The Kingston-based Khalsa Karate Confederation have been celebrating after claiming four gold medals at the British Karate Championships in Edinburgh.

The golds were won by twin brothers Cuba and Bleu Parris, in the kumite (fighting) competition, and siblings Jack and Rachel Newey, in the kata competition.

The championships, held over the weekend of the 5th and 6th, included over 1500 competitors from all over the country.

Cuba and Bleu, 10 year old twins, secured golds in the -45kg and +45kg weight divisions respectively.

They both attend Burlington Junior School in New Malden and have been members of the Kingston club for over two years. Cuba’s success was particularly impressive as he was fighting in a category of 55 competitors, the biggest at the event.

The boys have won numerous karate trophies, including success in the English Championships both this year and last, and their talent has drawn praise from coaches and current competitors worldwide. Both hope to be selected to represent their country when they are 14 years old.

For Jack aged 14 and Rachel, 16, this year’s success marks their fourth Kata gold medals at these Championships. The brother and sister train weekly at the Kingston club, Jack attending Sutton Grammar and Rachel, Coombe Girls Sixth Form. Rachel has been part of the England squad since October 2008 and will be travelling to Morocco this November to compete at the World Championships.

Like the Parris twins, the pair have great aspirations to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

For the Khalsa Karate Confederartion, a comparatively small club, this success represents a significant achievement and is reward for the work that has been put in developing the facilities, training and classes on offer.