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Karate kid Brady Smith
shows off his moves

by Jamie Stephens

Eight-year-old Brady Smith is the second youngest person in
Europe to gain a 1st Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate.

At just 4ft 2in, he may look cute but is definitely not someone
to mess with in the playground.

He joined Thanet Traditional Shotokan Karate Association in
Broadstairs just after his fifth birthday.

His proud father Gary, who is also a member of the
club, said: “Brady has always been small for his age and we wanted
him to gain some confidence, learn to defend himself, and gain some
discipline and focus.”

Brady was a natural and passed every grading at the first
attempt, culminating in his 1st Dan grading two days after his
eighth birthday last month.

His dad added: “Brady is certainly the youngest black belt that
the club and our association has ever had, so we have been
researching the internet to find out where he ranks in the country,
Europe and the world.”

Whatever the statistics, the news has made him a minor celebrity
at Upton Junior School in Broadstairs.

He said: “I was asked to get up in assembly when I got back to
school after the grading. Everyone was saying 'are you really a
black belt’? They’re very proud of me and I am as well.”

Unlike others who reach the pinnacle of their chosen sport,
Brady is not obsessive about karate.

“He’s a normal, well-rounded boy – he loves his football and his
swimming and is much the same as anyone else of the same age,” said
Gary.

Brady has been teaching some of his skills to classmates and
wants to be an instructor when he grows up.

But he will have to wait another eight years before he can go up
a grade – under his association rules he can not take his 2nd Dan
black belt until he is 16.