A STOURBRIDGE kickboxing expert has been inducted into the Martial Arts Illustrated Hall Of Fame.

Dan Woodruff, who runs Academy Martial Arts school in Bagley Street, picked up the prestigious accolade at an awards ceremony in Burton-on-Trent after he was nominated by one of his teachers.

The 41-year-old martial arts instructor said: “It was a huge honour for me to be nominated, let alone win."

He was also delighted to have been put forward for the award by martial artist TV presenter and author Chris Crudelli - star of the BBC hit TV show Mind, Body and Kick Ass Moves - for his skills in mastering Crudelli's ABC combat system.

The accolades are given to those who have made significant contributions to the world of martial arts.

Dan began kickboxing back in 1993 and now holds a 5th degree black belt in the art.

In his 24 years of training - he has gained qualifications in multiple arts including Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tai Chi, Karate and ABC Combat.

In addition to running his martial arts school, he has also been making a name for himself as a motivational speaker and this year has seen him jetsetting off to places including South Africa and Miami, USA, to give talks to fellow entrepreneurs.

At the South Africa event he interviewed current world and Olympic 400m champion Wayde Van Niekerk live on stage, met Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela while backstage, and had a hug from American business woman Randi Zuckerberg - the sister of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

And in Miami he enjoyed a coaching session with New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, business innovator and top sales trainer Grant Cardone.