Karate kid is youngest 'sensei'

Teenager Mathew Velvick intends to start his own karate classes

Kent's Mathew Velvick has become the youngest Briton ever to be a awarded a third dan black belt in karate.

The 16-year-old, from Ashford, told BBC Radio Kent he had to undergo a gruelling five-hour physical and mental test before achieving the grade.

"I was absolutely ecstatic when they gave me the result, karate is my life," said Mathew.

The award means the teenager has reached 'sensei', or teacher level, in the martial art.

Mathew added: "I'm going to open my own classes in the very near future, I particularly enjoy teaching children. In four years time I hope to have my fourth dan."

The teenager has been training four times a week for 10 years, and reached third dan level exactly a decade after being awarded his first (red) belt.

The National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools (NAKMAS) recently relaxed its rules on under-18s being awarded the 'sensei' grade.