MARTIAL arts expert Trevor Birmingham has completed the first step towards his dream of world domination.

The 41-year-old Romsey-based fighter, who made his name in the British Judo Team, recently set his sights on becoming the undisputed champion of Brazilian jiujitsu.

And the trainer at Exile Gym in Shirley has just returned from Dallas, Texas, with a World Championship title belt around his waist.

At the Northern American Grappling Association (NAGA) World Championships, Birmingham, a self-confessed fitness junky, smashed through the GI division before claiming silver in the NO GI class in one incredible day.

“I became world champion in the GI Division,” he said. “I also, on the same day, competed in the NO GI division where I made it to the final and got silver.

“I could have won in the finals of the NO GI. It was two points each and I managed to apply a foot lock on my opponent.

“I heard his foot pop but he was really tough and didn’t tap. He won it on a ref’s decision.”

Despite that recent success, his ambitions don’t end there. This month Birmingham will travel to the European Championships in Portugal. Then he hopes to go to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for the World Professional Championships.

On top of those prospective tournaments, the experienced fighter wants to go to the Asian Open in Japan.

After taking up this particular style of jiu-jitsu four years ago – following the end of his judo career – the personal trainer, who runs martial arts classes in Romsey and Southampton, aimed to conquer the sport.

But, if he wants to fulfil his ambitions to go further, Birmingham needs to secure sponsorship to cover travelling costs.

Anyone able to help Trevor is asked to contact him on 07973 506476.