For 17 hours a week, 11-year-old Matthew Bryson goes through the maneuvers of the kata, the basic forms and stances of karate compiled into a precise routine, and the kumite, the sparring that occurs between opponents with points scored on light kicks or punches to specific areas of the body.
The weeks and years of discipline transformed Bryson into a first-degree black belt. Bryson won the kata category for his age at the USA Karate-Do National Championships earlier this month in Charleston, W.Va. He also finished third nationally in the kumite.
Bryson trains under sensei Patrick Martin, a former member of the USA Karate national team.
"(Matthew) is a remarkable student, and the fact that he's willing to put in hours and hours of work to master his body and the forms, it's impressive," Martin said. "And he knows the appropriate time and place to show off the skills he's attained."
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The Star caught up with Bryson during a private practice session — featuring several sparring sessions, board-breaking and body throws — at Nihon Karate School in Midtown, which is owned by Martin.
Q: When and why did you start practicing martial arts?
A: "I started when I was about 5, and it took me around 4 1/2 years to get the black belt. I loved it right away because it was cool to learn. And you get repaid for the work you have to put in."
Q: What are your goals in karate?
A: "Someday I want to be part of a U.S. team that wins the world championship. And I really want to make it to 10th-degree black belt. And I want to be part of the Olympic karate team." (Karate is being considered for future Olympic Games.)
Q: Where has karate taken you? What place did you like best?
A: "The one I remember best was New Orleans right before the hurricane hit. We got to see that place before it got damaged. And we've been all over the place. Las Vegas, Long Beach, Florida, North Carolina, a lot of places. And as I get older, I'm going to get to go to different countries, which I really want to do."
