AN INSPIRATIONAL martial arts teacher from Bracknell has been nominated for a national award just months after founding a club training adults of all abilities in Aiki Jujitsu.

Martin Ridley set up the All Abilities Martial Art club with friend Martin Thompson in February this year, and set themselves apart by setting up classes dedicated to training disabled adults.

Mr Ridley, who was himself born with cerebral palsy, has worked on adapting moves for students confined to wheelchairs so that they can go through the same training as able-bodied students.

Now nominated in the Warriors Assemble Fighting Spirit Awards 2016, Mr Ridley said: "I have never given up, I set up my own club to help train people with all abilities both able bodied and disabled because I believe that sports, whatever they may be, should be all inclusive. I have pushed what people think is possible from someone in a wheelchair, and been called an inspiration. This makes me feel so proud that I may be able to reach out, even if to just a few people, and encourage them to try something that maybe they have felt was beyond them."

He will attend the awards ceremony this Saturday, October 1, which celebrate people who excel in the world of martial arts.

After battling his own condition, Mr Ridley holds a black belt 2nd dan after more than 15 years training alongside Mr Thompson.

He said: "I have been graded alongside able-bodied students, having to push myself harder to achieve. I have had training from great martial artists who have been willing, on occasion, to adapt to suit my personal limitations and change criteria or grading accordingly. However, I generally ensure that I work in the same way as the other, able bodied students.

"Over time I have undergone various operations that have forced me to take time off from training but I have always returned to it as soon as possible. It is a brilliant discipline and I enjoy challenging myself and trying to overcome the personal difficulties that it presents."

The awards will be held this weekend at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, north of Birmingham.

For more information about the club visit, allabilitiesmartialart.co.uk/index.html