Here’s two women you wouldn’t want to cross – a mum and daughter from Herne who have just achieved their black belts in karate.

Kara Carey, 47, and Megan Vest, 15, are a pair not to mess with after both secured the honour at the Bujin Ryu Karate club in Greenhill.

Impressively, it only took them five years to get there.

It has been quite a journey for the duo as Kara, of Holbourn Close, suffered the heartbreak of four miscarriages. But taking up karate has helped her turn her life around.

She said: “I first went along and watched the sessions. I felt I could do a little bit more exercise so decided to start.

“At that time I had hit a low point. I suffered the miscarriages over a three-year period or so. I found I needed something to focus on to pull myself out of that black hole.

“It has helped with my confidence and self-esteem. Every time you pass through a grade you feel that little bit better about yourself.

“It was a tough time and it was a gradual change to get me out the house and back to being me. It gave me a sense of purpose when I thought I had lost that. I can safely say that it’s behind me now.

“Megan has definitely helped me get through and we couldn’t have done it without each other.”

Herne Bay High School pupil Megan said she was aware of how difficult it was but karate has brought her closer to her mum.

She said: “I like going to karate with mum because we have always got something to talk about. It’s nice to spend time with mum as well as my friends.

“I always had lots of hobbies before. I tried ballet, I tried football, but it never really worked out. It was my cousin who said ‘why don’t you try karate’ so it went from there and I haven’t stopped since.

“I’m amazed now because when you start karate you feel that getting a black belt is quite a long way away, then suddenly you can get the black belt.”

Their karate trainer Terry Beale said: “I’m elated for them. They worked so hard together. They came through injuries and have stayed together through all the stages.”

HR manager Kara now says they are looking towards going through the dan grades, which will involve learning more disciplines and Japanese language.

To find out more about taking up karate with Bujin-Ryu visit www.bujin-ryukarate.webeden.co.uk