Thursday, November 12, 2026
Local News

Aramide Makinde becomes Nigeria’s youngest karate black belt at 10

Aramide Makinde earned his karate black belt at age 10, making him the youngest person in Nigeria to reach the rank. The achievement came after eight years of relentless training, discipline, and sacrifice that began when he was just two years old.

Makinde's journey into karate started early, shaped by a family that understood the value of martial arts training for child development. By the time he turned ten, he had already logged thousands of hours on the mat, mastering techniques that many adults struggle with for years.

The black belt rank in karate represents one of the highest levels of skill and discipline. It demands not just physical prowess but mental toughness, focus, and an unwavering commitment to the martial art's philosophy. For a child of ten to attain it speaks to both his natural ability and the quality of instruction he received.

Makinde's achievement has drawn attention to karate training in Nigeria, where the sport remains less popular than football and other mainstream pursuits. His story shows what young Nigerians can accomplish when they commit fully to a discipline, regardless of how niche the field might be.

The young martial artist's dedication mirrors that of champions in other sports across the country. His success will likely inspire other children to explore karate and other martial arts as paths to excellence and personal development.