Biography
Jacob Reichart is one of the assistant instructors at the Excel Martial Arts Karate-Dojo. Jacob began training with Sensei Catalin ʻNickʼ Neagu at the age of six and has continued to train at Excel Martial Arts since then.
From a very young age, Jacob was fascinated with movies that featured martial arts. As a result of this interest, Jacob eagerly joined Excel Martial Arts as a way of learning more about these respected ancient arts. Little did Jacob know, as he continued to train, he would learn numerous life skills that would help him achieve success in his future.
Currently, Jacob at 14 years old, is a middle school student taking rigorous and demanding courses at a high school level. Learning karate from Sensei Nick, Jacob understands the value of self-discipline and has applied it to his daily life. Jacob balances participating in basketball, baseball, and football while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. This allows him to be a part of prestigious academic organizations, such as the National Junior Honors Society (NJHS) and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).
Shotokan-Karate also taught Jacob the importance of leadership and teamwork which would help him to become an accomplished leader and a team player. This reflects Jacob’s character in outside activities such as being a member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) where he is a Life Scout working towards the rank of Eagle Scouts. As a member of the BSA Jacob has volunteered hundreds of hours into community service.
After seven years of training with Sensei Nick, Jacob achieved the rank of Shodan (First Degree Black-Belt) in February of 2021. Jacob continues to train as much as possible to achieve the rank of Nidan (Second Degree Black-Belt). Jacob uses the knowledge given to him to assist Sensei Nick in operating the dojo and instructing all levels of students when needed.
Jacob enjoys all aspects of Shotokan-Karate and sees it as more than just a system for self-defense. It is a lifestyle that leads people through the hardships of life and teaches people the essential skills needed to succeed. Shotokan-Karate helps people to improve themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Jacob trains to maintain that knowledge and to pass on a tradition which has benefited himself as well as other people for generations.
In summary, Jacob is a reliable and determined individual, willing to lend a helping hand to whoever needs it. Even after seven years and achieving the rank of Shodan, Jacob still values the numerous lessons that martial arts has to offer. Jacob is truly grateful to Sensei Nick and all the other instructors at Excel Martial Arts for passing along the knowledge he needed to succeed with karate and in life.