
society. Jordan’s father said, “I see Jordan excelling in a program designed to
maximize his character and he is bringing it to an amazing level. This
development is only going to help make him stronger in the community and an
inspiration for those around him.”
To inquire about making a donation to
the Jordan Roberts 2017 UFAF competition fund and help to bring a World Karate
Champion back to Maine, send an email to silvercircle85@yahoo.com.
