Karate kid chasing black belt dream

MOUNT Duneed youngster James Corbo is proving that dedication, hard work and passion can take you a long way.

The 10-year-old karate talent is rapidly making a name for himself, collecting nine major titles since turning his focus to the sport in 2022. James began his karate journey at Hoppers Crossing Karate Dojo under the guidance of Sensei Alex Dias, studying the Shukokai style of karate. Since then, he has become a two-time Melbourne Karate Open champion, two-time state champion, three-time Australian champion and a silver medallist at the National Karate Championships.

In October last year, his family relocated to Mount Duneed to support his sporting ambitions, with James set to attend Western Heights Sports Academy in 2028. Later this year, he hopes to earn his senior black belt, a remarkable achievement for someone his age.

“I am so excited to get to that achievement,” James said. “It’s always been a big goal for me.”

“I’ve got some great results in the competitions, and I just want to keep doing it. I’d also love to become a gold medalist at the National Karate Championships.”

James said he first took up karate to learn self-defence and improve his fitness.

“I just fell in love with it from when I was six years old,” he said.

“I love going to my dojo in Hoppers Crossing and enjoy travelling up there to train under Sensei.

“I like how it teaches me how to defend myself, so that if anyone ever tries to approach me or grab me, I know what to do to get out and run away.

“It also keeps me really fit and healthy.”

While achieving success on the karate mat, James is also a talented footballer for Grovedale.

“I love both sports, and I am balancing both at the moment,” he said. “I hope to go to some of the bigger championships for karate, but sometimes it clashes with football.”