A BOURNEMOUTH teenager has become a double world champion of Tang Soo Do.

Markus Trott, 17, picked up four medals at the Invitational WWTF World Championships at London’s Copper Box arena.

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art which involves a number of forms, some of which include the use of weapons.

Markus won two gold medals, making him the world champion in the dagger and sword forms of the martial art. He also took home a bronze medal in sparring and silver medal in kata.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about his achievement, Markus said it was a “dream come true”.

“Nobody would have thought a champion could come from a small karate club,” he said.

“The world championships were the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. I went in with no expectations and just for the fun of it and came out a double world champion. It’s crazy.

“I love the sport because I have the opportunity to work with weapons, but also spar with other people.”

Markus, from West Howe, has belonged to the Dragon Martial Arts club for over four years, but he started Tang Soo Do when he was just six years old.

“It’s like a family – everyone knows everybody. It’s such a healthy place to be. The support from everybody has been overwhelming. It’s crazy how much people went out of their way to support me,” he said.

“I want to thank my mum and dad and my karate teachers, Chris Thomas and David Miles.”

Markus underwent a gruelling training programme to prepare for the world championships, practising for three hours a day for four months.

Now he is gearing up for the next world championships in Malaysia in around three years’ time.

His mum, Rachel, said she was “extremely proud” of her son’s achievement.

“It’s the first time he’s taken part in the world championships,” she said.

“He went up not expecting anything and got a silver for his first medal, followed by a gold, then another gold, and finally a bronze.

“He’s extremely confident with the knife form, however there have been near misses while practising with throwing knives. And there’s been a few broken noses while sparring.

“It’s something he’s good at and it’s a passion now. He would love to do it professionally, but we’ll have to see where we go with that.”