A MARTIAL artist from Bromsgrove is preparing to test his skills against the best in the business.

Ross Mason, who specialises in Ju-Jitsu, will go head-to-head with Muay Thai world champion Ciro Gallo from Italy at the Grapple and Strike Eight event this Saturday.

The event, part of the Complete Fighting Challenge, runs from 6pm at Kidderminster's Glades Arena and brings together fighters from different disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, judo and karate.

Competitors battle against each other to test one specialist skill against another. A set of rules has been devised to allow elements of each sport, including punching, kicking and grappling.

Promoter Ross Ianoccaro, Worcestershire's Ju-Jitsu coach, said: "It's very challenging and of course you have got to be a good all rounder. You just don't know what to expect."

This Saturday's event features eight title fights.