JAPAN has finally been confirmed as Asian representatives for the July 3 United States Open Busta World Continental Team Fighting Championship in Disneyland, Orlando, Florida, joining the hosts, defending champions Jamaica, Germany, Argentina and invitees, Trinidad and Tobago.

Japan's inclusion, after months of indecision by the Pacific-Asian region to determine its best possible representatives, has put the seal on what pundits are describing as the best team-fighting line-up assembled in recent times.

Defending champions Jamaica are ranked third favourites behind world International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) champions Germany and Pan-Am title-holders Argentina.

Jamaica's ranking tumbled due to their inactivity in ITF-sanctioned tournaments, whereas Germany and Argentina were the stars at recent international tournaments.

Historic attendance

Japan's presence at the tournament will be an historic one for the International Sports Karate Association's US Open, the biggest martial arts tournament in the world, as it will be the first time a Japanese team will participate at the event.

Although the confident Jamaicans have already beaten Japan on three occasions, their squad has been revamped and will be coming all out to make a big impression on their American debut.

Jamaica first beat Japan at the World Cup of Tae Kwon Do in Benidorm, Spain in 2006 before registering back-to-back victories as invitees to Tri-Asian Champion-ships. In their last two meetings, Jamaica beat the Japanese 3-0.

The veteran Arthur Barrows put on a superb display at last year's inaugural World Continental Team Fighting Championship, helping Jamaica to get past New Zealand, England and the USA.

Barrows is again expected to be a key member of the squad, which leaves the island on July 2.

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