SCHOOLTEACHER Mark Nevola was delighted to get the better of a few former pupils and pick up the Senior Men Award.
Karate ace Nevola, who was runner-up to gymnast Kirstof Willerton last year, claimed the title after ending 2014 ranked number one in the world in both kumite and kata disciplines.
He won both events at the Shikon International Masters and also claimed victory in his category at the Welsh Open, beating several younger fighters to finish third overall.
Nevola is deputy headteacher at Perins School, in Alresford, but previously taught at Brighton Hill Community School, where he came across several of his competitors for the award.
“I’m just really chuffed to win,” the Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy member said. “I’m getting to the twilight of my career and it’s an honour to share the stage with these young stars.
“I was quite surprised to come out on top because there is so much talent here. I was pleased just to be a finalist, so to win the award is really pleasing.
“Being ranked number one in the world in two different disciplines might have given me a bit of an edge, but it must have been really hard for the judges. The talent on show is amazing and it’s tough to choose between different sports.”
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