ROMA has its very own karate kid and his name is George Shaw.

The 12-year-old trains at Roma's Renbukan karate classes and last year competed in an international competition.

"I went over to the US to fight in the Aus World Cup in 2015,” he said.

"I ended up coming eight out of everyone who had come from all over the world.”

George currently hold a green belt with a white strip which is the highest ranking belt in Renbukan karate.

"Well you start off with white and then yellow and white, full yellow, orange and white, orange and the green and white,” he said.

"To get to the green belt with white stripes you've got to do five katas, a spar, 50 push-ups and 50 sit-ups.

"My favourite move would probably have to be head kicks because that's what I learnt to do over in the World Cup.”

George puts a lot of work in to his training and said that karate also helps with other sports he participates in.

"You get to get out of the house and you get to meet new people,” he said.

"You get to learn new stuff in self defence and I play other sports and this helps me to get fitter.”

George would strongly recommend anyone to come down and give karate a go and said like with anything, the more you do it the better you get at it.

"Definitely come down, give it a try and see what you think,” he said.

"You come the first time and it's a bit daunting because all of these guys are learning new stuff but the second time they'll see that you're there and willing to learn so they help you out.”

Rebukan karate classes operate at the Maranoa PCYC and all ages and skill levels are encouraged to join in on the sessions.

For more information about the classes and to find out times contact Rebukan karate teacher Will Campbell on 0428 223 082.