People are being invited to get along to the 2023 Bay Open Taekwondo Tournament this Saturday and see the art of self-defence up close!

Three international teams from New Calendonia, Tonga and Samoa have travelled to compete against New Zealand teams.

'These guys are all representing their countries so they're all the black belts,” says Taekwondo Coach Master Kesi O'Neill.

Master Kesi has been training and getting his local team of 20 tournament ready.

'I just hope my students are prepared because they'll probably come up against the New Caledonian team and they look sharp.”

'It all comes down to on the day who's prepared and who wants it. After the match whoever wins, its friendship afterwards.”

Held at Tauranga Boys College, the Bay Open Taekwondo Tournament will run from 9am-6pm on Saturday, February 25.

At the same location on Sunday, February 26 there will be a trial to select NZ athletes to earn their spot in the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships.

Check out the action for yourself!