Leeds karate kid Sophie, 3, becomes a viral video sensation watched by millions

A pint-sized karate kid has become an online star after a video of her practicing was watched by 15million people.
Three-year-old karate kid Sophie Wong, from Whinmoor, Leeds, pictured in action at Premier Martial Arts, in Armley, Leeds. Picture by Simon HulmeThree-year-old karate kid Sophie Wong, from Whinmoor, Leeds, pictured in action at Premier Martial Arts, in Armley, Leeds. Picture by Simon Hulme
Three-year-old karate kid Sophie Wong, from Whinmoor, Leeds, pictured in action at Premier Martial Arts, in Armley, Leeds. Picture by Simon Hulme

Sophie Wong’s mini martial arts routine has become an internet sensation after a video recorded at Premier Martial Arts Leeds, in Carlton Mills, Armley, Leeds, was uploaded on to social networking site Facebook on February 4 and went viral.

The 80-second clip, which shows the three-year-old enthusiast striking a number of poses and repeating words said by her instructor, has been shared and liked worldwide.

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Sophie, from Whinmoor, Leeds, has only been practising martial arts since January, after joining the Tiny Champions class for three to four-year-olds as their youngest member following in the footsteps of her older brother Harry, six.

Three-year-old karate kid Sophie Wong, from Whinmoor, Leeds, pictured in action at Premier Martial Arts, in Armley, Leeds. Picture by Simon HulmeThree-year-old karate kid Sophie Wong, from Whinmoor, Leeds, pictured in action at Premier Martial Arts, in Armley, Leeds. Picture by Simon Hulme
Three-year-old karate kid Sophie Wong, from Whinmoor, Leeds, pictured in action at Premier Martial Arts, in Armley, Leeds. Picture by Simon Hulme

Her mother Wendy Wong, a project assistant, said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked with the response, I just can’t believe the power of the internet.”

The video clip has been picked up by several online video sharing Facebook pages such as The Last Benchers and iVillage Australia – the latter’s clip has had more than 10m views alone.

Back in Armley the adorable tot’s exploits have created a huge spike in interest in martial arts.

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Ricky Lam, master instructor at Premier Martial Arts Leeds, said: “For a three-year-old I’ve never seen this type of focus and dedication. Her attitude is fantastic.”

Visit www.facebook.com/PMALEEDS for information.

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