IT was a real 'family affair' for one karate club after three relatives passed their black belt examinations on the same day.

Mike, Tracy and Luke Easton are all members of Grimsby's RB Karate Academy, and put their years of training and dedication on the line at a quarterly grading last month.

BACK TO BLACK: Members of the RB Karate Academy who recently took part in a 1st dan examination. Back row, from left, instructor Rob Bingham, Tracy Easton and Mike Easton; front, Lewis Jagger, Heather Aitken and Luke Easton.

Along with club-mate Lewis Jagger, the Easton's faced a panel of four grading examiners including club chief instructor and 3rd dan black belt Robert Bingham.

The quartet had to demonstrate the three 'K's' of karate – kihon (basic techniques), kata (set techniques), and kumite (fighting).

Bingham said: "All students on the day performed extremely well.

"They train three nights or more every week and it showed.

"It is quite unique to have a family of three all sticking with karate and progressing through the ranks where they can get their black belt together.

"Normally people don't have the same commitment and determination to make it through."

The Easton's and Jagger were four of 27 taking their belts on the day, with everyone passing and showing an exceptional level of ability.

Lewis, 11, and Luke, 10, have also gained international recognition, having been selected for the AMA National Squad and competing for their country.

Bingham continued: They've both had a great year, with Luke getting placed third in the Malta Open international competition earlier this year – they are a credit to the club and their association."

RB Karate Academy also recently sent a squad of seven to the AMA National Karate Championships, held at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield – a team which returned with one gold, three silver and five bronze medals.

Luke Easton and Bingham both made it to the kata finals, competing at the same time on different mats. Luke narrowly missed the gold on the day picking up silver in a very close final, while Bingham secured the gold.

Jacob West and Robert Aitken both gained bronze in the same section of the kata, age 13-15.

In the kumite fighting group, Gareth West gained two silver medals, one in the over-78kg section and one in the open-weight category, while Bingham achieved a silver in the under-78kg category.

Bronze medals went to Lewis Jagger and Luke Easton in the pairs kata, as well as Jacob West for kumite.

RB Karate Academy is based at Reshapers Gym, Bowling Green Lane, Grimsby. The club has just started a new beginners class – for more information call Robert Bingham on 07894 632330.