Meet the teenage bricklayer with an eye on the UFC

A TEENAGE Tyneside judo star is aiming for the Olympics – whilst balancing a bricklaying career.

Black belt Harrison Wood started the sport just a day after his third birthday.

He’s since won major tournaments, including the 2023 British Championship, and competed internationally.

However, he’s also an apprentice bricklayer, learning his trade through the leading North East training and apprenticeship provider Optimum Skills.

“My goal is to compete in the Olympics or the UFC, but I’m also smart enough to realise that I need something behind me,” said the 16-year-old.

“I started with Optimum Skills nine months ago, and both the company and the bricklaying itself are fantastic for my judo.

“Optimum Skills has been really flexible with me when it has come to competing, but also, bricklaying is a great way to stay fit; It is basically like being paid to be in the gym all day, and the physicality of bricklaying has been a real assist for my sport.”

That sport means Wallsend-based Harrison travels to Birmingham at least once a month to train with Team GB.

Additionally, he travels around 20 times a year to Scotland to train with other high-level judokas – which the North East lacks.

“Sadly, there isn’t a big judo scene in the North East, and the region only has around five competitive players, so travel is a necessary part of my training,” he added.

“But it is a killer and isn’t cheap; I’ve been competing internationally since I was eight, and the bills add up – and even the GI’s that we wear cost £150 each.”

As such, Harrison – who is partially coached by his dad – is seeking sponsorship to help with soaring costs, and to make his Olympic dream possible.

For Optimum Skills, a Newton Aycliffe-based provider with sites on Tyneside down to Teesside, they believe that whatever path Harrison takes, his future looks golden.

“For us, Harrison is exactly what apprenticeships are about, which is giving people the chance to build a future while still pursuing what drives them,” said Steven Short, Bricklaying Tutor at Optimum Skills.

“His dedication, both on the mat and on-site, is amazing – especially as balancing an elite sport while learning a trade can be really tough.

“However, Harrison has the right mindset and with a bit of flexibility, shows you can make it happen.

“At Optimum Skills, we aim to create an environment where individuals can develop both professionally and personally, and Harrison’s journey is a great example of that in action.

“We’re over-the-moon to play our small part in helping him progress, and we’ll be cheering him on as he continues to chase his dreams.”