Sam Hayes, from Wollaston, secured one gold and two silver medals at the ICO World Combat Martial Arts Championships in Thonon-les-Bains, France, which lies near the border with Switzerland.

Sam Hayes posing with his medal haul (Image: Supplied)

The competition brought together athletes from 35 countries, with Mr Hayes facing opponents from around the world on his journey to podium success. 

Sam said: “I was obviously going for gold in every event I entered, so I am very proud of the hard work I've put in and for the time and guidance of my coaches.

“There were around 1,200 total competitors across all events from all over the world. I ended up fighting an American, a South African twice and an Irishman.

“I received one gold and two silver medals.”

Sam was among six members of Young Gloves Karate selected to represent Team England at the four-day championships.

Sam Hayes and his fellow competitors from Young Gloves represented England at the global tournament in France. (Image: Supplied)

Founded in 1999, Young Gloves is a martial arts school based in Kidderminster.

The group enjoyed an impressive tournament, with its competitors bringing home a combined 24 medals, including 13 gold, seven silver and four bronze.

This put them second in the medal table, only behind the United States.

The medals were secured across a range of disciplines including traditional kata, different karate styles, weapons and kumite, while England finished second in the overall medal table.

Sam said he was proud of the performance of both his club and the wider England squad.

Young Gloves martial arts school are based in the South of Kidderminster (Image: Supplied)

He added that while he is not yet sure when his next competition will be, he has already identified areas of his performance he wants to improve.

Young Gloves Karate founder and senior instructor Justin Thomas BEM said: “I'm incredibly proud of this squad, not just for what they've achieved in France, but for the people they are and the way they come together as a team.

“They are humble, grounded, loyal and respectful. They play together, work together and support one another, both on and off the mat.”

He added: “They've represented England, Young Gloves Karate and our local community brilliantly. They are a credit to their families and themselves, and I'm excited to see what this squad can achieve together in the future.”

Alongside competition karate, the club runs anti-bullying initiatives, anti-knife crime awareness work, self-defence sessions and dedicated disability karate classes.

It also works with schools, charities and community organisations and says it has raised more than £90,000 for charitable causes.