Varsha Vinod Becomes Youngest Female Black Belt In the World

Varsha Vinod is a shy 5-year-old girl from Southern India who worships her father, karate instructor Vishwas Vinod. Vishwas says that at 2 years old, she told him she wanted to learn how to do karate like dad.

Varsha Vinod (From telegraph.co.uk)
Vishwas told CNN that he taught his daughter some basic stretches and exercises, but when she started showing real skill, he took her lessons more seriously. The exercise and lessons paid off in May when Varsha became the youngest ever female black belt at age 5.

The young martial artist had to learn 15 katas, each kata being a precise combination of attacks and blocks performed alone, some using weapons such as a yawara stick. Varsha is now a first dan black belt, and while there are 10 dans, she must reach the second to be able to teach like her father.

Varsha recently traveled to the UK where video game makers Eidos studied her moves to better replicate them in an upcoming game, Mini Ninjas. While in London, Varsha met with British karate champion Juan Moreno, who called her the "ultimate karate kid."