A sporting community is in mourning following the death of a "brilliant" trainer and "role model".

Jez Hall died at his home in Lincoln on Sunday, January 29, after a two-month battle with stomach cancer.

He was 49 – one month off his 50th birthday.

A renowned kickboxing coach in the city, Jez was owner and master instructor at Chikara Martial Arts, as well as a fitness fanatic.

And he travelled around the globe in a bid to put local kickboxing talents on the world stage.

Former world kickboxing champion and pupil of Jez's, Lee Swaby said: "Jez was the key to a better future.

"He gave me the opportunity to be so much more than I could ever dream of being on my own.

"We travelled around the world together to compete in kickboxing tournaments and I thank him massively for that.

"I first walked into the gym at 14 and Jez was there for me straight away.

"He made me push my boundaries further than I ever thought was possible.

"He gave me direction and we became very close friends.

"We drifted apart slightly in recent years because our lives went in different directions but whenever we saw each other it was a case of big hugs."

The 35-year-old, who won 25 of his 54 bouts after switching to professional boxing in 1997, continued: "It wasn't just me he helped. He was brilliant with all his fighters and so positive with boys and girls. He made a real difference and he will be missed by many."

Undefeated professional boxer Steve Swinburn, who used to kickbox under the guidance of Jez, said: "Jez was so passionate inside and outside of the ring.

"He treated his fighters like family and put his life into kickboxing.

"He was there for my first kickboxing fights and there when I first stepped into the gym at 15.

"It is a sad loss."

Away from the ring, Jez was a loving partner to his girlfriend of 23 years, Ghail.

He also leaves his two step-children, David Wilkinson and Natalie Smith.

Stepson Mr Wilkinson said: "Jez was an amazing, caring and loving man with a brilliant sense of humour.

"He was a tough guy and an absolute role model as a step-father.

"He had so much respect from places all over the world.

"He liked a drink and a smoke from time to time but on the whole he was a very fit person. He had to be to do what he did."

After being diagnosed with cancer two months ago it was initially believed Mr Hall would live for another two years.

But further tests indicated otherwise and he died at his home in Hewson Road, West Parade, with his girlfriend and beloved dogs by his side.

He also leaves two brothers, Darren and Henry, and sister Tina.

"It is horrible news and it's just so hard to get our head round how this could happen to someone so fit and healthy," added Mr Wilkinson.