Mont Albert karate kid and black belt holder Xander Byrne keeps knocking out awards

XANDER Byrne is Melbourne’s very own karate kid, with the talented 11-year-old notching two impressive championship wins on his black belt.

Xander Byrne training in Mont Albert North with Quinn Matthews. Pictures: Steve Tanner

XANDER Byrne is Mont Albert’s very own Karate Kid.

The talented 11-year-old has shown he’s not to be trifled with after winning the State Karate Championships earlier this month before travelling to Sydney to compete in the All Star Karate League where Xander dominated.

Xander Byrne in action with training mate Quinn Matthews.

Not only did he place first in the kumite (fighting) discipline, but he was able to knock out another win in the grappling discipline.

Xander’s attention has now turned to representing his school, Mont Albert Primary, at the Australian Schools’ Championships and fighting for Evolution Martial Arts (where he trains) at the Australian Open in April.

His father, Luke Byrne, who is one of Xander’s trainers, said his son had been training since he was four-years-old and was already a black belt.

“When he turns 14, he’ll be eligible for the Junior World Championships, but until then he’ll hopefully have his first international competition next year,” Mr Byrne said.

“He has demonstrated amazing resilience, persistence, dedication and effort to achieve these goals.”

Xander has been nominated for the Whitehorse Leader junior Sports Star Award.

The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.

For full details and to nominate an athlete, go to localsportsstars.com.au