A TEENAGE martial arts sensation is preparing to defend his world title in Italy.

Kalum Heywood-Byatt, nicknamed the 'Karate Kid', became world champion in his division at the World Kickboxing and Karate Association's tournament last November and is ready to win again.

He will compete at the Unified World Championships in Tuscany on October 30-November 2.

The 17 year old, from Sedbergh, puts in 20 hours of training every week as well as studying P.E., Chemistry and Psychology for A-Level at Queen Katherine School.

Kalum is raring to go and does not feel the added pressure of being the tournament favourite.

"I don't know whether it's more pressurised," he said.

"It certainly makes it more interesting that I have won it now and I want to try and repeat it.

"It actually gives me more determination.

"I'm going to go and do my best but the guy I beat last year won it the year before that so I could lose it. You never know."

Kalum says the key to his success is fitness.

He cycles a for an hour each day to get to school and he says there is not excuse for slacking.

"You can't control how good the other person is but you can always control how fit you are," he said.

"If you are not fit enough for the fight then that's your own fault.

"If I lost but put everything into it and thought I couldn't do any more I can look in the mirror and say I did my best."

However, the demands of being a World Champion in the 76-79kg weight class for 16-18 year olds as well as trying to get into university take a toll on Kalum's social life.

He said: "At the moment I don't have much of a social life outside school but that's the balance you find. If I don't do my work then I can't train so it's a good motivation to get my revision done! I enjoy the training because it's good fun and you feel great after it. My dad is my coach ans he's a really good motivator and helps me a lot. The best thing is seeing yourself improve."

This will be Kalum's last year competing in junior competitions but he already competes against adults in some tournaments.

"The level of competition in the open age competitions is definitely a step up because these guys have been fighting for longer. It is a high standard but you get some really good teenagers as well."

Open age tournaments include anyone from 17 to mid thirties but, according to Kalum, 'it's just a case of going to do your best and not getting intimidating by them'.

One day, Kalum, who started learning Kung Fu at just eight years old, hopes to fight professionally in big money fights.

But the teenager, who is renowned for being relaxed and mild-mannered, admits he may have to work on his aggression.

"Sometimes the referee or judges will say I've got good skill and technique but I wasn't aggressive enough. Sometimes my dad will give me a little clip when I'm off guard to get me in the mood! It is easier to be aggressive when you are getting hit though. The motivation comes when you are in the ring."