Samuel Halagan
The Youngest Black Belt 1st Dan

Samuel Halagan, aged 8, being presented with his Black Belt by Sensei Ronnie Christopher

There is no record of Samuel's height at this time but, when he tried on his first karate gi (the smallest size available), the trousers and sleeves needed to be rolled up twice. Shy, quiet and highly unlikely to volunteer for any class demonstrations, he found karate lessons extremely challenging. To his credit, however, he never missed a Saturday training session throughout 2000.

During these early months, the Inspirational Karate video proved an invaluable investment, particularly for kata, as Samuel worked on Kihon Kata, Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan at home. He also began to attend classes regularly on Mondays (Hagley) and Wednesdays (Crystal Centre).

Then, as his 6th kyu grading approached, things began to come together. Samuel really started to enjoy performing (and demonstrating) his kata (Heian Sandan), his technique showed signs of improving markedly and, perhaps most significantly, he began to display a spirit and aggression which belied his quiet demeanour outside the dojo.

Saving his best karate for gradings, Samuel proceeded to move smoothly through his kyu grades. Once 1st kyu had been achieved (24th August, 2002), thoughts turned to the possibility of his grading for black belt, one day in the not-too-distant future.

The next 12 months involved much hard training - up to 5 sessions per week - at the Stourbridge, Hagley and Cocks Moors Woods classes, as well as at home, where Samuel focused mainly on improving his kihon and kata techniques. A September black belt grading was targeted and Samuel worked towards this with renewed determination, some trepidation and with the help and encouragement of Ruach's Senseis.

When the grading eventually took place, Samuel was the youngest karateka participating by about a year - and the shortest by several inches. This did not deter or prevent him from making his mark, however and he emerged from behind the closed doors (almost 4 hours after entering them) sporting only a cut lip and a serene, if slightly bemused, expression.

Samuel was awarded his Shodan on that day, 6th September, 2003 at the Barnsley Metrodome, by Senseis Sherry (then 7th Dan) and Poynton (then 6th Dan) of the KUGB. At 8 years and 210 days, he became the youngest black belt in the KUGB at that time (a fact recognised by the association on its website) and one of the youngest black belts in the whole of the KUGB's 30-year history.

The presentation of Samuel's silk black belt, by Sensei Christopher, was captured on film as seen above and appears in Kamae International's brochure and on their website. Kamae also used the photograph to advertise their products in the official programme of the ESKA European Championships in Sunderland, in December 2003.

Shotokan Karate has helped Samuel to gain a level of quiet self-confidence few other pastimes could have given him. It has also provided him with discipline and a healthy form of exercise, as well as enabling him gradually to increase his level of physical strength.

Samuel's favourite katas are Enpi and Heian Yondan. Away from the dojo, he plays the piano and clarinet, enjoys participating in most sports and his hobbies include regularly beating his dad on the Playstation ®.

Photographs and article have been provided and reproduced here with the kind permission of Samuel's father; thank you Stewart.

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