MEET the Karate Kids – and their mum and dad.

For all five members of the Bussell family have been awarded with black belts in karate.

St Peter’s School pupil Alexis, 11, is the latest to achieve the honour.

But mum Debby, dad Paul and big brothers Curtis, 19, and Travis, 16, have also been made black belts following years of hard work.

Mrs Bussell, who runs the Christchurch and Burton Karate Club with her husband, said: “There are five of us, and for some years, Alexis was the only one without a black belt as she’s too young. But she passed on December 1, and we’re so delighted. She has worked so hard.”

The family, who live in Purewell, Christchurch, participate in a style of karate known as English Goju-Ryu.

Mrs Bussell began her training in 1981, and said her children have “grown up” with karate.

“Alexis was toddling around in nappies during classes,” she said.

“It is something we have always done together as a family, and I believe it teaches some important lessons about life, including self-discipline. But it’s also about being physically fit and self-defence.”

Both Curtis, who works at Brockenhurst College, and Travis, a sixth form student at St Peters, still practice karate each week.

The family’s club runs on Wednesday nights at the Burton Scout Hut in Martins Hill Lane from 6.30pm.

It has been going for 20 years, celebrating the anniversary with a party during the summer.

“In the time we have been running, there have been 23 people awarded with a black belt, which makes us very proud,” said Mrs Bussell.

“But what makes us proudest is knowing that all three of our children have achieved their belts. It’s really wonderful.”