A KARATE federation which trains hundreds of students in the ancient martial art across Bournemouth, Poole and the New Forest is targetting more success abroad in December - but the sport has more to offer than just sporting accolades.

Members of the Southern England Karate Federation (SEKF) picked up a gold and two silver medals at the British International Karate Championships in Edinburgh last month.

11-year-old Elliott Lowman who attends Lytchett Minster school, won gold in the 11 years old kumite section, while 10-year-old Carla Rudkin-Guillen, who attends Ballard Independent School, won silver in the 10-11 years old kata section.

The successes were completed when 16-year-old Louis Naraine, who attends Bournemouth Grammar School, won silver in the 16-17 years kumite section.

All three medallists, who are taught by father and son team Collin Rudkin and Danny Rudkin, are travelling to Portugal next month for the Lisbon Open with fellow talent James Arnold.

SEKF teaches both kumite, the sparring form of sport, and kata, the demonstration of karate movements, disciplines.

Students also complete basic move work for grading, pad work and knife defence techniques.

Despite picking up three medals at the British Internationals, federation head Collin said success was not the main objective.

"I'm more interested in their training. I always say to them whether you win or lose it doesn't matter, it is your performance and it's the build up and the journey.

"The championships are good to win, but actually learning respect for each other and respect for yourself is the key.

"Once you've got respect for yourself, you will want to do well.

"If they have respect for others in the classroom then they are less likely to muck around and put other children off.

"Only 10 per cent of our students compete. It is only a little part of what we're about."

SEKF celebrated its 25th year this May and currently teaches 300 students across the south.

Collin added that the prospect of the Olympics in future cycles is a genuine aspiration for some of the students, but said SEKF is on the look out for sponsors to help the children reach their very best.

"The students have got the drive and support from their parents, which is massive," he said.

"We work as 'Team SEKF' and I always say when we have a success for a student it is not all about the individual, it's a team because without me and Danny they wouldn't be where they are and without them we wouldn't be where we are, and without the parents behind them it wouldn't happen."