IT'S the Korean martial art that boasts more than 60 million practitioners in 184 countries across the globe.

Taekwondo, in which competitors use head-height kicks and other techniques to defeat their opponents, has been an Olympic sport for more than 20 years.

Now four members of the same Hampshire family have all gained black belts after displaying an incredible commitment to the sport.

Amanda Kingsley, 43, and her daughter Poppy, 11, have achieved the same success as Poppy's sister Lily, 13, and father Joss, 51.

Poppy and Lily are currently the British National Champions, which involves taking part in competitions across Europe as well as the UK.

Lily is a member of the GB cadets squad and both girls are looking to become full-time members of the GB team based in Manchester.

Poppy said: "Getting my black belt is something I've worked hard towards for seven years. I've had to do a lot of gradings and have finally achieved it.

Lily added: "Achieving my black belt shows that all my years spent doing Taekwondo, training six days a week, has been worth it."

Amanda said Taekwondo had given her confidence and strength, adding: "I've made some great friends."

All four members of the family are members of Waterside Taekwondo Club.

Master Colin Graves (6th Dan) said: "It's very unusual to get four members of the family getting a black belt. They're a credit to Taekwondo as they train so hard to get where they are.

"Joss has also become a club instructor plus an international coach while Amanda has taken part in world poomsae championships.

"She hopes to do well in the British nationals, which will be held in Worcester in November.

"Lily and Poppy have been outstanding on the competition circuit. They plan to become full-time Taekwondo athletes for Great Britain, based in Manchester in the near future.

Waterside Taekwondo Club runs classes in Holbury, Totton, Redbridge and Netley. It currently has vacancies for anyone wishing to do traditional or sports sparring classes.

Taekwondo originated in South Korea where the world governing body, the World Taekwondo, is currently based.

The modern form of Taekwondo was developed in the 1940s and 1950s but the sports has its roots in various martial arts stretching back more than 2,000 years.