GILWERN'S Matthew Stockham has become the Welsh National Shotokan Karate Champion after winning the title in a gruelling and action-packed tournament held at Merthyr Tydfil's Rhydycar Leisure Centre.

Stockham, who trains at Brecon Shotokan Karate club under the instruction of his father, Derek, has been studying the martial art for over 20 years.

Stockham was one of the youngest students to be selected to fight for his country at senior level and has been competing on the national, international and world circuit since achieving black belt status in 1994.

However, although Stockham became Welsh Champion at junior level, and has since won numerous trophies within his national fighting career, the accolade of Senior Welsh Champion has always eluded him - until now.

Stockham travelled to the championships with several of his fellow club students, who shared a collective age range from six to 44 years.

The day started at 10.30am and the students were still competing at 9pm.

Throughout his fighting career, Stockham has built up a reputation as being one of the most dynamic and exciting fighters on the circuit and his performances on the day were no exception.

During the eliminations, Stockham's opponents faced a barrage of attacks ranging from head kicks and punches, to leg sweeps and body blows.

The finals mat saw Stockham facing one of his fellow Welsh squad team mates. The fight was very strategic as both fighters were aware of one another's armoury and two extensions were forced to the fighting time.

Throughout the confrontation, although the points were even, Stockham was considered by both spectators and fellow competitors to be the more dominant fighter.

Consequently, the referees, by unanimous decision, awarded Stockham the title.

Not content to rest on his laurels, Stockham then went on to captain his club team to victory over one of the biggest clubs in Wales - Bargoed.

Stockham's performances on the day culminated with him being awarded the perpetual trophy for outstanding fighting spirit.

The decision to grant this accolade is made by all the participating officials, many of whom were Stockham's peers and high ranking Karateka on the national circuit.