TWO friends have become Britain’s highest graded experts in a martial art that mixes philosophy and punishing moves.

Peter Moore and Russell Jenkins were assessed over three hours by experts who flew in from Japan.

They both made 6th Dan in Shorinji Kempo and Peter, 66, a retired engineer from Winton, said: “For these masters to come to Bournemouth was amazing.”

The head examiner was an eighth level Dan, one below the maximum. They had to know all 640 moves on 138 vital points of the body. Peter and Russell also had a written philosophy exam on Zen principles and development of Shorinji Kempo.

Peter said: “If you don’t train the mind as well, you are like a killing machine.”

Russell, 60, is a BT engineer from Moordown, and the men became friends as beginners 36 years ago. Peter teaches at Poole’s Image Performing Arts Studio and the Old Chapel Hall in Cabot Lane, and Russell teaches at Bournemouth’s Littledown Centre.