NAME: Matthew Helms
Nickname: "Matt"
Born: Atlanta,Georgia USA on October 31, 1989
Started Martial Arts Training: Feb. of '94

Matthew Helms has been to such Martial Arts Schools as "Watford School of Karate, Aiken, South Carolina. Spartanburg Martial Arts, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Matthew studies under the Martial Arts styles of Tai Karate System and American Open Karate (Tae Kwon Doe). Matthew Helms has been trained with such instructors as 6th dan black belt Andy Watford, 5th dan black belt Rick Lee, 2nd dan black belt Brain Plempel, Keith Vitalli and Jerry Prince. Matthew's favorite techniques are "Pump Kicks, 720's & 540's, Flying Jump Side Kicks." Matthew use's such weapons as "Bo (staff) Ecobo, Escrima Sticks." Matthews favorite Martial Artists are "Andy Watford, Brain Plempel, Bill Wallace, Steven Seagal, Rick Lee, Jimmie Pham, David German, Chuck Norris, Jerry Prince and Keith Vitall

Matt is a 14-year-old 4th Dan Black Belt. He has appeared on "The Tonight Show", "The Crook & Chase Show", "FOX & Friends, was also cast in "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson and in "Black Knight" with Martin Lawrence. His most recent appearance is in the upcoming summer 2003 release of Eli Roth's "Cabin Fever".
Matt has been training in the martial arts style of the TAI karate systems (4th Dan), American Tae Kwon Do (1st Dan), and Okinawan Kobujitsu (3rd Dan) since February 1994. He also has been amazing audiences with his "720" kicks,"540" kicks and "Sticky Hands"(a grappling technique of martial arts). Along with that he has been competing in several national and international tournaments such as the "U.S. Open/ISKA World Championships" in July 2000 which aired on ESPN2.

His other accomplishments include:
11 Time World Sport Karate Champion
8 Time National Amateur Champion
12 Time Tournament Grand Champion
1999 Ranked #1 in "NASKA" World & National Ranking
1997 Ranked #1 Junior Martial Artist in the USA by "SKI/NBL"

Matthew also takes time out of his busy schedule to teach classes in martial arts to other young kids. He also was featured in Keith Vitali's "Mighty Kids" videos for national dist. "Stop the Bully". Matt stresses the importance of child safety in light of recent events and is a supporter of the Amber Alert System. He has attained maturity beyond his years and feels that kids should be taught the importance of knowing their surroundings and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim.
Matt was a regular at the ACCW house shows in Wilmington NC and was featured on ACCW "Best of the Independents" television show. He added that little extra kick to the shows and the audiences love him. Do come out to the show when in the area you will leave in awe of this awesome young man. What a great talent he is and an inspiration to all.
Be sure to see Matt in the horror/thriller by Eli Roth, "Cabin Fever" now on DVD.