It's a family affair as sisters taste success

Stafford sisters Robyn and Jorja Lea, both competed in the showpiece event, which was held in Sheffield.

Eldest sister, 14-year-old Robyn, became national Kata silver medalist in the third Kyu and above, 14 to 15 years.

Her younger sibling, 10-year-old Jorja, took gold in the third Kyu and above, eight to nine years, where she claimed the title of Kumite national champion.

Their father, Richard Lea, was incredibly proud of his daughters' achievements.

"It really is a massive achievement for them both. Before they even made it to the championships they had to medal their way through the regionals," he said.

"They compete in nationals whenever they can, but for them both to come home with medals from the national championships is just incredible.

"For Robyn, it was really amazing as she was competing against people that were far more advanced than her."

Both sisters attend GKR Karate Region 25 Club, a worldwide club which trains at regions across the country.

"The girls train at Highfields on a Tuesday, Haughton on a Friday, Codsall on a Wednesday and Sunday and Pendeford.

"It is a lot of hard work but it is the only way that they can earn their medals, it is something they both really enjoy," added Richard.

"Robyn is going for her black belt at Chelmlsey Wood and Jorja is world gold medalist in Kumite and world silver medalist in Kata which she won at the GKR World Cup in July.

"The World Cup is held every two years at a different venue. In 2012 it was held in Australia and this year it was held at Liverpool's Echo Arena."

The passion to succeed at karate runs in the family as Richard is also a first Kyu and his wife, Lisa, is a GRK instructor.

"Going to GKR is just something that all of us really enjoy, it's a family orientated sport," continued Richard. "We decided to take it up because we wanted to learn some self defence, you never know when you could need it.

"GKR is an incredibly tight knit group and the girls have had so much support from their Senseis, Neil, Ryan and Stuart."

Robyn began practicing and training karate when she was nine-years-old, while Jorja started at the age of five.

Having completed their final contest of the year Robyn and Jorja will focus on training for their next competition, which will take place next March.

Is is not just the sisters who are celebrating championship victory, Daniel Carter, from Wolverhampton also took gold at the championships.

For more information on how GKR visit www.gkrkarate.com