YOUNG taekwondo starlet Charlie Collyer has been taking the martial arts world by storm.

The eight-year-old Kidderminster boy, who attends school in Hagley, started two years ago after first trying the sport in an after-school club.

At only eighth Kup Level (3 grades out of ten to black) he already has two bronze, two silver and six gold medals and trophies under his belt.

His latest victories include two medals in the Scottish Championships on September 10 in Glasgow. He also took part in the Taekwondo International World Championships in July.

Unlike most children, Charlie remained focused throughout the summer holidays spending time training and even meeting up for private sessions with his coach. At such a young age, with so much dedication, he is preparing to be a big star on the competition circuit.

The Scottish Championship is a prestigious event entered into by students from all over the United Kingdom. They can compete in a variety of events including breaking, patterns, musical patterns, sparring and team sparring.

Charlie, his mum Kate and his instructor Katie Billingham, all took the long drive to Glasgow last weekend to compete alongside some of Scotland's best.

In Collyer’s division there were over 40 contenders who sparred through many rounds, challenging both their physical and mental strength.

After narrowly missing out on a play-off for a patterns medal, Collyer fought his way to bronze medal in the individual sparring division, and, determined to go home victorious, joined forces with fellow competitors to enter the three man tag team sparring event and finally got the gold he had worked for.

During the summer, the World Championships was hosted in the NIA, Birmingham, by the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain, the largest single martial arts association in Europe. A record number of nations and competitors attended and Collyer was one of just a few from the local area to be entered.

The standard was incredibly high and despite a solid performance he did not manage to secure a medal. His sights are firmly set on the next World Championship event in 2018 where he fully intends to take gold.

Collyer is a member of West Midlands Taekwondo and trains locally in Bewdley, Kidderminster and Hagley, alongside his mum who also enjoys the fitness and fun of taekwondo.

The youngster also received the Student of the Year Award in last years Christmas Awards Ceremony for his outstanding attitude and effort and has shown he really deserved the award. He is now training towards the North Midlands Championships in October, then he will be working towards the British Championships the following month.

Instructor Katie Billingham said: “Anyone can be taught to do the techniques, it is due to an individuals determination that makes them a champion. We are very proud of Charlie, he deserves the gold."

For a family friendly club suitable for all ages and abilities, contact Katie Billingham, 4th Degree Instructor, on 07885293088, email info@wmtkd.co.uk or go to wmtkd.co.uk