Philadelphia, PA -- Size doesn't always matter -- at least when martial arts is involved.

In fact, one of the world's best martial artists uses his vertically-challenged frame to perform backflips and roundhouse kicks that would make Jackie Chan jealous.

Anthony Atkins -- who is ranked No. 1 on the North American Sporting Karate Association (NASKA) circuit -- says he was too short to play basketball when he was younger, so he turned to karate.

While only being five-foot six, 150-pounds, Atkins puts his compact frame, as well as his mind, through a strict regime before each tournament.

His preparation includes taking out all the refined sugar in his diet, eating mostly fruit and chicken, meditating and doing a lot of pushups and situps.

Atkins will be doing these things and more as he gets ready for the U.S. Capitol Classic beginning tomorrow (Aug 13.) in Arlington, Virginia.

The best martial artists from around the world will be competing but Atkins isn't worried about ending up on the chopping block. He admits he is very confident he will win.

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