Sittingbourne has been shocked by the sudden death of martial arts expert Martin Clarke.

He died after swimming at Seasalter beach.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene but he could not be saved.

The 68-year-old ran the East Street Sports Centre and was responsible for training generations Sittingbourne youngsters in martial arts.

His son John said: “My dad was well known throughout the world for his love of martial arts.

"He was an 8th Dan in judo, 6th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu, grand master in combat Sombo and Sambo wrestling.”

Mr Clarke also created his own sport and became president of the International Budo Federation GB.

He represented Great Britain on many occasions, winning more than 300 medals and was a member of the GB Olympic judo squad in 1978, 1979 and 1980, winning silver at the world games in 1985.

He added a European bronze to his collection in 1991 and in 2001 became World Masters Judo Champion.

He also won World Silver medals in Jiu-Jitsu in 1984 and Sambo Wrestling in 1985 and 1998.

In 2008 he was awarded a gold medal for services to International Sambo.

The grandfather leaves a wife, Valerie, son John and two daughters Susan and Donna. He had five grandchildren.

Music promoter Ian ‘Stumpy’ Maggs paid tribute to him saying: “We will all miss him. He was a great bloke and well respected by everyone.”

Paramedics were called to the beach around 1.30pm on Saturday.

Mr Clarke's son said: “It is a very tough time for the whole family. We are all still in shock.”

He has received tributes to his father from around the world.

Hervé Gheldman from Germany said: “This news affects me a lot. Martin William Clarke was not only a great Sambist, but also judo, Ju Jitsu.

"He gave everything to the martial arts and gave the Sambo beautiful letters of nobility.

“Long-time companion and great friend, full of humour, good living. He knew how to surround himself with so many brilliant people that I had the chance to rub shoulders.”