World champion ‘breaker’ delivers masterclass to youngsters

A world champion ‘breaker’ has helped deliver a special masterclass to youngsters who attend a weekend club run by the University of Derby.

Kid Karam (whose real name is Karam Singh) recently led a breaking workshop with Saturday Club members, where they were shown some basic moves.

This was followed by a Q&A session, where Karam answered questions from the club members and specially invited guests about his career, motivation and the upcoming Olympics.

Karam, who studied BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Development at the University of Derby, is hoping to represent Team GB in breaking at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris – the first time that the sport has been included in the games.

He said: “The kids got really involved. They all wanted to take part and, for some of them, it was their first time breaking – which was great, because you could see the development of confidence and character from them.

“Being back at the University of Derby is amazing. We actually used to train here as a crew in the room that we did the workshop in, so it’s a nostalgic feeling.

“Being from Derby is my superpower – there’s everything you need here to be successful.”

The Derby Saturday Club, which is part of the National Saturday Club network, is for 13 to 16-year-olds.

It is a free-to-attend club where young people can learn new skills, discover talents and meet new people.

The university’s club is open to young people from Derby and Derbyshire and covers the subject strand of society and change.

Professor Keith McLay, provost – learning and teaching at the University of Derby, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Kid Karam back to the university for this event and am grateful to him for taking the time to share his talents with club members and the wider public.

“He is a shining example of how nurturing creative talent can reap significant rewards.

“At the university, we are committed to raising the aspirations of young people, and Kid Karam’s workshop will serve as inspiration for the Saturday Club members to explore how they can use their own creativity for future good.”

At the event, Karam was also presented with a Civic Champions badge in recognition of his work to support the university and the city.

He is the first person outside of the university to be recognised as a Civic Champion.

Dr Rhiannon Jones, head of civic and associate professor (civic practice) at the university, said: “Kid Karam is a fantastic role model for young people from Derby – we are so proud of him and everything that he has achieved and will continue to accomplish.”