CHILDREN at Walmore Hill School at Minsterworth have been getting to grips with karate.
Pupils' have taken to the sport feeling inspired by the success of former pupil Nicholas Davies, from Westbury, who was the British and world kickboxing and kata champion between 1991 to 1996 and who has won over 100 belts and trophies.
The children have been attending weekly after-school karate sessions taught by Rowena Boland from The Dojo Karate Academy alongside former Walmore pupil, Shona Tovey.
Shona has had great success after winning the Dojo Karate Academy's 'Student of the Year' in 2008, beating over 200 students from all over Gloucestershire. Now 15, Shona has come back to where it all started and inspire rising stars.
Rowena Boland, said: "I love training the kids at Walmore Hill; it's a warm, friendly down to earth school with a sporting pedigree. Karate makes Walmore kids both physically and mentally tough, develops their confidence, personality and prepares them for life outside of school.
"Two of my strongest students came from Walmore Hill and that legacy lives on. All the pupils are really motivated and are at quite a high standard. In fact I've got my eye on two very promising youngsters."
Sue Meek, headteacher at Walmore Hill, said: "Our school's motto is 'be the best you can be,' karate is a popular sport helping train pupils physically as well as mentally. The school really appreciates the time Shona dedicates to coaching pupils and we are very proud of Nicholas' achievements. I'm excited by the prospect of our rising stars, especially our younger pupils."