Boy, 10, achieves karate black belt

A TEN-year-old Uckfield schoolboy has achieved a coveted black belt in karate, making him one of the youngest in the county to reach that level.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Jul 2008, 17:20 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:37 BST

Matthew Knight from Eagle Close started karate at the age of four-and-a-half.

Karate instructor Martin Dean said 10 was an exceptionally young age to achieve a Black Belt - the youngest he has trained to that level is 12.

Matthew's granddad, Robin Knight from Maresfield, said: 'He's really proud and so are his family.

'He's quite an all-round sportsman and plays football for East Hoathly.'

Matthew is now aiming for first, second and third stage Dans - usually adult qualifictions.

Matthew's sister, Charlotte achieved her Blue Belt at the age of seven last weekend.

The pair train at their school, Harlands with Kicks of Ridgewood.