North Korea's newest batch of future soldiers: Scrawny 11-year-olds with freshly shaved heads punch the air as they practice taekwondo

Rare pictures show images of North Korea's future soldiers as children as young as 11 are taught combat training in a military academy.

11-year-old pupils at the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School in Pyongyang, North Korea wear military uniforms and are prepared for war

New recruits with shaved heads are seen preparing for war in the grounds of Mangyongdae Revolutionary School in Pyongyang as they practise their taekwondo.

Young children with shaven heads learn taekwondo at the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School where former leader Kim Jong Il once studied

'I really think that's how I can get my revenge on the American imperialists: by getting top marks in class.

One pupil named Jo Chung Hyok said: 'Because of the present situation, I am trying to study harder.

‘It's my revolutionary duty,’ Jo said. ‘I'm working extra hard to get top marks in military subjects like tactics and shooting.’ 

              Pupils dressed in military uniforms chant: The respected Marshal Kim Jong Un is our father.' at the school in Pyongyang

The government-run school, where former leader Kim Jong Il was educated during the Korean War, indoctrinates students with criticisms of America and South Korea.