A Kaeo mother and daughter have pulled off a rare double by being awarded black belts in taekwondo.
Tracy, 43, and Toni Rouse, 14, were the first students to sign up when the Hwarang-Do Whangaroa club was founded in 2008.
They are now the club's first students to pass theITF black belt grading tests, which were conducted by two masters over two days in Auckland.
Instructor Roman Scholl-Latour, who founded the club with his wife, Seida, said the first day involved 10 hours of testing - and after that the pair still had to pass a fitness test.
The second day consisted of theory exams and a public session. Mr Scholl-Latour said the Rouses were model students.
"They not only worked hard physically for their black belts - several hours at the club three times a week and additional training at home - but they also have an excellent attitude and etiquette."
Hwarang-Do Whangaroa meets in the Whangaroa College gym on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Phone (09) 405 1980 for more information.
