‘Flawless’ Zac gains black belt

PASS master . . . Zac Robinson

OLDHAM has its very own karate kid after talented Zac Robinson became a black belt, aged just 13.

Zac first attended DEMAA Martial Arts Academy, in Bright Street, Oldham, as a painfully shy eight-year-old.

But just five years later he has taken the top belt and now wants to use his skills to teach others.

Zac, from Hollins, spent his first few lessons plucking up the courage just to step into the training area — his first brave step into the world of martial arts.

The Hathershaw Technology pupil’s bravery and perseverance paid off though when he recently completed a gruelling two-hour 1st dan black belt ju jitsu examination.

The academy’s principle instructor Dr Dave Terry said: “Zac has proved himself to be a dedicated martial artist and this really shone through on the day. His grading was flawless.
“We have watched him mature into an admirable young person and look forward to guiding him further.

Parents Jenny and Paul said: “We are so very proud of Zac. He has overcome so much to achieve this black belt.”

He now wants to work towards his 2nd dan, which he cannot take until he is 16, and then train to be a club coach and hopefully join the Sports Leadership Programme.