KENT teenager Mathew Velvick has become the first Briton under the age of 18 to be awarded a senior black belt after a policy change by the sport’s governing body the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools.

After five hours of physical and mental testing, extensive questioning and examination, the 16-year-old from Ashford was rewarded with a 3rd dan black belt as his rewards for training four times a week for the past 10 years.

A former Towers School pupil, Velvick now works as a sales assistant at the Levi’s factory outlet shop and has rarely missed a training session in over a decade and his 3rd dan was awarded exactly 10 years after achieving his first red belt karate grade.

Mathew’s teacher and chairman of NAKMAS Joe Ellis said: "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.

"It is an incredible achievement and a first in British karate.

"Everyone in attendance, including 3rd and 4th dan senior observers, were 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.