10-year-old Kyle Vanden Brand Horninge focused and
goal-oriented
Morgan Hill – Kyle Vanden Brand Horninge, 10, has accomplished a great feat at a very young age. At 9 years old, back in July of 2005, Kyle was one of only five students at the United Academy of Martial Arts (UAMA) to earn their Black Belts before the age of 10.
“He’s a real energetic person,” said UAMA owner and instructor Mike Clampitt. “He really cares about other people. He’s a team player, rolling up his sleeves, doing it all.”
“It’s okay for him to try all of it,” added Clampitt. “He’s always been fearless, but he’s fearless with a purpose.”
Following in his brother Dalton’s, footsteps, Kyle began Tae Kwon Do training at the UAMA when he was 4 years old. Dalton earned his Black Belt from UAMA when he was 10.
“My husband thought it (martial arts) would be really good at keeping Kyle focused on any task he needed to complete, a good self discipline tool,” said Shawn Vanden Brand Horninge, Kyle’s mom. “He had a good attitude and didn’t complain. It was really big commitment for a 9-year-old.”
During his five years of training Kyle received several first place trophies and is now focused on earning his second degree Black Belt.
Kyle and his brothers, younger brother Chase, 8, is also training for his Black Belt, train with each other for tournaments and competitions.
“I felt proud,” Kyle said of earning his Black Belt at such a young age. “It was a great accomplishment that made me hope to get my second degree two years from now.”
To obtain his Black Belt, for the first four and a half years Kyle trained twice a week for one hour. Then in the six months prior to testing for the Black Belt, the period often referred to as the “countdown”, Kyle took two 45 minute classes per week, had to help out in two 45 minute classes per week, took one fitness and training class per week and every other Saturday trained for three hours, according to Shawn.
“It felt as if it was hard and challenging, but fun at the same time,” recalled Kyle. ” I like the instructors. They don’t pressure you too much. They’re nice, friendly and fun to be around.”
Since he has been training, Kyle, a straight A student, has be a lot more focused, more disciplined with school work and tasks he has to do, according to Shawn.
“Because the training is a process before you get the big payoff, it’s good preparation for life. Not everything is a quick payoff,” said Shawn. “The reason why we chose the UAMA studio is the owner and his wife both have teaching backgrounds. The studio is kid-friendly and kid-focused, really hands on.”
Kyle plans on continuing his training at UAMA and is looking forward to earning his second degree.
“I feel that I’ll keep going and eventually become an instructor there (UAMA),” said Kyle.
