THE year drew to a close with celebrations for Leigh Sinton martial artist Julian Burton.

Receiving master recognition from one of the world’s finest grand masters was the icing on the cake for the full-time fitness enthusiast.

Burton, who runs his own full-time martial arts academy in Malvern, prepared for months for the test.

It included going to Spain for six days to train one-on-one and reaching the final stage with a five-hour test in his own dojang in Leigh Sinton.

The unique grading was a traditional-only style test under ninth degree grand master Sim Woon Pan, who is rated as one of the best in the world.

Burton’s test came after an expansion to his large Bromyard taekwondo club network, which brings training to students all over Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

To join one of his clubs, call 07770-822033.