Liam Gallagher has taken up martial arts.

The Beady Eye frontman has been releasing his pent-up aggression following the breakdown of his marriage to Nicole Appleton with some private lessons in karate at his home in Hampstead, London.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: ''It's been a tough year for Liam with his marriage break-up. He is finding martial arts therapeutic, and is training himself like a combat soldier. It helps him release his pent-up aggression and is great for his fitness too. He's actually in better shape than ever.

''Next he thinks he might try out boxing. And if he's good enough he's told pals he may see what he can do in the ring by organising a proper fight.''

Liam split from Nicole after five years of marriage earlier this year when it emerged he had fathered a love child with American journalist Liza Ghorbani and he is now in a relationship with his former aide Debbie Gwyther - who he is living with.

Liam, 41, is no stranger to fights and is a renowned rock 'n' roll hellraiser.

It was a punch-up with his brother Noel Gallagher before an Oasis concert in Paris, France, August 2009, which led to the demise of the band.

The rocker was also involved in a face-off with Idris Elba at an NME Awards after-party earlier this year, during which he knocked the 'Luther' star's bobble hat off his head.