A TEENAGE martial arts sensation from the district has lifted another national title.

Prudhoe’s Callum Beeckmans defeated Sol Street, of Millom Fight Club in Cumbria, to win the Machine Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) English title for competitors weighing 62kg and under.

Prudhoe High School pupil Callum (15) was 2kg lighter than his opponent going into the bout, at Stanley Civic Hall, in County Durham, on Saturday.

But judges declared that the youngster, who was crowned WKO Ringsports English Champion in February, was the winner after the fight lasted a maximum three rounds.

“It was a tough fight,” admitted his dad, Mark. “This was Callum’s most difficult challenge so far, against a very good opponent.

“At one point, Sol appeared to be in a very strong position, but Callum worked his way back. He did ever so well and we are really pleased for him.”

Callum is well-known on the martial arts scene. He made his name as a kickboxer, and was shortlisted for young sportsman of the year at the Sport Tynedale Awards in both 2017 and 2018, before making the transition to MMA last year.

MMA challenges participants to use various martial arts techniques, including judo and karate, as well as wrestling and boxing.

“There’s lots of different moves to learn,” said Mark. “You have to learn how to make them, and how to get out of them. It’s very technical but Callum is a natural at it.

“There was a lot of people at Stanley Civic Hall and there was a lot of tension. It was competitive but there was a good spirit between Callum and Sol. They respected each other.”

Callum works closely with retired MMA star Ian Freeman, and has spent many hours working at his specialist MMA school, which is also based at Stanley.

Mark added: “Ian and his family have been great for Callum, and he really wants to say thank you and get across how grateful he is to everyone who has helped him.”

Callum’s younger brother Owen is also an emerging talent in MMA, and the pair have always been interested in sport.

As children, they enjoyed motorcross, but after being introduced to karate, Callum became a brown belt, and moved on to kickboxing.

Mark said he and his family are aware of the dangers of the sport, and seek the very best in coaching and equipment.