The local team will take on the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as countries from South America and the Caribbean.

JKAB's junior team includes the promising Nathan Aguiar, Danny Wicks and Paul Smith who will all compete in the junior individual kata (form) and kumite (sparring) divisions.

The local club also have high expectations of their ladies' team in both kata and kumite, consisting of Jackie Tailford, Lesley-Anne Cumming, Tina Rowse, Caroline Skeen and Gillian Ramsdale.

The men's team of Nigel Williams, Nascimento Daniel, Carl Gibbons, Sandy Taylor and Tony Carreiro are expected to face tough competition in kumite from Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados.

Sensei Mark Tailford and Sensei Nigel Williams have been coaching the team since January. A special training class has been held each week along with the regular training sessions.

"Every team member has been made to make a commitment of hard training and time towards a team effort for this championship,'' said Sensei Tailford.

"We don't just have a team going to Mexico, we have a close family dedicated to the true spirit and meaning of martial arts.'' FISHING FSH The 21st Flybridge Tackle Junior Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, August 17, with the deadline for entries on August 16 at noon.

Some 25 prizes will be awarded in three age groups -- under five, six to 11 and 12-16 for boys and girls in rod and reel, handline and shore or boat fishing.

Fishing begins at 8.30 a.m. and the weigh-in will take place no later than 5.30 p.m. west of the flagpole on Front Street. The prize presentation will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 10.00 a.m. at Flybridge Tackle.