Young karate champion Neej has fists of fury

The small-built bespectacled Neej Parikh is not just an average Dubai-based teenager of this cyber age. The 13-year-old Indian High School student has achieved a feat any athlete would be proud of.

He is the youngest among 15 recipients of black belt in karate at the Dubai-based United Karate Sports Centre. He earned this 'degree' after going through an arduous UAE-wide test that included theory as well as katas, basic exercises and sparring with even seniors.

"This was my dream and finally I have achieved it thanks to the encouragement given to me by my parents," Neej told the Gulf News yesterday.

Neej was literally thrust into the sport at a tender age of five by his parents at Baroda in India. "When we left India I had just graduated to the yellow belt," Neej recollected.

Under the tutelage of Sensi V.A. Najeem and Senpai Saleem, Neej progressed well and in a span of seven years rose to earn the black belt, which will be formally awarded to him tomorrow.

Neej, who wears braces and looks a next-door boy, has fists of fury. He modestly and reluctantly agreed, "I can break bricks." Breaking bricks with his fist is part of the sport he pursues. But he doesn't like to watch martial art movies. Like all other kids of his age, Neej is also passionate about the latest craze - Pokeman. "I like to watch Pokeman cartoons."

Neej did go through a phase when he felt like giving up karate. However, "I read an article in a newspaper about a ten-year-old boy in India getting his black belt," he said, adding that the news item steeled his resolve to continue practicing the art and ultimate get the black belt.

"I may not be one of the youngest in the world, but I am really happy that I have fulfilled my aim," he said with assurance.

Now, Neej doesn't want to rest on his laurels. "I would like to add degrees to the black belt and reach a highest possible stage," he said.

Neej scored 29 and a half marks out of possible 51 to earn his black belt. "The highest marks earned in the test was 31," the young karateka said.

Neej had a big scar near his left eye, but he smiled and clarified, "this has nothing to do with karate." He said that he broke his spectacles when he fell while swinging on a bar and the broken metal piece pierced his skin near the eye and left a mark.

Neej, who is also keen on web designing and loves to play outdoor sports like cricket, believes that karate helps him in keeping his body as well as mind fit.

"Karate is all about self discipline and self defence," Neej said very profoundly.