A GROUP of ju-jitsu fighters from Andover are preparing to travel ‘down under’ in search of international glory.

Adam Phillips, Michael Portsmouth, Mike McGarry and his daughter, Jess McGarry, will represent Great Britain when they fight in the World Council of Ju-Jitsu Organsiations (WCJJO) Championships in Australia later this year.

The fighting foursome, who all train at River Way-based club, Kyouken, will travel to the Gold Coast for the four-day international tournament, which takes place from Thursday 26 October.

Seasoned fighter, Mike, 52, will travel to Australia in the hope of regaining his world title, after claiming silver at the previous tournament in Geneva in 2015. A win would make him a three-time world champion.

Fighting in her second championships, Mike’s daughter Jess will be hoping to improve on her bronze medal in Geneva.

Adam, a 31-year-old business manager at Santander, will also be hoping to strike gold at the competition, after scoring silver in 2015.

The trio will be joined by newcomer Michael, who will fight in his first world championship, aged just 16.

He said: “It will be a completely new experience.

“The competition will really help me progress in the sport. I’m really excited.”

The group qualified for the tournament after competing in the national championships held in Manchester earlier this year.

They will make up part of a 30 strong team of fighters from across Great Britain.

Ahead of the championships, the group are trying to raise £3,000 to help cover the cost of the trip.

The money will help cover the cost of flights, accommodation and equipment, including their specially-made ‘Gi’ - the traditional clothing of the sport.

Michael has already raised more than £500 through donations, while Adam has gained sponsorships through local businesses such as Caffrey’s Gym, KMS Plastering and New Street Dental Care.

Adam said: “It’s so nice when local companies put their faith in you. It makes you want to train even harder to bring a medal home.”

In aid of their fundraising effort, the Wolversdene Club will host a fun day on Sunday, August 27, featuring live music, a meat raffle and a blow-up dart board, which will run from 1pm.

To donate to the fundraising effort, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mikeypgbjujitsu.