Having two national champions in the McMahon household makes that always a possibility, but the joy of Aaron's selection in the Australian team to compete at the World Championships in Rabat, Morocco, from November 8-10 has been tempered by the fact his younger brother Braden missed out, despite being ranked No.1 in his category for the past two years.

National team selectors decided Braden's age group, the 14-15yr cadet, would be one of five they deemed not ready to expose to international competition, deciding not to enter an athlete in the class.

But while he is bitterly disappointed, Braden, 14, has put that aside to continue his full training regime at Black- town's Goshin Ryu gym to help Aaron, 16, be ready for the eveet of his life, and the older McMahon is sure it will pay off.

"I'm gonna win it," he said, and when pressed on why he was so confident, "I'm just confident in my own ability."

Braden said the disappointment had him hungrier for future success.

"I was really disappointed, but it makes me want to work harder to make sure I get in the team next year," he said.

The boys' father, John, said Braden's omission was tough to take, but they'd got on with the job without too much fuss.

"They've been training hard for a year working towards the world championships," he said.

"It's very disappointing for Braden, but he's got a very big heart and he is back on the horse and he'll prove the sel- ectors wrong.

"Aaron's going really well - even in the last three or four months he's improved a lot ? the boys are still training with (coach) Asen (D'Jamirze).

"His level of competition is much better even than it was a couple of months ago, his skill levels have improved and for the world championships you have be very focused.

"He doesn't show it that often but inside he's very focused."