the U.S. National Chinese Martial Arts Competition in Orlando, Florida (September 5-9).

A bronze medal winner at the WAKO World All-Star Kick Boxing Association tournament last October and an instructor at the local Bak-Sil-Lum Kung Fu school in Paget, Simons says his group, ranging in age from 13 to 49 is looking to bring back some hardware.

"Hopefully they'll bring back the gold...I think they stand a good chance,'' said Simons. "They'll be able to gain experience and it'll be another step up the ladder. It also gives them a feel for international competition which could help them in the future.'' Each of the members have placed high in tournaments locally and will be competing in categories including form, weapons and two-man set. Youngsters Lakeisha Bell (double weapons, two-man set, open end form) , Garon Wilkinson (whip chain, stick form, two-man set, open end form) and Austin Simons III (stick form, open end weapons) as well as veteran Austin Simons Jr. (double weapons, open end form), who will double as assistant coach, make up the rest of the squad.

"Rewarding younger athletes with these overseas trips gives them incentive to carry on in the sport,'' said Simons. "They are its future.'' With countries such as England, Holland, Poland, Germany, Mexico, China and Bahamas all sending teams, Simons said that he is counting on the rigorous training each of his squad mates have endured over recent weeks to carry them through.

"They've been training five days a week and I've been stressing good form, technique, balance and weight training. It's been very intense. With this being a national (tournament) they have to bring their level up a few notches.

"We still have two more weeks to go and I've seen a lot of improvement...they'll be ready.'' Simons pointed out that each individual is self-sponsored and anyone wishing to make further donations should contact him at 236-4580 (work) or 236-6792 (home).

OVERSEAS WARRIORS -- Members of the Bermuda squad set to travel to Florida later this month for the US National Chinese Martial Arts Competition `stance off' for the camera. Pictured (from left to right) Lakesisha Bell, David Simons, Austin Simons III, Austin Simons Jr. and Garon Wilkinson.