A BAY karate instructor is on top of the world after winning one of the highest possible rankings in the sport.

Joe Ellis, 50, has been awarded the 7th dan, making him a karate leader.

Mr Ellis, who also chairs the National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools (Nakmas), said: "I'm very proud to be given this honour. My passion for karate has never died away and to secure this accolade shows how positive I remain about the art."

Mr Ellis is chief instructor for Kent Karate Schools and a full-time coach. He specialises in teaching children with Asperger's syndrome and mild autism. Mr Ellis has Asperger's syndrome diagnosed a few years ago.

He said: "Along with my wife, Sandra, we opened an integrated karate club for local children and those with Asperger's syndrome and mild autism, which has really flourished.

"I plan to step down from my role as chair, which I've been doing since 1992, but I have no intention of giving up martial arts or Nakmas."

Richard Fowler, deputy chair of Nakmas was awarded 6th dan.