A TOUCHING graveside tribute was performed by students of a well-respected martial arts expert who passed away on Christmas Eve.

Mourners who had been trained by Gar Pai martial arts founder Barry Hemmings gathered around his grave to perform a final salute to their "Sifu".

Other mourners were not aware the touching tribute, led by son John Hemmings, was going to take place and were moved by the display at St John's Church on Wednesday.

Mr Hemmings, from Dines Green, died on Christmas Eve at his home from natural causes aged 69.

He leaves a wife, Amelia, and children John Hemmings, Debbie Taylor, Dawn Hemmings and Lorna Brown as well as grandchildren who he loved dearly.

His daughter Dawn said: "He was the founder of Gar Pai martial arts and over the years trained a lot of people to defend themselves.

"When his burial was concluded no one knew that the original men who Barry trained and also his son John Hemmings, who led this tribute over his graveside, were going to do this.

"It was very touching and moving."

Tributes have been pouring in from Mr Hemmings' former students and friends.

Connor Mitchell, who trained with Mr Hemmings for over a year, said they had a connection from the first time they trained together.

"He was my idol, my hero, not just my trainer, he was a friend who was there for me.

"I appreciated every moment training with Barry - he was the most loyal man alive, he was the king of Worcester, the founder of Gar Pai and it was a privilege to learn his martial art.

"Barry was a character, there's no one really like Barry out there, he was the main man.

"My deep thoughts are with the family, he was everyone's friend and I just wanted to say I am very proud of Barry’s son John Hemmings and also Tyrone Hemmings for the speeches at the funeral.

"I salute Barry for being a hero, I love you Barry, thank you for teaching me, thank you for being there for me and also thank you just for being in my life.

"It hurts to say but rest in peace."

He will be holding a charity boxing event for Cancer Research as a tribute to Mr Hemmings at Perdiswell Leisure Centre on Saturday, April 9 costing £20 a ticket.

Rich Jones was introduced to Mr Hemmings through a friend.

"From then on I trained hard with him, I was introduced to his lovely family and became friends with them and even ended up working with him, John and Tyrone which I thoroughly enjoyed.

"I could go on about the training but what I think is more important and also relevant to the arts is who he was as a person.

"He was kind and very loving and always had time for you or your problems no matter what the problem.

"He always listened and gave honest and correct advice.

"You always felt better after you had talked to him. He was always there for you and was a great father figure, you couldn't help but love him.

"If anybody should have been able to live forever it should be Baz. Anybody that knew him would know that.

"The world would be a lot better place if we we're all a little bit more like him. God bless you Barry and thank you for having time for me."

Mark "Painmaster" Williams said: "Barry was a one off.

"Having spent many, many painful hours with this man, I learnt there are very few people who deserve the respect I feel for this great man, teacher but above all friend.

"Max respect and love."

Shannon Barnes-Jones called Mr Hemmings "a great person to know" who was kind and thoughtful and always had a heart of gold.

"He made others laugh and never judged anyone.

"He was a popular person with loads of people who looked up at him as a role model.

"He loved his family and always made time for them, He had many friends and memories which each and every one of them will cherish forever.

"He will be truly missed by everyone and the world won't be the same place without him.

"Such a legend. I'm glad that I had a pleasure of knowing him."

Martin Harris said Mr Hemmings was a father to his children but also a father figure to hundreds of people.

"He was a real man who had love, integrity, passion, honesty, strength, tears.

"I loved this man and thought I was the only person in the world he cared about - at his funeral I saw at least another 300 people who thought the same way.

"The man, the legend, our leader in so many ways.

"Sifu (master/teacher) Barry Hemmings - we all will feel you in our lives for many years to come.

"Cheerio as he used said."

Justine Dixon-Harris called Mr Hemmings "an amazing, wonderful and inspirational man".

"He never failed to put smiles on peoples faces and make people cry with laughter.

"I am truly blessed to have been apart of his life.

"He taught so many people so many things.

"Not only was he a dad, granddad, great-granddad, teacher but he was also a truly amazing friend.

"An inspiration to many of us and will be missed by so many people.

"God has gained another angel who will always be around. Forever in our hearts."