Meet the real-life Karate Kid – a 10-year-old martial arts Olympic hopeful

By Harrison Moore via SWNS

Meet the real-life Karate Kid - a 10-year-old Olympic hopeful who is already a martial arts world champion.

Jody Jonas, from Chelmsford, only started Muay Thai at the age of six.

But four years on and he's already won multiple titles - with his sights set firmly on the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

Dad Jody Jonas Sr., 40, said: "He's the best in the business."

Jody Jr. - nicknamed the Ice Man - started Muay Thai at the Knowsley Academy, a north London gym, in 2019.

Now he's competing across Britain and the world, supported by his family.

Jody Sr., a dog breeder, added: "He started competing a year-and-a-half ago and he's already had over 30 fights.

"In that time he's become an English champion, British champion, two-time European champion and world champion.

Schoolboy Jody won at the World Kickboxing Organization European Championships last month.

These follows a Muay Thai World Open title he claimed in February.

His interest comes from his dad, who is a qualified Muay Thai instructor and promoter.

During lockdown, Jody was doing frequent pad work, fitness and strength and conditioning training to prepare him for his competitive debut.

Jody trains six days a week and is preparing to represent England in an international tournament in Italy in June.

He is sponsored by several local companies, including Essex Sign and Design and Wickford Laser Clinic, who have all helped fund his journey.

They pay for Jody to have one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer and pump money into Knowsley Academy for coaching and travel.

His school has also supported him by letting him leave early for weigh-ins and fundraising for his upcoming trip to Italy.

His dream is to be an Olympian and to compete in the ONE Championship - a league set up by the world's largest martial arts organization.

Jody Jr. said: "Training is hard but I love every second of it.

"I've got the Olympics in mind, and I also want to become a ONE Championship World Champion.

"I can't wait to go to Italy in the summer to represent England in the WBC - it will be a very proud moment.

"Mom and Dad are really supportive - and dad drives me all over the country so I can fight.

"I'm also grateful to my sponsors who support me financially.

"Fighting for GB in the Brisbane Olympics is a big goal of mine, and I have amazing coaches who have taught me well.

"Hopefully they will help me get there."