He’s become the teacher.

The 30-year-old black belt from Hunter Valley Karate was promoted to be third dan (sandan) and one the most senior members of the association.

Langworthy, who first became a black belt four years ago, told the Mercury he was shocked at the new grading.

“It was snuck up on me last Thursday night,” Langworthy said.

“I turned up to class to participate as normal and my brothers were there without their gees on and it still didn’t click at all.

“And then sensei Philip Penfold walked in and at that point it started to twig what might be going on.

“I didn’t let myself get too excited because I thought it might be for somebody else.”

To first become a black belt Langworthy went through a rigorous grading that included a range of exercises, four kilometre run, board breaking, kata and 40 rounds of kumite (contact sparring).

To become a third dan, Langworthy had to be promoted through the respect of his peers.

“There was no grading as such, it goes more along the lines of dedication and long term commitment and a proven teaching ability,” he said.

Langworthy’s former mentor at Hunter Valley Karate sensei Philip Penfold praised the new third dan.

“It’s certainly a rarity in our group and in Maitland,” Penfold said.

“He’s always been a standout and he’s always been highly thought of by the older and more experienced people.

“Now that Daniel has taken over (Hunter Valley Karate) he’s continued to shine. This is well deserved.”

Langworthy took over Hunter Valley Karate from Penfold earlier this year and is relishing the opportunity to be the teacher rather than the student.

“I’ve been teaching on and off since I was a first year – senior brown belt – and to actually do it officially now is a really good feeling,” he said.

“You really never stop learning and it might sound a little clichéd to say that, but you can still learn from the different ways people conduct themselves – maybe I’ll have to adjust my teaching methods so they can better understand.

“I’ll be forever learning. I’ll be forever a student.

“Karate’s very much an individual thing so each person’s approach and goals are different.”

Langworthy comes from a family with strong links to karate.

His brothers Joshua and Patrick and his sister Alexandra are all black belts.

The electrician practiced the martial art for a decade during his childhood before giving it away.

He came back to karate in 2002.

Langworthy credited those early years in the sport with helping build his success later in life.

“When I came back to Hunter Valley Karate about six years ago it came back to me quickly and I was able to jump a few grades and accelerate,” he said.