A CLACKS electrician is bidding to become a kickboxing world champion on home soil next week.

Dylan Christie is set to contest the world full contact kickboxing title in Alloa at the end of the month.

The 24-year-old, who trains at the Scottish Martial Arts Centre in Tullibody, started training in martial arts at six years old.

Beginning his martial arts career at his uncle’s taekwon-do school, he realised his talent after winning the British Championship as an eight-year-old.

From here he became one of the centre’s youngest black belts when he achieved the grade in 2012, at only 14 years old.

As a teenager, Dylan added kickboxing to his training and started competing around the world in various competitions.

He achieved a Silver Medal at the WKA World Championships along with a host of national titles.

“Martial arts was a great thing to be involved with as a teenager," Dylan said. "It kept me focused and away from the distractions that are all too common at that age.

“The discipline and values it taught me have helped shape my future and achieve things that many would find impossible.”

As an adult Dylan set out modest goals, and with the help of his coaches and teammates, was able to achieve them and set the bar higher.

He first became the WKA district champion, and then set his sights on the national championship.

After beating the best fighters in Scotland, he was crowned the WKA and WAKO Scottish Champion.

He then went head-to-head against a tough English champion winning the WKA British Title.

Again, the bar was set higher, and Dylan looked to take on the best Europe had to offer.

After fighting the Polish champion to win the European Title his coach Adam Paterson said: “We try an install this attitude in all our students from kids to adults.

“Set out your goals, break them down into manageable achievements and then reassess and get after the next one.

“Next on the list for Dylan was the ultimate goal of world champion.

After the pandemic changed the competitive landscape, Dylan turned to coaching to help pass down his knowledge and experience to the next generation.

He takes a teenager kickboxing class and a TKD Tiger Class at the Scottish Martial Arts Centre.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed helping out with the classes but now that I teach myself it’s really great to see what the kids get out of the training.

“Hopefully they can avoid the distractions as I did and make something of themselves.”

With restrictions on events and travel easing the date was set for Dylan to contest the WKA World Title against Frenchman Amaury Ducoutumany.

For the first time, Dylan will enjoy home advantage as the Frenchman travels to the Alloa Town Hall on Friday, September 30.

Coach Adam continued: “We are really excited about this, Dylan has been training hard and we know it will be difficult but are confident ahead of the bout. I’m hoping as many of the town come out to support him as possible, that can make all the difference.”

The fight night later this month will also feature a full undercard of local boxers and kickboxers with doors opening at 6.30pm.

Tickets, starting at £25, are available at the door and from SMAC based in Dumyat Business Park on Bond Street, Tullibody.