THE funeral of one of the highest ranked martial artists in the country takes place in Bournemouth today.

Sensei Peter Moore was one of two men to become the highest graded British experts in Shorinji Kempo – a Japanese martial art developed after the Second World War.

In 2011, along with friend Russell Jenkins, the pair attained the rank of 6th dan.

Peter, who taught students at Poole Shorinji Kempo branch, died in December at Royal Bournemouth Hospital after being admitted with pneumonia just over a week earlier.

A poignant family statement simply read: "He was a courageous fighter and fought to the end, but he is now no longer in pain and suffering.

"Our family have received an incredible amount of messages from the headquarters of the federation in Japan and from many other training groups across the world, illustrating the incredible impact he has had on a number of individuals."

In order for Peter to gain his 6th dan experts flew in from Japan and assessed him for more than three hours.

The head examiner was an eighth level dan, one below the maximum.

He had to know 640 moves on 138 vital parts of the body, as well as completing a written philosophy exam on Zen principles and development of Shorinji Kempo.

Peter's granddaughter Kelly has also set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for Bournemouth Hospital Charity.

She said:"The staff at Bournemouth Hospital were incredible and gave him so much care and support. We are hugely grateful for all they did during his time with them, so we have set up this page to help raise important funds and allow others to remember this truly wonderful man.

Peter's funeral is scheduled for Bournemouth Crematorium from 11.30am.

Shorinji Kempo combines self-defence techniques with philosophy based on Buddhist principles.