Accomplished Doncaster Athlete Joins Team GB For Combat at World Sambo Championships 2025

6 Nov

Ewan Jack “The Gripper” Lister, 27, from Doncaster, is set to represent Team GB at the World Sambo Championships, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Friday 7 November 2025. Ewan will compete in the 64kg Men’s Combat Sambo category.

From a young age Ewan began to learn various mixed martial arts; which quickly became his passion, and as he got a bit older; this evolved into a way of life. His dedication to his practice and personal accomplishments are testament to Ewan’s integrity, both on and off the mat.

Bringing martial arts to the local community

Under the tutelage of highly respected and experienced martial arts instructors, Ewan has already achieved some awe-inspirIng milestones, especially given his age. In addition to training, Ewan is a much loved and respected martial arts instructor at Doncaster Sambo & Wrestling; an independent, family owned mixed martial arts club, which offers adult and junior classes in Combat Sambo, Sport Sambo, Catch Wrestling, MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, NoGi, Muay Thai, Fight Conditioning, and more.

Ewan is part of a team of four Team GB athletes to compete in this year’s World Sambo Championships against other countries athletes who are at the top of their game in their respective weight categories.

This World Championship is Ewan’s fourth appearance on an international stage in Sambo, and in Catch Wrestling.

Master of Sport in Sambo

Last month, Ewan was officially presented with his distinguished Master of Sport in Sambo, by the British Sambo Federation ( the official governing body for Sambo in the UK).

Ewan is also formally accredited to coach Sambo athletes at international Sambo events.

Ewan has already volunteered hundreds and hundreds of hours as a martial arts coach, sparring partner, and referee, and continues to support current fighters, along with the next generation of martial arts practitioners, wherever they are along their journey.