Phil Foden, Fred Perry, and more recently Liam Broady - these are some Stockport sporting legends you may already have heard of. As it happens, there may be another in the making.

Nine-year-old Brody from Woodley has made remarkable progress in martial arts, already holding a number of awards and preparing for a world qualifier competition later this year. 

Starting from the age of just three, Brody has taken part in six years of training and tournaments, practicing multiple times per week under the supervision of coach Jason Baird, who runs the Black Belt academy in Reddish. 

Further still, Brody also practices boxing under the tuition of former professional middleweight boxer Robin Reid. 

Brody's nana, Julie, is 'very, very, very proud' of this young athlete's progress. She describes how he became interested in martial arts. 

"I saw Jason Baird's academy - I just got up one day, and said to Brody 'would you like to go and have a look at it?', and he said 'Yes!'

"Afterwards, I asked if he'd like to go again, and he said he'd love to."

Brody has already won a whole host of awards, in a sports career beginning from the age of three (Image - Jade Black)

And so began Brody's keen interest in jiu-jitsu - it was soon clear that he was a natural at learning the discipline, respect, and skill involved in the sport. "It's unbelievable", Julie says. "The way this nine-year-old is always switched on during the training."

Brody has already won trophies for the Tiny Tiger of the Year Award 2020, a bronze medal in the European finals; silver in the UK-only finals, and most resilient member of his training club in 2022, among others.

With such promise from an early age, Brody could count on the support of his family, friends, and coaches to ensure he developed as much as possible. 

Julie describes the effort she and Brody's mum Jade make to support the martial arts star: "You pick him up from school at 3.15, and then you've got a picnic tea - you're having a sandwich on the bus - and then it's a couple of buses just to get there, and maybe a taxi back.

"It's a lot of money, we're spending, but it's so worthwhile. I wish all kids did something like this. 

"Every penny that goes into a child is so worthy these days. Brody will be able to take what he has learned and use it throughout life."

Julie adds: "His teachers are behind him, as well - they take an interest. When he does competitions, he'll take trophies and medals into school to show them."

Brody with another of his coaches, Lyall Stocking - Lyall is Brody's Fight Squad coach (Image - Jade Black)

Brody's coaches are similarly supportive, and cultivate a serious but nonetheless warm and friendly atmosphere during training. 

"The students do fight each other in training, but after they've had the fight, it's a really good circle of friends", Julie says. "They switch the fight off, they have a hug. It's a family affair."

She adds: "At Jason's academy, they always ask what your 'why' is; 'Why do you want to be here?' 'Why do you want to do this?' 

"Your 'why' has to be good enough to be accepted. Brody's 'why' has always been 'I want to go to the Olympics'."

With an impressive track record thus far, Brody is facing one of his most promising opportunities yet - the opportunity to represent his club at the world qualifiers this year. 

Mum Jade started a fundraiser to help cover the steep costs of associated expenses, which has since garnered £615, making short work of the £500 target. 

Brody always trains hard - you are more likely to find him practicing than playing video games (Image - Jade Black)

She has been 'absolutely blown away by people's generosity'.

"Jade is overwhelmed, and Brody is just so proud of himself that people actually care enough to do that", adds Julie. 

Any leftover money will go towards funding the young athlete's progress, including travel and equipment. 

The fundraiser is still open. Those who wish to donate can do so HERE. 

One day, perhaps you can claim to have funded Team GB's most impressive talent.

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