COLCHESTER has a new world champion in its midst.

SD School of Martial Arts' Lewis Doyland was crowned 75kg, 20 years and above open grade world champion while representing the England team (EUKF) at the WUKF Karate World Championships, in Dundee.

It was an outstanding achievement for the 20-year-old, in his first-ever World or European Championships.

A total of 1,900 competitors across five continents and 62 federations took part the foremost global event in the karate competition calendar.

Lewis, the son of SD School of Martial Arts Sensei Sean Doyland, was tipped to do well in the competition, having previously beaten the incumbent world champion.

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Lewis damaged his hamstring in preparation for the event but despite a reoccurance in training the day before the competition, he recovered enough to be ready to compete.

Perhaps that was Lewis's good luck charm, as he successfully made his way through the rounds to the final, fighting off the pain from his injury and his competitors.

The final saw Lewis up against an accomplished fighter from Slovakia.

It was a tough match-up that was going to prove to be an explosive affair, with both fighters looking to become the WUKF 2023 World Champion in the 75kg, 20 years and above open grade category.

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The final lived up to expectations with a tight affair seeing the Slovak take the first point.

Lewis then brought it back to 1-1, with the Slovak taking the next point.

Lewis then drew back to 2-2 and took a nasty blow in the face.

The blow seemed to focus Lewis's mind and led him to take the following three points and the world title.

Sean Doyland said: "It's a real honour to represent your federation and country, and the team made me proud.

"I couldn't have asked for more dedication from a fabulous bunch of people who demonstrated exemplary skill and hard work amid tough and fierce competition.

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"So many great competitors worldwide came to Dundee to win medals, and my EUKF team did me proud, as did my Colchester school.

"Lewis's gold medal was the 'icing on the cake' of a successful world championship for everyone involved."

Lewis was one of a party of five SD School of Martial Arts competitors to travel to Dundee, for the event.

And Sean Doyland had the prestigious job of being the head coach of the EUKF England team.

He ensured nearly 42 EUKF competitors were prepared for a week of competition that culminated in the finals.

Other success for the Colchester martial arts school camp came for Joshua de Brito, who claimed a brilliant individual bronze and silver in the team event.

Harrison Langham also gained a well-fought individual bronze, with Lewis adding a bronze in the team event to go with his world champion gold.

Colchester should be very proud of these sporting achievements from those who demonstrate the dedication to excel at the popular sport of martial arts.

With people like Sean and his team, the city's young people can experience such an incredible opportunity to compete in international competitions and measure their learning and abilities against the best in the world.