Childs play for Academy stars (From Stroud News and Journal)

Childs play for Academy stars

FOUR students from the Leigh Childs Black Belt Academy are celebrating after winning their martial arts black belts.

Austin Smith and his eight-year-old daughter Rhiannon were among the first four Stroud students to pass their black-belt grading with the Stroud branch of Leigh Childs Black-Belt Academy, based at Stratford Park Leisure Centre.

"Rhiannon joined when the school opened in May 2002, and I have been training for just over two years," said Austin, from Cashes Green.

"I joined because it was something I'd always wanted to try and after Rhiannon started it seemed a good idea to do the same type of martial art so we could help each other train."

Meanwhile, nine-year-old Danielle Berry and Sam Hawkins, 10, from Stroud, joined Rhiannon and Austin to become the Stroud club's first black-belts.

"They have all put in enormous effort since joining this branch of the school," said chief instructor Richard Herbert.

"The youngsters and Austin put in months of training before a day-long testing to make the grade."

Adam Miller, an instructor with the Academy, which teaches a combination of several disciplines, including Tae Kwon Do and kick-boxing, achieved his Fourth Dan Black-Belt grading at the same testing.

"We follow the Black-Belt Leadership Course, which is a great programme because it teaches martial arts together with other aspects like social skills and building self-confidence and respect," said Adam.

Anyone interested in the programme can contact chief instructor Richard Herbert on 07788 674454, visit www.leighchilds.com or Freephone the Academy on 0800 0191585.