FAMILY fights are not unusual in the Penman household.

Incredibly, five members of the tae-kwon-do loving clan from Cinderford are all black belts and dad Ken says their home life often revolves around the sport.

He said: "Life revolves around it in a positive way, because it's all about respect, for both yourself and other people.

"It's about courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and the indomitable spirit.

"It also instills discipline and helps keep you fit. I'm 53 but I'm fitter now than I was in my 20s."

Tom, 16, and Rhiannon, 19, were the first members of the family to take up the sport eight years ago.

Ken, wife Melinda and daughter Anwen, 20, soon followed.

Ken explained: "Tom and Rhiannon took it up because they were being bullied and the rest of us were encouraged to join in.

"The bullying stopped almost immediately, not because they fought back, but because they knew they could handle themselves and developed a different, more confident attitude. Bullies don't like that."

Ken says hairdresser Rhiannon is probably the best of the bunch, but all five have attained First Dan Black Belt status.

There could be a sixth black belt further down the line if three-year-old daughter Seren follows her siblings into the sport.

Ken said: "We won't force her but she's already trying to join in."

In 2009 Ken and Mel launched the Cinderford School of Tae Kwon-Do and they now have around 40 students. They also run a class in Mitcheldean.

On November 27, many of the Cinderford club competitors will be taking part in the British Championships.