Aedan Mannion is Mastering the Art of Karate at 6

Name, Age: Aedan Mannion, 6

School: Cardiff Elementary School

Accomplishment: Mannion is a green belt in karate.

Key to Awesomeness:

Although he is only 6 years old, Aedan Mannion is already a green belt in karate, which is halfway to a black belt.

His father, John Mannion, has owned the Poway-based business VALR Martial Arts for more than two years. Aedan has trained with his dad ever since.

“He wanted to get into it to be like his dad,” said John Mannion, who is a fourth degree black belt in Tang Soo Do Karate.

Mannion said martial arts has improved his son’s focus, work ethic, confidence and coordination. It also keeps him healthy.

“He’s in very good shape for his age,” he said “I wish I could say I was in as good as shape as him. He is really strong for his little size.”

Aedan trains four days a week, about six hours in total.

“He’s very humble,” Mannion said. “He gives a lot of respect and he has great manors. He’s very mature for his age.”

The kindergartener has also participated in two soccer leagues in Poway and Encinitas. His father said Aedan has been playing soccer “since he could walk.” In addition, Aedan participates in an after-school art program at his school.

"I'm very proud of him," Mannion said. "He's a fun, funny character. He enjoys having a good time. Although he trains a lot of hours in martial arts, we have fun there."