SWINDON youngster Frankie Osbourn has made a flying start to his fledgling martial arts career by winning the prestigious North American Grappling Association belt.

Osbourn’s victory in Birmingham earlier this month is just the latest in a line of success for the eight-year-old from Rodbourne.

He has already claimed gold medals at both the English and British Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships as well as silver at the European Championships.

Osbourn trains at Gracie Barra Swindon and Swindon Judo Club Six days a week.

Swindon-based MMA promoter Gary Turland, owner of RAGED UK MMA, said: “Frankie is a fantastic talent. I have been helping him with his strength and conditioning and supporting him over the last year.

“What Frankie achieves week in, week out is incredible – often giving away weight, age and experience to compete, so to add the NAGA Championship to his CV is a huge honour.

“The dedication shown by Frankie has been immense and he is gaining quite the reputation of a real talent to watch at the highest level of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“On top of this, Frankie is a brilliant lad and comes from a lovely supportive family. Watch this space, Frankie is the next big thing.”