A martial arts instructor has continued his unbeaten competitive record by claiming a regional mixed martial arts title.

Richard Baskin, of the Fuzion Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Station Road, Chingford, was crowned Ultimate Fighting Warriors champion for south-east England in the lightweight category.

The 25 year-old said it is a ‘dream come true’ that all the hard training regime, which included six-week ‘fight camps’ featuring early morning hill runs in snow, rain and mud, has paid off.

Describing his victory, he said: “It was the most unbelievable day of my life. You put in all that hard work and effort over the years and to finally win is an amazing achievement.

“I am very proud to be undefeated in six fights with no losses. This is a dream come true.”

Baskin, a fourth degree black belt, started martial arts aged seven and specialises in karate, Thai boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and ju jitsu.

After completing his studies in 2009 he successfully applied to Comic Relief’s Unlimited Sports Relief Award for a grant to set a sport-related project in his local community.

“It’s been four years since the club took off, and it's going from strength to strength. My aim now is to focus on my members and entering them into tournaments. I want to help them achieve their goals,” he said.

The community martial arts club offers a variety of classes for children from the age of five and caters for anyone from the complete beginner to the more experienced.

In January 2014, Fuzion Mixed Martial Arts Academy will be offering families, adults and children one month’s free training.

Baskin took the title by defeating Denzel Barnzey in Hertfordshire on November 30.