Young Medford fighter wins two virtual world championships

MEDFORD – Medford young man becomes world karate champion, beating competition to win double crown

“It’s a really strange but wonderful award. Two real crowns,” smiled the 10-year-old. neil anderson.

WBZ-TV first told viewers about Anderson when he competed in a virtual karate championship last year. It’s called virtual because martial artists from all over the world submit videos showing off their talents to the judges.

“They will pick the best three from the ground to compete in the world championship,” Anderson explained. “With virtual, you have someone to help you hold the board and you break the board, and the judges decide who has the best break.”

Anderson won in two categories, including board break. Another crown was born for self-defense. This contest is open to all ages and skill levels, meaning kids as young as 10 can beat adults.

“You just have to see yourself break through the boards and imagine it, and your hands will go right through,” Anderson said.

With his laurels on his back, Anderson began competing in live karate tournaments that looked like a scene from “The Best Kid.” He recently competed in a tournament and won despite injuring his hand in the semi-finals. He fought the rest of the match and the final single-handed. He still beat everyone.

“Not a lot of kids choose to compete. It’s challenging. It takes a lot of confidence to step into the ring at any level,” said Aidan Falvey, instructor at Extreme Ninja Dojo in Medford. talk. Falvey has worked with Anderson ever since he entered the building, saying, “As you get older, there are prize money and tournaments, and that’s something you can see him doing. The sky’s the limit for Neal. .If he continues to train the way he does, there’s no place he can’t get to. ”

Anderson hopes to grow up and open his own dojo.