Omokoroa tae kwan do kids take on the world

Young Omokoroa athletes with trainer Master Sonja Janssen (Black belt) are aiming high at the 2017 Open World Taekwondo Championships in Auckland. Photo / Supplied

Ten young Omokoroa athletes in search of glory aim to win their first international medal at the 2017 Open World Taekwondo Championships in Auckland in May.

The athletes were thrilled to be invited to attend the World Championships at the North Shore Events Centre on May 13-14. This is the first-time New Zealand has hosted a world-ranked tae kwan do event, resulting in the world's top athletes coming to compete.

The inaugural event will feature sparring and poomsae (forms) competition, including free style poomsae. The best international referees will be there, guaranteeing maximum transparency and fair play.

The Omokoroa New Zealand team - dubbed the Fantastic 10 - comprises Adam Van Klei, Jordan Brookes, James Van Klei, Philipp Klochko, Bridget Hinton, Oliver Blackett, Esther Mee, Jazmin Hayes, Keira Towers-Woodhead and Amron Mee.

The athletes are members of the Koryo BOP Club in Omokoroa, a school for tae kwan do and self-defence, trained and coached by experienced master Sonja Janssen (fifth dan, black belt) and master Abraham Janssen (fourth dan, black belt).

Janssen said Adam Van Klei and Jordan Brookes would feature in the junior division and chances are they might encounter each other.

"Both Jordan and Adam are excited to fight other athletes from other countries and to feel a gold medal around their neck," she said.

"Oliver Blackett is waiting for the pre-selecting round that will take place soon. He is very confident and focused to secure a place for this important tournament."

Oliver joined the club not only to learn and practice self-defence but to compete in sparring tournaments, Janssen said.

"From day one he wanted to spar with the big boys, and he is determined to achieve his goal."

In sparring and poomsae categories, Adam and James Van Klei excel in both disciplines.

"Both brothers have shown a tremendous level of commitment, self-discipline and skills throughout. Their ambitions are podium places."

Janssen said Esther and Amron Mee were relaxed, which was a competitive advantage, and both were looking forward to shining on the day with cheerful confidence.

Keira Towers-Woodhead and Jazmin Hayes are also determined to achieve the very best on competition day.

Bridget Hinton is still overcoming a knee injury but is confident she can secure a podium place.

Janssen said Philipp Klockho was ready for his fight and no one could stop him now.

"He will be ready on that day not 100 per cent, but 200 per cent."

The Fantastic 10 are seeking sponsors to help fund track suits, competition doboks (uniforms) and travel expenses.

They are having a fundraising sausage sizzle and home baking at The Lizard Market in Omokoroa on April 15. They will also demonstrate their skills, including breaking some boards.

To support the team, contact Sonja Janssen 027 548 1960 or email koryobop@xtra.co.nz.