A WILMINGTON man has been awarded one of the highest honours in martial arts.

Andy McGill, who practices the ancient art of Kenpo, a form of jujitsu, was inducted into the European Kobudo Association hall of fame as grandmaster at a ceremony in Denmark.

Master instructor Chad Foster, who presented the award, said Andy achieved his honour because of his outstanding technical ability, unparalleled energy and enormous heart.

He explained: "I have never been impressed by anyone more than Andy. His technical abilities in the martial arts go far beyond what most grandmasters could even dream of.

"But his personal qualities also make him quite unique.

"Andy's energy and compassion for others, both on and off the training mats, is unparalleled and only dwarfed by his enormous heart."

Andy, who also teaches in Crayford and Gravesend, is ranked as a 10th Dan, the highest martial arts ranking possible and one of only an elite few to achieve this.

He is also the holder of 14 black belts in different arts, and an approved instructor who trains young people in the disciplines of Kenpo.

Andy says it is more than just a way of keeping fit physically.

He explained: "Translated literally, Kenpo means the art of war, but it's also a philosophy for life.

"It's about improving lives, not just about aggression and fitness.Most importantly, Kenpo helps young people to learn how to channel their emotions and frustrations to get positive outcomes.

"It teaches them to believe in themselves. As you gain pride in yourself and respect for others, any aggression you had will naturally fade away."

The love of martial arts apparently runs in the family as Andy's partner Jill Herterich, who trains at the Becket Centre in Dartford on Saturday mornings, is working hard towards her black belt.

Andy added: "Jill's a great practitioner of the martial arts and a very skilful mover, but I am a bit worried we might both end up wearing the trousers."