A 13-year-old Ystrad Mynach boy has been crowned British champion at a karate competition.
Tomás Moya lifted the Shotokan Cup after he was crowned 12-15 boys under-five foot kumite champion at the Karate Union of Great Britain National Individual Championships for black and brown belts in Chesterfield on September 12.
Moya won the title in spectacular style, demonstrating his speed, accuracy and variety of techniques to devastating effect in every round.
The under-12 Wales kumite champion won his quarter final by ippon, the highest score possible, with a fight ending roundhouse kick to the head.
His semi-final opponent showed great spirit to continue the contest when Moya was unlucky not to be awarded an ippon after putting his Leeds opponent onto the mat.
Moya won the final by ippon after a kick to the jaw immediately dazed his opponent who the referee had to catch from falling down.
The Welsh support erupted with a chorus of “ippon” and the judges’ flags were raised to confirm Moya as champion.
Ystrad Mynach Shotokan Karate Club chief instructor, Sensei Rebecca Davies, said: “I’m so proud once again of Tomás. Nothing beats seeing one of your students achieve great things.
“This crowns a fantastic 2015 in which Tomás has represented our club with great distinction, competing at major tournaments all over the country and bringing home not only the Shotokan Cup gold but also kumite bronze from the British Championships and winning kata bronze and kumite silver at the Welsh Championships.”