A FORMER Whitby martial arts star is being tipped by a leading karate magazine to fight off all opposition and become the first non-Japanese competitor to win the Japanese championships.

Richard Heselton, whose family live in Runswick Court, has come close to landing the title twice after hard-fought battles with the best fighters in Japan.

But this year, Richard (32), a former pupil of Eskdale School and Whitby Community College, is going all out for glory after narrowly falling short including a bout against the Japanese champion Shimizu Sensei.

While studying at Takushoku University in Tokyo, Richard joined its infamous karate club, home to dozens of famous fighters in the past and gained the prestigious accolade of being made captain for two years.

Now fluent in Japanese, Richard, who has lived in Tokyo for 14 years, teaches youngsters the art of karate.

And when back home he hones his skills at the Whitby Shotokan Karate Club based in Airy Hill School, passing on his knowledge to budding karate kids locally.

Richard's father Doug said he was extremely proud of his son's achievements and fully expected him to continue to push for the ultimate title in Japanese karate.

"Its happened to him twice now where he has been pipped and I've said to him they might not want to give it to a non-Japanese competitor.

"But he's told me he's definitely going for it and this year it's going to be his."

And he added Richard has also gained a reputation for his pugnacious fighting style.

"He's earned the nickname 'The Monster' which I think he got because he tends to be a bit rough when he fights."