Taj Howe, 18, earned his black belt on February 28 under the training of Chuck Silva. Howe earned his belt with his training partner Alex Rogers, 19. These two students will be Silva’s last black-belt-level students of his long career in martial arts.

Silva is known on the island as a personal trainer, exercise class guru and Sensei.

Howe describes Silva as one of the most amazing teachers he has ever had.

“Just being in his presence is inspiring, and his commitment to my training and development during my teen years has profoundly influenced my life,” Howe said.

For Howe, the experience is classified as one of his greatest achievements, which took six years of work and requires a three-hour-long test. Martial arts is not only a physical workout. It also teaches focus, perseverance, diligence and discipline. The practice also brings different people together to train.

Howe trained with his art teacher Corey Wiscomb, classmate Cameron Smart and other community members.

“Martial arts instills confidence and independence within a supportive and respectful network of men and women who are on a similar path,” said Howe.

Despite heading down different paths – Howe, valedictorian of the OHS class of 2015, is headed to a four-year college and Rogers is at basic training to become a Navy Seal – both young men carry the knowledge they gained from their practice.

“Martial arts will always be a part of me. The Japanese word for black-belt or Shodan can be literally translated to ‘beginning degree,’” said Howe. “I still have lots to learn about the arts, but I’ve successfully taken my first steps on a long and rewarding journey.”