MARTIAL arts instructor Matt Stait has been awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Karate and Kickboxing Championships in Portugal, becoming a current world champion in his class, despite nearly not making the event.

Matt, 47, who owns and runs Modern Samurai Martial Arts in Bulwark, Chepstow, said: “The whole England team was due to fly together with Monarch Airlines in our full regalia, but when Monarch ceased trading last month, we all had to make our own way there.

“I was lucky to get a flight from Bristol and back to Cardiff but it was a lot more expensive.

“I used to compete regularly but I haven’t for sometime before this year. I decided a few days in advance that I would compete in the national championships and was awarded a silver which qualified me for the world championships.

“To get a gold medal is a real achievement and it’s a nice reward for all the hard work and effort. It shows the 60 or so students I teach what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.”

Matt was awarded a gold medal in the +75k of the relatively new sports sword category, a silver in unified sports sword and a bronze medal in the +85k point fighting.

For more information, see www.msma.academy.

Full championship results are available at www.worldkickboxingcouncil.com