Instructor Bill has taught at Aylesbury Aikido Club for over 25 years and been an active exponent of the self-defence sport since his thirties.

With around 35 members, Aylesbury Aikido is the fifth biggest club of its type in England. However, noone in the club got wind of Bill's award - as he himself didn't see it coming.

Speaking to the Herald about the award - which is known as Shichidan and is one of the highest Aikido accolades in the UK - Bill said: "Nobody knew about it, as it was dependent on a recommendation to a committee. I didn't expect it at all - though it is quite an honour. I don't want anymore now; 7th Dan's high enough for me."

Aylesbury's Aikido Club practices Kai Shin Kai, a traditional school of Aikido registered with the British Aikido Board.

Aikido itself is a relatively modern, non-competitive martial art developed in the 1930s. The sport is characterised by its fluid and dynamic movement and teaches students to defend against a wide variety of strikes, punches and holds, including attacks with weapons.