THE ACTION-packed world of professional wrestling has body slammed its way into Swindon.

And wrestler Rampage, real name Martyn Pearce, says he can train a youngster to be the next Hulk Hogan or British Bulldog.

The pro from Gorse Hill, who wrestles with the Trowbridge-based Ultimate Championship Wrestling, has started a sports entertainment school at the St Barnabas Church Hall in Gorse Hill. The training sessions are open to those aged over 12.

And the former UCW US and Hardcore Champion says that while it might be too late for him to make it in America, he believes he can train a youngster who will make it on the biggest stage of all, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Mr Pearce, 29, works full time as a welder and runs the school with his wife Alex Pearce, who wrestles for UCW under the name Justine.

He is over 6ft tall and weighs in at 18 stone but he says youngsters don't need to be big to become a pro.

He said: "Some of the high-flying guys don't need to be very big, and most 12-year-olds are fine wrestling with children the same size.

"We don't do weight training because it is not a good idea to start until you have finished growing. We focus on wrestling techniques."

He says the first thing wannabe grapplers are taught is how to fall properly, because safety is paramount, and they then progress onto a basic move called the collar and elbow tie-up, which is the move that starts most matches.

The hopefuls finish with a practice match and in between are given advice on creating a character for themselves, as in the theatrical world of sports entertainment, image is everything.

"We don't give someone a character or tell them to act in a certain way," said Mr Pearce. "We see what their style of wrestling is and encourage them to develop their own character and guide them."

The training sessions are from 2pm to 6pm on Saturdays and cost £7.50 a session. To book, call Mr Pearce on 07713 760748.

www.ucw-wrestling.co.uk