Beating the odds
Sherry Keller on Thursday, July 10
David Lima doesn’t let muscular dystrophy keep him down
David Lima of Lehi was awarded the rank of black belt in the Japanese martial art of Ninjutsu on Saturday, May 24, following a grueling test of self-defense and skill against Bill Atkins, the visiting Shihan from California. A 23-year-old junior majoring in Japanese and political science at BYU, he is now among a select number of people who’ve accomplished this difficult feat, but his achievement is particularly remarkable. David is profoundly handicapped from a form of muscular dystrophy called spinal muscular atrophy and has always required a wheelchair. His complete muscular system has been atrophied by the disease – even his lungs have been weakened. “The disease really limits his muscles,” said his mother, Eileen Lima. Some would argue it’s amazing David has lived so long. The majority of children born with SMA die by the age of 2, usually from pneumonia which cripples their already frail lungs.
But David has never let himself be confined by his physical limitations. “Never say never to David,” said Eileen. “He never lets anybody say to no him, to the point that I don’t say ‘you’ll never be able to do that.’ When he sets his heart on something, he will find a way.”
When he expressed an interest in Ninjutsu, his mother called Brett Boyack of Jasukai Martial Arts in Orem and enrolled David in his program. Boyack welcomed David from the beginning. “I thought it would be a challenge,” Boyack said. David has become his best student. “David’s awesome,” Boyack said. “He’s got a great a great attitude and always puts forth 100 percent effort.” “He was always a real happy kid,” said Eileen. “He’s always been happy with his life.” When asked how he remained so positive despite his condition, Lima shrugged and said, “I never have anything to feel bad about.” He has trained with some of the most senior instructors of Ninjutsu in the state and is very knowledgeable. He’s done much of his own research and training to adapt Ninjutsu to his wheelchair. He uses angles, timing, and distances to move his body and wheelchair in various methods to protect himself. He’s also learned how to use several heavy weapons – an extensive collection of which he owns. Ninjutsu has helped to strengthen David’s arms, torso, lungs, and heart.
He has even developed some muscle tissue on his upper arms, which, said Eileen, is absolutely unheard of for someone with SMA. As his condition has improved, so has his prognosis. He’s lived much longer than doctors predicted and has moved from a severe level one diagnosis to a mild level three. David plans to continue his training in Ninjutsu. There are 14 more levels of black belt to attain, and he’s constantly working to improve his art. He spends several hours a week working out and practicing, and, as Atkins commented, “that kid’s getting really hard to hit.” David also has plans to start a Ninjutsu club at BYU and teach other students in wheelchairs this ancient martial art.
After college graduation he wants to work for the CIA as an analyst. When asked if he could defend himself if he were attacked, David nodded and, with a wry grin, said, “I think I could surprise someone.”
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