Whiz Kid: Martial Arts Phenom and Honor Student

Whiz Kid of the Week: Ramon Rivera

Ramon Rivera is 15-years-old and is a ninth grader at Mount Vernon High School. He’s a great student and a loyal brother but most notably, Ramon is a burgeoning martial arts phenom.

He studies Judo, wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Jujitsu, boxing and the bo staff at Viet Le’s World Karate and Mixed Martial Arts gym. He’s only been attending the Mount Vernon school for a year and a half, but his master instructor says he’s been blown away by Ramon’s skill level and great attitude.

“I think he’ll end up being an assistant instructor a year from now,” said owner and master instructor Viet Le. “Overall, he’s an excellent martial arts student.  He puts more than 100% into every art he does.”

Ramon lived in the Philippines until 2008, when he moved to Mount Vernon with his family. He says he appreciates the focus that martial arts require and the challenges he’s already faced.

“I like the discipline, the techniques that we learn,” Ramon said. “[Kids might not know this but] you have to work really hard.”

Ramon may be semi-new to the world of martial arts, but he recently took first place in his division at a Jujitsu tournament in Pennsylvania.

His instructors say his high grades at school really help him with martial arts.

“If they don’t have good grades they can’t test for belt promotion,” Le said.

So what’s in Ramon’s future? He wants to keep studying martial arts, but he’d love to be an engineer one day. He says math and science are his best subjects at Mount Vernon High School.

When he’s not working out at the gym or working hard on schoolwork, Ramon indulges in a typical teenage activity.

 “I really like video games,” he laughed.