Kent Karate Teenager Awarded First Ever 3rd Dan Black Belt for a UK Under 18

January 31, 2008 - Press Dispensary - 16 year old Mathew Velvick, from Ashford, Kent, has become the first Briton under the age of 18 to be awarded a senior black belt, sensei (teacher), in karate following a policy change within the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS – http://www.nakmas.org.uk ).

After five hours of physical and mental testing, extensive questioning and examination, Velvick was rewarded with a 3rd dan black belt. He has trained four times a week for the past 10 years and rarely misses a session. His 3rd dan was awarded exactly 10 years after achieving his first red belt karate grade.

Peter Manning, NAKMAS vice chair, comments: “I must admit to being totally against under-18s being awarded 3rd dan senior karate grades and voted against the policy amendment. But Mathew was placed under extreme testing for nearly five hours and he performed and answers questions with the maturity of a 25 year old. Mathew passed this grade with flying colours. A rare occasion indeed.”

Mathew’s teacher, Joe Ellis, who is also the NAKMAS chair, adds: “Mathew’s commitment to karate is obvious and his attitude and technical skill are exceptional. I allowed Mathew to enter this grading based on his progression, which I did not take lightly, and the tears ran when the result was given - an incredible achievement and a first in British karate. Everyone in attendance, including 3rd and 4th dan senior observers, was stunned to see such an exceptional talent.’

Until 18 months ago, pupils aged under 18 were not permitted to enter a senior national black belt grading and could only achieve 1st and 2nd dan.

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About Mathew Velvick
Velvick recently left school and is employed as a sales assistant for a Levi’s factory outlet shop in Ashford, Kent, and wants to join the police force when he reaches the right age. Velvick enjoys coaching alongside his teachers, Joe and Sandra Beale, and coaches children from five years upwards.

About NAKMAS
The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) is a non-funded national governing body and is a member of CCPR (the Central Council of Physical Recreation). NAKMAS governs all forms of traditional and modern martial arts and has over 65,000 members within the UK.

About the panel
The national grading panel was made up of senior examiners from the national management committee of NAKMAS. The chief examiner was NAKMAS vice chair, Peter Manning (6th dan), assisted by NAKMAS chair, Joe Ellis (6th dan), NAKMAS deputy chair, Richard Fowler (5th dan) and NAKMAS director of operations, Sandra Beale (4th dan).

For further information, please contact:
Joe Ellis, chair and acting lead child protection officer, NAKMAS
Tel: 01227 370055 Fax: 01227 370056
Email:
Site: www.nakmas.org.uk