A BURY schoolboy is set to represent Great Britain at the World Martial Arts Games ­— only two years after he started training.

Muhammad Abu-Bakr Farooq, aged eight, will go up against the best in his age group from across the globe at the championships in London this October.

The success is all the more remarkable for the fact the St Thomas’s C of E Primary School pupil only attended his first martial arts class in 2017.

Mum Ummrana took him to the session to encourage him to keep fit, and Abu-Bakr has not looked back since.

Ms Farooq explained: “All he did was play on the computer. I thought he needed to do something a bit more active.

“There was a group in Bury that my friend suggested we start going to, and he loved it.”

When the class relocated to the Dojo Karate Centre in Rochdale, Abu-Bakr moved too and continued honing his skills.

His talent is such that he entered the Team GB qualifiers in May, where he won a silver medal in the ages seven to ten sparring category, enough to secure a world championship spot.

“I am so proud of him,” said Ms Farooq. “It is his dream to compete for Team GB. He has improved so much in such a short time.

“He is the sort of kid that does not want to hurt anyone, but he has realised it is important to be able to protect yourself.”

Despite being a fearless fighter, Abu-Bakr wants to become a paramedic when he grows up so that he can help others. For now, though, his focus is on more pressing matters.

“I am so excited to take part in the world championships,” he said. “I enjoy learning to protect myself and improving my skills.”

To cover the cost of his kit, accommodation and travel, his family have set up a fundraising page. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/m-abubakrfarooq1.