SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Heart surgery doesn’t stop martial artist
by JESSICA L. FINCH

James Wild

It was the achievements of a disabled boy that got James Wild, 66, into karate training and a “never quit” determination that brought him back following triple bypass surgery.

Wild of Williamsville has been training at Western New York Karate Center since 1995, having started after watching the success of an employee’s son. The boy deals with physical disabilities and found strength and motivation from the classes. The boy achieved the rank of junior black belt.

It was a rank that Wild himself would one day attain. After nine years of training he passed the test and was awarded the black belt.

“Achieving a black belt was my goal when I started, but after a few months that thought goes out of your mind,” he said.

Replacing the goal of black belt is determination, hard work and focus. Wild continued to train with that attitude and was recently selected by Master Jim Cvetkovski to test for his second-degree black belt. Wild passed three two-hour tests to qualify for the final seven-hour test. Proving his skill in many areas of karate, Wild passed and was awarded the second-degree black belt on Nov. 18.

“I have never quit anything I have started,” Wild said about continuing to train at the age of 66 and following his bypass surgery.

In 2001, Wild was having a normal day until he felt such pain that he was admitted to the hospital. Having suffered a heart attack, Wild was scheduled for the bypass surgery.

“I knew I was coming back,” he said about training at the center as soon as he was able.

Cvetkovski said Wild picked up right where he left off and within four years achieved black belt and two years later, second-degree back belt.

Wild said he never thought about stopping and plans to train until he “falls over.” He added that at this age it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and the training has kept him flexible and active.

“I wanted to be Bruce Lee in the first two weeks,” he said with a laugh, adding that he credits Cvetkovski for teaching him the foundations of karate.

Wild is currently the oldest student at the center and is the oldest member to ever achieve a second-degree black belt.

“I am very proud of him,” Cvetkovski said. “The learning never stops. Hopefully, in a couple years he will be going for his third degree.”

Wild trains three to four times a week, often taking two to three classes in a row.

He is a native of Lancaster and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1958. He served in the Army for three years and was stationed in Europe before being discharged.

Wild has held many jobs, including conductor for the railroad and landlord. He continues to maintain residences today. Wild also achieved his pilot’s license.

If you have a suggestion for someone to feature in this column, send it to Jessica L. Finch, Amherst Bee, associate editor, P.O. Box 150, Buffalo, N.Y. 14231-0150, or call 204-4917.