Thirteen-year-old Sarah O'Reilly of Kingston has earned the distinction of being the youngest person to earn the Junior Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Aikido in Eastern Canada.

O’Reilly, training in Yoshinkan Aikido for nearly five years, rapidly progressed to black belt due to her dedication, perseverance and outstanding level of self-discipline. Her approach to training is one that sets an example for her juniors.

Aikido is primarily a throwing and controlling art, often referred to as the Martial Art of the Samurai, as it was derived from the Samurai battlefield techniques of ancient Japan. O’Reilly attends four classes a week at Ecole Rose des Vents in Greenwood, and has been an assistant instructor in the children's class for nearly two years.

O’Reilly's recent black belt test was performed in front of 60 spectators, and included a series of basic movements, advanced techniques and freestyle throws against multiple attacks from two black belt partners. The test was very challenging and required O’Reilly to throw her two black belt partners and be thrown in return. All candidates were required to demonstrate the skill appropriate to their rank and a very high level of control, concentration and physical fitness. O’Reilly had to demonstrate nearly 75 throws and controlling techniques, and performed an outstanding demonstration of skill and technique.

O’Reilly is a Grade 7 student at Pine Ridge in Kingston and has been training in Aikido since she was eight years old. She continues to teach the junior students in the children's program each week, and her outstanding dedication and natural ability in Aikido have allowed her to participate in both the adult and the junior program simultaneously for the past two years.