“Kyoshi” – or professor – Kevin Blundell has been inducted in to the International Independent Martial Artists Association World Hall of Fame.

The 48-year-old received the honour for the most outstanding contribution to the martial art and also was named international instructor of the year.

Blundell started his martial arts journey 40 years ago, attending his first judo class at the Blacktown Police and Citizens Youth Club in 1969.

For the next 20 years, the father-of-four studied and trained in a number of disciplines, including karate and kung fu.

Then, in 1989, he started to develop a mixed martial art system that combined “all the good things” from what he had learnt from the other disciplines.

The result, Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts System, is now practised in 24 locations across three states in Australia.

Blundell said Kumiai-Ryu upheld and maintained the traditional values of respect and honour associated with the more traditional disciplines.

“To be recognised by your peers, not only on a local level, but also internationally, certainly is both humbling and rewarding.” Blundell said.

The “hall-of-famer” holds Level II coaching qualifications in kung-fu, karate, muay-thai, judo and boxing, as well as a Diploma of Fitness and a Diploma of Sports Coaching.

A former Australian representative and coach, Blundell is the senior vice-president of the Martial Arts Industry Association, the sport’s peak representative body.

More than 400,000 Australians participate in some form of martial arts activity on a regular basis.