text: Manchester United defender Chris Smalling took a trip down memory lane as the 25-year-old went back to his old judo club. Photos of the visit, during which he presented some members with replica United jerseys, were posted on the International Judo Federation's official Twitter account alongside a flashback picture of Smalling as a youngster. The England international, who only made the decision to join the social networking site on Friday, excelled at the martial art as a teen and was even named national champion for his age group, before football took precedence at 15. The International Judo Federation shares pictures of Chris Smalling taking the time to visit his old club . Smalling was a gifted martial artist and was at one stage named national judo champion for his age group . The Manchester United defender presents some replica jerseys to some of the members of the club . Smalling began his footballing career with minnows Maidstone United in Kent, before a string of impressive performances saw him snapped up by then Premier League side Fulham in 2008. After only a handful appearances for the Cottagers, his talent was clear and Smalling signed for Manchester United one year later. It has been a remarkable rise for the former Chatham Grammar School student, who if football had not worked out, was set to study Business Management at Loughborough University, having gained a decent set of A-Levels. Smalling will be hoping to make manager Louis van Gaal's starting line up for the crunch clash with local rivals Manchester City this weekend, as United aim to finish the league campaign in the top-four. Smalling (right) trains with his United team-mates at the Aon training complex ahead of this weekend's game . Smalling (right) heads the ball ahead of Manchester City striker Stefan Jovetic (left) earlier on this season .
target: Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has taken a trip to his old judo club .
  The International Judo Federation shared photos of the visit on Twitter .
  Before deciding on a career in football, Smalling was a talented martial artist and named national judo champion as a teenager .
  He has experienced a meteoric rise from his days playing for non-league Maidstone United to turning out for The Red Devils now .