THIS mini fighter is getting ready to take on the world with a specially selected combination of martial arts moves.
Jakob Walsh, 11, will jet off to the Jiu Jitsu World Championships in Abu Dhabi this March to tackle some of the best athletes on the globe.
The St George’s CE High School pupil has been given funding from the Checkmat martial arts group to represent Marton’s Scooby Jiu Jitsu academy, after only four years in the sport.
Jakob, who has already won gold, silver and bronze medals in domestic competitions, said: “It’s going to be a lot of fun and really exciting when I’m over there. I can’t wait.
“I never thought I would have a chance of going to the World Championships and only thought it would be the European Championships.
“When I was told I was going I started panicking because I’ve had to fit five days a week of training around homework, but it would be great to win.”
The modest youngster admits it won’t be easy to bring home the gold medal, but says he has taken a lot of inspiration from Team GB’s heroics in London and is looking forward to meeting some of his heroes in the United Arab Emirates.
He added: “There’s going to be a lot of Brazilian fighters there who are the best in the world and this is going to be like my own little Olympics.”
Elisabeth Walsh, Jakob’s mum, of Acton Road, Marton, added: “I’m very proud of him.
“He’s worked hard and this is a sign of the progress he’s made.
“This is something he’s always wanted to do and I hope it will motivate him more to carry on going.”
A spokesman for Scooby Jiu Jitsu Academy added: “He’s been chosen for his ability and for how well he’s done in previous competitions.”
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