Gabriel Holloway didn't start cultivating his athletic side until his junior year of high school.

"I'd been interested in it for a while," Holloway, an Aiken resident and home school student, said of karate.

But he didn't find the right instructor until Johnny Hughes of CSRA Defensive Arts started teaching classes at the Aiken County Recreation Center in Graniteville.

"He's a person who is not uptight, but he demands respect. He teaches you the skills of the trade and discipline, but he wants you thinking outside the box," said Holloway.

He put those skills to the test in November at the North Augusta Martial Arts Championship at Paul Knox Middle School, winning in the kata division and placing second in sparring.

"He has the Midas touch," said Hughes. "Everything he touches turns to gold."

Hughes said Holloway was one of his first students in Graniteville, and he has watched him progress rapidly in about 18 months.

"He's an extremely talented sparrer as well as being fast," he said.

One of Holloway's best attributes is his attitude, Hughes said. "He's extremely humble,"

Holloway also excels as a jazz percussionist. He has played with the Augusta State University Conservatory Jazz Band and the All-State Jazz Band.

He also helps beginning percussion students learn to play their instruments better.

Holloway plans to attend the University of Tennessee next year and will major either in engineering or psychology. He's leaning toward the latter, he said.

"I'd like to help troubled teens and do family counseling," he said.

Reach Charmain Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.