A schoolgirl who was bullied aged just FIVE has fought back to become — a MARTIAL ARTS champ.
Super-tough Grace Perez was picked on as a very young child so decided to stand up to her tormentors by signing up to a Taekwondo club.
Now, five years on, the 10-year-old has won the title in her weight group at the Liverpool Open Championships, by beating Tahya Fells, the British champion.
Dad Andrew, 34, of Durham, said: ”We started because she was bullied at school and now she’s taking part in national competitions.
“She’s never had to use her skills, but she knows she could if she had to. It’s done wonders for her confidence and really given her a lift.
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“She’s had quite a few close fights so far and we’re just over the moon and just proud of her, she did brilliantly and fought really well.”
Grace, sister Lily, eight, and dad Andrew, all took up the sport together. Andrew is now an instructor with Chi Taekwondo.
Grace said of her win: “It was really good.”
The youngster is now working hard training for the Ultimate British Open contest in September.
