Not many people are able to put the words world champion on their CV, but for one Richmond councillor getting a Brazilian jiu jitsu title under his belt is just par for the course.

Richard Martin, a councillor for Barnes and Mortlake, has been fighting professionally for 11 years and picked up the world title at the end of July after competing in the over 40s category in Rio de Janeiro.

But, despite being fresh from his win, the sparring councillor is so passionate about the sport he is already gearing up for his next competition.

And it is not for a debate on planning issues – although you might want him fighting your corner.

Coun Martin said: “It felt fantastic to win the title, absolutely superb and the best title win so far.

“The competition was split into ages and I competed in the over-40s category but next I’m going to train and win a younger age bracket, say the over 35s.

“It’s such a demanding sport and there are so many different things that happen in a match so it’s not the sort of sport you get bored of.”

The new world champion, who also picked up the British title earlier this year, competed against eight people in his category, taking part in three matches and winning all of them by submission.

And despite his recent achievement the councillor, who is a partner in the Carlson Gracie jiu jitsu gym in Hammersmith and describes the sport he loves as “addictive”, says the win is not all about him and insists he is already on the look out for a champion of the future among his young students.

He said: “This win shows that the training we’re doing here [at our dojo] is a very good level and we have the ability to be champions.

“I have a few students, in particular one called Sam who is only 22, and I also run a teenagers programme at the moment with about 20 kids training with us after school.

“I hope from these guys there’s another champion.”