The schoolgirl has gone from watching her dad and sister do karate to becoming a world champ.

In just five years, a Sunderland schoolgirl has gone from watching her dad and sister do karate to becoming a world champ.

Summer was already a European champ - now she's a world champ | Submitted

placeholder image — Summer was already a European champ - now she's a world champ | Submitted

Summer Pallas, 10, grew up watching dad Dean teach karate, with her big sister Mae also getting the karate bug.

Now, just five years after taking her first class, Summer has brought a world title back to Sunderland.

The Fulwell Juniors pupil recently travelled to Romania with her family and club to compete in the 14th WUKF (world union of karate-do federations) World Championships.

Black belt Summer competed in the Kata category for her age category - and clinched the world champ medal with her moves.

Summer on the podium in Romania | Submitted

Mum Lisa said: “She travelled out with Kazen England after being selected for the squad. She already had a European title, but this was her biggest competition to date and the biggest within the calendar of our karate federation.

“We were absolutely over the moon when she won and her dad Dean was ecstatic, as she followed in his footsteps into karate. Summer is so driven to be the best and wants to compete in all the competitions.”

Summer trains with the Kanzen Tohoku Club, who run sessions at Fulwell Community Centre and the Aquatic Centre, and Lisa says it’s been great for building confidence and community.

Summer followed in the footsteps of big sister Mae and dad Dean to take up karate | Submitted

She said: “Lots of other kids attend the club, including SEND children, and they’ve all formed friendships so well. Kanzen England is a fairly newly-established club but we’ve built up great relationships with other Kanzen clubs around the country. It’s a great sport for building confidence and friendships.”

Summer gained her black belt when she was eight and is now working towards gaining her Dan grades, following in the footsteps of her dad who is 4th Dan.

Summer’s family pay for all her competitions as well as through sponsorships, which helps pay for equipment and competition fees.

The Cambridge in Roker has recently helped the club, as did a bursary from Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust.

Any sponsors who would like to help the club and Summer can contact dad Dean on [email protected]

*Tohuku Karate Club is running a summer karate and fitness camp over the school holidays, for children aged five to 14. Sessions take place at St Andrew’s Church in Roker on Tuesdays in August.