JUDO man mountain Rob Thomas is fighting fit to scale world heights.

After a six-week lay-off with a knee injury, the 39-year-old York ace has returned to the gym with a vengeance as he bids to reinforce his status as one of Europe's top performers on the Masters circuit.

Ahead of Thomas is the Multi-European Championships next month in Norwich, where last year he captured the heavyweight championship. He is determined to come back with gold again.

That would then set him up for an international event in Belgium before he launches his burly frame into the World Masters Championships at the end of June.

At the corresponding time last year Thomas realised a lifelong ambition when he competed in the World Masters when they were held in Japan - the spiritual home of martial arts.

He returned home ranked as number six in the world, but that left the York ace hit by pangs of resolution to get among the medals when the summit of the Masters circuit hits the Austrian capital of Vienna this summer.

"I've had this knee injury but it's fully recovered now and I am back in the gym in full training.

"It was a dream to compete in Japan last year but now I want to make a bigger impact in the world championships." said Thomas, whose fling in the Masters arena has rekindled a competitive urge for a sport in which he competed at national level for almost two decades before a self-imposed exile.

"But first it's the Multi-Europeans in Norwich. I want to make sure I hang on to the gold."

Thomas' gym-work is being supplemented by strenuous training at Ryedale Judo Club and his training of a battery of keen youngsters at Stamford Bridge JC.

Since Thomas began coaching at Stamford Bridge, where sessions are held each Tuesday in the village's primary school, interest has gone sky-high.

More than 40 youngsters from Stamford Bridge and the surrounding area, take part in the 'kano' sessions for children aged between five and eight followed by classes for eight to 15-year-olds.

And such has been the clamour to get into the club that a waiting-list may soon have to be introduced.

Enthused Thomas: "The club is run by the parents and their support and the response of the kids has been excellent.

"I really enjoy it and it's fun to have the kids really wanting to have a go at me."

Updated: 09:04 Saturday, March 20, 2004