He can perform dozens of different moves, called 'katas', and specialises in 'kumite' - sparring - which is one of the three main elements of karate training.

Reece, who attends Northfleet Technology College, took part in his first competition in Staffordshire in 2004 - achieving 1st in the kumite section.

Since then, he has been in international contests in countries including Spain, Italy and Ireland and fought off nationalities from places such as Macedonia, Slovakia, Russia, Estonia, France and Israel.

He is three times international champion for his age group (10 - 12s) in kumite and last month took 1st Place Individual Points Kumite in a competition in Marina di Carrara, Italy.

"I can add that to my 3 times international champion title and my world champion title for team kumite last year. To have first place for something I have done alone is totally amazing."

He added: "I'm looking forward to the next competition."

Reece's father, said "To become a world champion in karate at a young age just shows the dedication he's got.

"The training Reece has put in, he deserves to be a champion. We will continue to support Reece because something good has come out of something bad and he enjoys doing it."

And another member of the family is set to take the world of karate by storm. Reece's brother Ethan, aged 6, started doing the martial art about a year ago and is currently a yellow belt.