Young karate champ balances on nails to make history

Eight years old, V. Vasanth Abhinandan has etched his name in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) with a feat that tested both skill and endurance — performing a series of Karate Kata movements for ten minutes while balancing on shoes embedded with nails. Recognised under the title of “Most Kata Karate Moves on a Nail by a Child,” the achievement stands as a testament to the young athlete’s discipline and remarkable pain tolerance.

The inspiration behind this daring record came entirely from Vasanth’s own imagination. Wanting to push beyond conventional training and stand apart from his peers, he challenged himself to perform the traditional Kata in a way no one had tried before. Over the course of a year, he trained tirelessly to master balance and pain tolerance on the customised nailed shoes, culminating in a performance that secured him a place among Malaysia’s youngest record-breakers.

A year of preparation and perseverance

Vasanth, a second-year primary school student, has shown extraordinary discipline and maturity for his age. His father, K. Vasantha, a school van driver and single parent, shared that his son began learning karate at the age of three and has since competed in numerous local and international tournaments. The family’s humble background has not stopped the young prodigy from pushing his limits in pursuit of excellence.

In July, Vasanth also entered the Yoga Asia World Record 2025 for the longest one-leg standing in the children’s category. Currently holding a blue belt, he continues to train daily to master five additional Kata movements as part of his journey toward earning a black belt. His growing list of achievements reflects his unwavering dedication and the strong support of his father, who has instilled in him resilience, discipline, and self-belief.

Inspiring courage and creativity

Vasanth’s talent and determination have already earned him recognition beyond record books. Last year, he won the Karate Kata championship at an international tournament in Kuala Lumpur and received the Best Non-Sports Sports Achievement Award 2024 from the state government. For the young martial artist, karate is more than competition—it is a form of empowerment. Having once faced bullying, he learned to use martial arts not only as a sport but also as a means of self-defense and confidence-building.

The Malaysia Book of Records described Vasanth’s accomplishment as the first of its kind in the country, highlighting his creativity and courage to attempt something never done before. At just eight, Vasanth Abhinandan has proven that age is no barrier to greatness—and that remarkable achievements often begin with the bravery to try something different.