COACHES from a Kidderminster academy are celebrating after one of their mixed martial artists earned a world title.

David Khalsa took home the vacant World Lightweight Championship belt against France’s Jonathon Moutama at the MMA Battle Arena event held in Birmingham on May 28.

This is the latest success for David, a member of Russell Perks Martial Arts Academy who is already the Battle Arena national lightweight champion.

The academy enjoyed a fruitful event overall with three other fighters – Bradley Owen, Macaulay White and David’s twin brother Michael – also winning their matches on the card.

Head coach Russell Perks said: “David is currently the Battle Arena national lightweight champion, but this fight was going up a few notches and going for the vacant world lightweight title.

“His opponent, Jonathan Moutama, is a renowned striker with a good record from the Art of War gym in France.

“All three rounds were dominated by David; he showed an excellent display of ground and pound in the last two rounds and Moutama had no answer for Khalsa. He won by unanimous decision.”

He added: “The fight team have trained hard for this event, many sparring classes each week along with many conditioning classes, and it has been a pleasure to train them all.”

Russell is also looking at starting a new chapter in their story when they open their new 6,000sqft academy on June 25. Martial artist and Celebrity Big Brother star Alex Reid will be at the event, which starts at 2pm. They will also be running free martial art taster classes for all ages.

Contact 01562 636005 or visit rpmaa.com