At the age of five, Charlie Goodwin has made history after he obtained a red belt in his age group at the Kirkwood Institute of Karate – the highest qualification he could get.
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Since he started learning karate in September 2012, Charlie from Maitland has attended 215 lessons in the Little Dragons section.
“Very few children have done so many classes in that period,” Institute owner Peter Kirkwood said.
“He has natural talent, but he is also very keen, which has played a big part in getting him so far ahead.”
Charlie’s father Nathan said they took him to his first karate class so he would be in an active program that would guide him in the right direction.
“This has been very good for Charlie where he has learned discipline among people practising the sport he loves,” Mr Goodwin said.
“Since he started, his confidence has grown and he is not as shy as he was once.”
Mr Kirkwood said Charlie was the first Little Dragon to attain a red belt in his age group.