By Esther Lauaki
Melton’s Caleb is busting down any barriers that he faces.
The 12-year-old karate kid recently completed his second grading from his wheelchair to earn a yellow belt.
Caleb, who has arthritis, haemophilia, ADHD and autism, took up Shindo karate a year ago to improve his fitness and join his sister.
Mum Sarah Russell said that her determined son would give most things a go.
“He spends time in and out of a wheelchair,” Ms Russell said.
“He saw the other kids doing it [karate] and wanted to give it a go.
“Shindo karate have been fantastic with my son and accommodating his needs … they welcomed him and didn’t look at his disabilities but his abilities.
“Just because you have a disability, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a normal life.”
Ms Russell said Caleb looked forward to training each week at Karate Melton and had developed a tight bond with his teachers.
“Through the sport, my son’s made so many friends and has learned not to let his disability define him,” Ms Russell said. “There’s nothing that you can’t achieve.”
Caleb will undergo surgery on his ankle in coming months and hopes to return to karate to work towards more belts.
