Jesse Flood '14 won the National Black Belt Karate Championship and is now ranked No. 1 in North America in the 15-17 age division.

Jesse earned his black belt at age 12 and has continued honing his skills and competing. He has been learning the Shukokai style for the past 11 years. This style was developed by Soke Shigeru Kimora of Japan and is now practiced all over the United States and Canada. Many countries all over the world use this style.

"When I received my black belt at 12 years old, I thought it was the most difficult challenge life has yet to offer," Jesse said. "In my style you are not allowed to make an attempt for black belt until you are 12 years old. This is based on the same principle that you can't drive a car until you are 17, when you are old enough to handle that responsibility."

Jesse is setting his sights on the world competition, which will be held at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City in  July.