Not quite a teenager yet, Dean Skinner of Booroorban and former Hay Public School student, fought his way at the weekend to take first place in the teens/adults division of the All Stars Martial Arts Academy’s continuous karate sparring tournament.

In only his fifth year of training with All Stars, Dean hopes to do his Black Belt grading by the end of the year.

Students from the Deniliquin and Finley Dojos of All Stars Martial Arts Academy joined in Deniliquin to compete in the tournament.

Dean is the son of Rick and Renee Skinner of Booroorban.

Renee shares her son’s passion for martial arts and also competed in the tournament at the weekend.

Dean (left) is pictured with NSW Head Instructor, Shihan Daniel Zrajko (right) and All Stars Martial Arts Academy Head Instructor, Kancho Rod Catterall (back) who made the trip from Melbourne to help officiate the event. Image supplied.