Black belts run in the family (From Gazette Series)

Black belts run in the family

FORGET the karate kid, almost an entire family from Kingswood has been awarded black belts in the martial art.

Five members of the Campbell clan have reached one of the highest levels in Shotokai Karate, a non-contact variation of normal karate.

Melanie and Ian Campbell are both 2nd dans in the adult level of the sport meaning they are just three stages away from receiving the highest accolade possible, a 5th dan.

Eldest son Scott, 20, is a 1st dan and daughter Nicole, 13, is a junior black belt.

And on Saturday, youngest son Cameron was awarded a junior black belt at the age of just 12. He was presented with a certificate and his hard-earned belt at a prize-giving ceremony at Katharine Lady Berkeley School in Wotton-under-Edge.

Mum Mel told the Gazette: "I think it quite rare to have so many members of one family at such a high level."

Mel, who works for the Family Centre for Deaf Children, only took up the sport because she was constantly taking Scott to lessons.

"I had to sit on the side and watch but one day I decided to join in," she said. "Then my husband did, followed by Nicole, then Cameron had to wait until he turned five until he was allowed to start."

Although the family enjoys sharing a common bond through karate, Mel said the quintet of black belts never practice together.

"There is no competition between us," she said, "just a mutual respect. I would not try to compete with my eldest son though - I wouldn't stand a chance." Shotokai Karate derives from Samurai warriors in Japan and calls on competitors' inner strength.

Mel, who started training at the age of 37, said the sport was suited to men and women alike.

"You don't need to be particularly fit or energetic - my husband is of quite stocky build and he manages to train."

Asked if she or any of her family had needed to use karate in self-defence, Mel said: "Touch wood, I have not needed it but I have used the internal thinking of karate when I have wanted to be more confident. It is also really good for the children's confidence."

Mel and Ian run Shotokai Karate classes in Kingswood Village Hall every Tuesday (children 6-7pm, adults 7-8pm). To find out more call Mel on 07855 038419.