A BROMSGROVE martial artist has picked up a prestigious award by being named British Free Fighting Academy student of the year.

Adam Bodfish, of Bournheath, beat off competition from across the Midlands to claim the award in British Free Fighting, a self-defence system focusing on streetwise survival techniques as well as karate and ju-jitsu.

He said: "I was amazed - I train because I really enjoy it. I am very proud of my achievements and I'm really looking forward to passing my knowledge on to others."

The 21-year-old, currently at Cheltenham University, is trained by Andy Hopwood twice a week at South Bromsgrove High School and Redditch's Arrow Vale Sports Centre.

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Andy said: "Adam has what it takes to make a top rate martial artist, he rarely misses a training session and is totally focused."

Adam has also just qualified as an instructor himself in British Free Fighting and teaches the children's class when the BFFA meets at the Charford Road school on Tuesdays and the sports centre on Thursdays.