A councillor was crowned Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) world champion at the sport’s international championship in California this November.

Richard Martin, councillor for Mortlake and Barnes Common since 2010, took up the sport in 2001 and attained black belt status in 2008.

He grappled his way to victory at the Masters World Championships heavyweight and openweight titles on November 2.

Mr Martin competes in the age 39-44 category of the combat sport, which involves grappling your opponent into submission, or winning by a points decision.

The 44-year-old, a BJJ instructor and gym operator, won seven matches in the tournament, defeating many bigger opponents – some over 125kg – in the openweight division.

He said: “Going in to the tournament I thought I might win my weight division – I came second last year – and I was hoping to do well in the openweight category, but winning both divisions far exceeded my expectations and hopes.

"It’s the best sporting achievement of my life."

Mr Martin, who had never tried any martial art prior to taking up BJJ 13 years ago, is now ranked number one blackbelt in the world for his age division and will compete in the European Championships in Lisbon in January.