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Dedicated To Kids in the Martial Arts

Matthew Nash

Matthew first started taking karate lessons at the age of 5 because he wanted to be a Power Ranger when he grew up. He studied Tang Soo Do at the Charland Institute For Karate and Fitness. He was a "natural" and learned very quickly. Because of the speed at which he learned and performed his forms, he was given the nickname "Flash". In just 2 years, he had received his apprentice belt, and less than a year later, at the age of 8, he earned his black belt. While at Charland, Matt was introduced to the Captain of Team Excel, Master Andrew D'Amato. Andy became an inspiration to Matt and they worked very closely together as Matt began to compete on the I.P.P.O.N.E. circuit. Within the year, Matt was accepted onto the team. 

Matt has always been very passionate about karate since he started. He lives, breathes, and sleeps it. He currently studies Tang Soo Do and Kajukido (he is a yellow belt) 5 days a week at D'Amato's Excel Martial Arts, where he is also a junior instructor. When he's not at karate, he can be found twirling a bo (or anything that resembles one) at home. Matt is very well liked by his peers and he is an inspiration for younger students as well as adults. 

Karate has given Matt confidence in himself. He tends to be shy, but karate has really brought him out of his shell. And teaching classes has been a wonderful experience for him to share his talents with others. 

Over the years, Matt has won numerous awards and over 100 trophies. In 2003, he received the "Student of the Year" award from the Charland Institute as well as the Grand Champion award for his division in the interclub tournaments. Last year, he was a double crown recipient for forms and sparring on the I.P.P.O.N.E. circuit. But the award that he takes the most pride in is the "Kyle Charles Gilbert Sportsmanship Award", which he received in March of this year. 

He was given the award in memory of Kyle because he, like Kyle, is dedicated to the art of karate and is highly respected for it by his peers. It meant a lot to Matt to have been singled out and recognized not only for his talent, but his character as well. Matt is truly an all around good kid. He is a straight A student in school and he excels in whatever he does. Karate is special to Matt. It's like he was made to do it.