The Lakewood product first tried the sport at just four and a half years of age as something to do.

Seven years later he is still doing it. And he's quite good.

Despite the COVID-interrupted sporting year in 2020, the talented youngster barely missed a beat and recently progressed to a black belt.

"He started very quickly and has never missed a belt except for COVID; even in a COVID-interrupted year meant he confirmed his black belt this year ... he's never had a break," proud mum Bec said.

Now, the 11-year-old has been selected in the NSW Karate Federation representative squad before he heads to Melbourne in September for the Australian Karate National Championships.

"I train every week three times for maybe three hours and when I'm going for my black belt I do it for five hours," the Kendall Public School student said.

"I get up at 7am and do beach training as well. It's challenging sometimes."

This weekend he will head to a club tournament in Blacktown as further preparation for the trip to the southern capital later in the year.

He says enjoyment is the key as well as keeping motivated. When you look at his sparring record it isn't hard to see how he remains motivated to keep improving.

"You've go to work hard; I've never lost to anyone in sparring and I've come third and second multiple times in Kata which is movement in a pattern."

To help fund his travel and accommodation, Mid North Coast Karate will hold a 100 club raffle throughout July and August.

This month he will approach local businesses for donations of vouchers and merchandise for use as prizes.

If you wish to contribute, the family can be contacted on lakewoodfdc@outlook.com.

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