World champion Kid Karam delivers breaking masterclass

World champion breaker and star of Sky Cinema’s Breaking Point feature film, Kid Karam (Karam Singh) 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. Karam delivered a special masterclass at the city’s Saturday Club, run by the University of Derby.

Karam studied BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Development at the University of Derby, graduating in 2020. He has won numerous major events, including the UK B-Boy Championships World Finals, Red Bull BC One UK Cypher, ESPN World Battle and World Breaking Classic, and is sponsored by major brands including Nike, Samsung, Eurostar and Lego.

At the event, Karam 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 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 masterclass is one of a varied programme of events taking place as part of the Derby Saturday Club, which is part of the National Saturday Club network for 13-16-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:

“I am 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, added:

“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. His visit was a wonderful opportunity for the club members to meet him and experience a personal masterclass. We are very grateful to him for his support and involvement in the National Saturday Club.

“The University’s involvement in the National Saturday Club is linked to its Civic University Agreement, which is designed to drive forward the local recovery and regeneration of Derby and Derbyshire, helping to channel aspirations, support local communities, share knowledge and enhance the area’s overall offer and vibrancy. It is based around five goals, including investing in culture as a drive for change and driving ambition and positive change, which both align with the aims of the Club.”

Find out more about the University of Derby’s Saturday Club.

Read more about the Civic University Agreement.