Byline: ROB PATTINSON
WHEN it comes to little fighter Olivia Appleby, you're probably better picking on someone your own size.
The tough youngster has stunned martial arts leaders by gaining her black belt in karate, aged just seven. The diminutive martial arts expert might be less than four feet tall, but she is not to be messed with.
She has been studying Tempest Karate, with elements of kick boxing, at rolex fake the North East Karate and Kick-boxing Academy since the age of four.
While her pals preferred dancing and trampolining, Olivia had no interest.
Instead, when she shed her shoes and stepped into the dojo, based at Norham Community Technology School, North Tyneside, she felt right at home.
With dad Rob a former karate enthusiast, the youngster has had no problem finding a sparring partner at home in Fairfield Drive, West Monkseaton, North Tyneside.
The 55-year-old electrician has helped change the family living room into a make-shift dojo for his daughter, complete with crash mats.
Olivia has even found enough space to practise her new passion, learning how to use weapons, including nunchuks and a kama pole.
The sword she use for practise might just be foam, but it still packs a powerful hit in her hands.
Rob said: "We're just so proud of her. It's an amazing achievement.
"We were impressed when she started going through all the belts and she just kept going. She really took to it.
rolex replica"She's a tough little thing. She's not afraid to take on opponents bigger than her. I've seen her beat people more than a foot bigger than her. "She does practise a lot at home, and I'm their to help her. And she's actually been in a bout in a boxing ring used for professional bouts, which not many fighters have done."
After rifling through the 12 belts which took her up to brown, one below black, the family went away to Spain where Olivia met 'the master' for her style of fighting.
embroidered patches
Rather than relax on the beach with her parents, the youngster took the option to train in Master Wilson's dojo, where she had the benefit of a one-on-one pupilage.
When the time came to jet home, the surprised mini-martial artist was told she had shown sufficient skill to warrant her black belt.
Now, instead of easing off, she is aiming for her black belt, first dan.
Olivia, who has just turned eight, said: "I'm really pleased. My friends all think it's really good."
CAPTION(S):
PACKING A PUNCH: Eight-year-old Olivia Appleby is determined to get her black belt in karate
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