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Last Updated: Friday, 13 July 2007, 08:00 GMT 09:00 UK
Karate black belt for Down's man
Andrew Brooks
Andrew Brooks had his first karate lesson on his 21st birthday
A man with Down's syndrome is believed to be one of the only people in the UK with the condition to achieve a black belt in karate.

Andrew Brooks, 32, from Felixstowe in Suffolk, achieved the top rank after 11 years of regular training at the Foxhall Karate Club.

Mr Brooks had his first karate lesson on his 21st birthday.

Sean Hollobone, who trains Mr Brookes at the club, said: "It is top of any martial art to get a black belt."

He added: "Everybody joins karate to get one and not everyone gets it.

"They give up, but Andrew stuck it out and 11 years down the road he is there."


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