GRAPPLING his way to success, this karate instructor is on his way to the top.

Richard Marsh has just been graded to 2nd Dan black belt and is now UK chief instructor for Seigokan Goju-Ryu, an ancient Japanese karate.

The 34-year-old has run a club in his native Wiveliscombe since 2009, and has since opened a class in Minehead with Taunton soon to follow.

He said: “It’s going pretty well. Martial arts have played a big part in my life, so I want to teach others.

“I started in 2009 and once I settled in I thought I’d start to run a club.”

European chief instructor Jose Santana visited Richard at his Wiveliscombe club shortly before Christmas for the grading, and he has been invited to go to Japan next year for the next stage of his development.

He said: “They’ve asked me to go to Japan in 2013 for further grading – I’m looking forward to it.”

One of Richard’s students, Ray Homewood, said: “Richard brings a combination of good technical standards, a long background of wide experience in martial arts and a great sense of humour to his lessons.

“He’s sensitive to students’ needs and problems, but above all his enthusiasm for karate shines through.”