California dreaming becomes a reality
In less than two years of practising Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Lewis Newman has become a world champion after grappling to gold in the Pan-American Championships.
Newman, who is from Bloxwich and represents Simkin Martial Arts Academy in Walsall, flew out to Long Beach, California, with mum and dad Michelle and Jonathan Moore and surpassed all expectations by landing the top prize.
The 13-year-old competed in Class Two of the grey belt medium heavyweight division in the event at the Walper Pyramid Arena.
"We've already decided that we'll be going back to try and retain the title next year," explained Michelle. "So we'd better start saving!
"There is no way we ever expected him to be a world champion. I found it so so emotional. Winning it even made his dad cry - and he never cries.
Class
"There were over 800 at the championships and 80 children, Lewis' class had 28 fighters."
Newman's mum went on to describe how the sport, which is a martial art, combat and self-defence form of ground-fighting and grappling, suits their son as he is 'tall but not very stocky'.
The Pan-Am Champs have been held since 1995 and are held annually, featuring a grappling type of style rather than more traditional martial arts form of kicking and punching.
Newman is currently a grey belt and will look to rise through the the belt colours as he grows through the sport's age categories.
The talented fighter is also a member of the UK Brazilian Jiu Jitsu youth squad, where he trains once a month.
His exhausting training schedule also sees him feature at Simkin Martial Arts in Walsall three times per week, under head coach Professor Neil Simkin, who has had a big influence on Newman's short fighting career.
"Lewis is also West Midland champion and will be competing in the Junior National Championships in Wolverhampton this Sunday," added Michelle.
"We're so proud of his success. He was a member of the Scouts and he just thought that he would try martial arts. We looked around and read about all of the local clubs with the best reputation and results. Lewis had a trial week and he loved it.
"It's made him far more confident and they're really supportive at the club."
