Newton Citizen

Special photo. Six-year-old Kobi Worthington of Social Circle knows all the moves. He recently became the youngest student of U.M.A.S. Karate to earn the junior black belt distinction.

Its youngest student ever was able to obtain the level of junior black belt recently at the U.M.A.S. Karate Studios recently. Six-year-old Kobi Worthington attained the rank, which is designed for students 12 and under.

Of course, Kobi has been training for half his life, beginning karate studies at the age of 3 with Lora Wingo, chief instructor at the Covington U.M.A.S. Karate location.

"I knew that Kobi could accomplish this. I am proud to have him as one of my students," Wingo said.

Previously, the youngest student who has attained the level of Black Belt during the school's semi-annual testing was age 7. Two other students at the age of 6 have attempted the exam in the past but were unsuccessful at that age, according to Jim Fuller, master instructor and school owner.

The black belt exams consist of 3 to 5 hours of basic techniques, combinations, self-defense, sparring, sets, forms and board breaking.

"It's amazing to see how far Kobi has progressed in his training," said Courtney Fuller, director of operations and school manager for the Salem Road location. "We are so proud of how far he's come."

Karate expertise is a family affair. Kobi's brother, Dawson Worthington, tested for his 1st degree black belt recently and passed his examination as well. Dawson is 8 years old and one of the school's youngest to achieve that level, Fuller said, adding that Dawson earned his junior black belt at the age of 7.

The entire Worthington family participates in karate at the Covington U.M.A.S. location. They are residents of Social Circle.