Rochdale family of black belts are a knockout at local karate club

The family are all now blackbelts

A Rochdale family has achieved a remarkable milestone in martial arts, with every member earning a coveted black belt. The accomplishment highlights the dedication of the Williams family and the Rochdale Warriors Karate Club, based on Trafalgar Street in Rochdale.

Peter Williams, the assistant instructor at Rochdale Warriors, has been an integral part of the club since 2015. A 5th Dan black belt with the Shukokai Karate Union (SKU), he joined the club alongside his partner, Carol Insley, also a recognised SKU black belt. 

Their children, Jade Williams, 18, and Peter Williams Jnr, 17, began their karate journeys as beginners at the club in 2015.

Damien McLaughlin, the club’s chief instructor noted the significance of Peter Williams’ contribution since joining. "Peter has been assisting with teaching at the club since 2015," he said. "When he arrived, he was already an established black belt."

Though Carol Insley had to stop training shortly after joining due to a long-term shoulder injury, the children’s progress has been extraordinary. 

Peter Jnr, who was just 8 years old when he started, achieved his black belt 1st Dan earlier this year in May. On Sunday 17 November, his sister Jade followed in his footsteps, earning her own black belt 1st Dan.

"Making everyone in the Williams family black belts is a fantastic achievement both for them and for Rochdale Warriors Karate Club," said Damien.