Veras Academy fighter Sanan Aliyev came through six gruelling contests to clinch a national title at the British Universities and Colleges Sport Championships in Sheffield.

Aliyev, who trains with Sensei Raphael Veras at Ringcross Community Centre, Islington, emerged triumphant from a field of 40 competitors in the men’s senior kumite Under-67kg category.

Representing his university, Cardiff Metropolitan, Aliyev won two of his fights 8-0 and another 6-0 as he stormed to the gold medal and became a BUCS Gatorade national champion.

Meanwhile, the academy collected a hat-trick of gold medals, as well as four silvers and a bronze at the UK Open Championships in Birmingham.

Nine-year-old Luan Veras won gold medals in both the 4th kyu Under-nines kata and 3rd kyu and above Under-nines kata.

He then joined his brother Liam and Emre Oner to secure another gold in the team fight category.

The trio also took the silver medal in the Under-13 boys’ team kata, while Luan finished runner-up in the 10-11 years’ individual fight category.

Liam added silver medals in the 4th kyu Under-nines kata and 3rd kyu and above Under-nines kata, while his six-year-old brother Luca picked up bronze in the former category.

For further information about Veras Academy, visit www.verasacademy.co.uk