Several Texas Taekwondo team members are set to compete at the US Open Taekwondo competition on Feb. 20-21.

“I’m excited,” Assistant Team Captain Ben Frederick said. “It’s going to be a good experience for us.”

Team members Joseph Van, Benjamin Frederick, Anthony Ly and Raymund Lee have been ramping up the pace in order to prepare for what is sure to be a challenging and exciting competition.

“It all depends on how you perform on that day,” Trainer Joseph Van said. “Anyone can beat anyone on any day.”

Frederick is scheduled to fight on Saturday, while Ly, Lee, and Van will fight on Sunday.

The tournament is open to any international fighters wishing to compete, Challengers from all over the world, such as Damien Villa from Mexico and Levent Tuncat from Germany,  will converge in Austin to fight.

“There will be some really high caliber international teams,”  Van, who last competed in the US Open in 2008, said. “Texas always has a great chance. They have held their own against international fighters.”

The tournament serves more purpose than to simply show Texas’ skill in international sport, however.

“[Other teams] will help point out stuff to make us better,” Frederick said. “Texas has a good chance to compete. We have a game other people don’t have.”

The entire team is extremely grateful for the opportunity to witness such an important event and will surely be there to learn and show their support for their teammates as they represent Texas Taekwondo this weekend.