THE master of Kidderminster’s Tae Kwon Do School of Excellence has been inducted into the martial arts hall of fame.

Russell Perks, a sixth dan master, attended a 400-strong evening organised by magazine Martial Arts Illustrated.

His academy is based in the town centre and boasts more than 80 blackbelts and a host of full instructors.

“It was a true honour to be inducted, to share the stage with so many great people and to be recognised for all of my achievements,” Perks said.

“I have many plans for 2013, including teaching at a international martial arts camp and also several trips to America to further my knowledge and skill base which in return will develop my students.”

His martial arts academy also hosted their black belt graduation.

Kidderminster students William Bishop, Benjamin Smith, Emily Harris, John Devereux, Ryan Arnold, Drew Carter, Harry Williams, Joshua Smith along with the superb family effort of Luke Neill, 8, Jordan Neill, 10, and dad Terry Neill, 40, all gained their first degree black belts.

Daniel Barnes, Richard Giles, Paula Martin, David Smith, Tom Emery, Lewis Cunnington and Kieran Bridges gained their second degree belt.

Instructor Wayne Griffin put in an outstanding performance as he strived for his fourth degree belt.

Finally, going for his fifth degree promotion was Matthew Ballard, who has trained with the school since he was six-years-old.

Ballard took up martial arts to help him walk correctly but the 24-year-old has never looked back and teaches a host of styles, including Taekwondo, Jeet Kune Do and Escrima at the academy.

The grading took over nine hours in all to incorporate numerous elements of traditional Taekwondo including patterns, self defence, sparring drills, freestyle fighting techniques, knife disarms and breaking of more than 120 wooden boards.