MASTERTON martial artist Simon Ogden has been selected to fight in the New Zealand judo squad.
Ogden, who six years ago founded the Masterton Judo & Ju Jitsu Academy, holds a 4th dan black belt in ju jitsu and late last year graded in judo to black belt, while also winning praise from the grading panel as "technically outstanding".
British-born Ogden said his national team status was a first in his two-decade martial arts career and he was honoured to have won a berth in the Kiwi squad.
His selection qualifies him to compete in the masters class at the Oceania Judo Union Tournament at the AIS Combat Centre in Canberra from April 8 to 10 and the Pan Pacific Masters Games at Jupiters Casino on Queensland's Gold Coast from November 5 to 13.
Ogden, a father of five, said his family commitments have meant he must forgo the earlier competition but he was aiming to do battle at the Pan Pacific Games.
His selection comes after a successful competition run at regional and national level last year alongside his green belt student Sean Stafford, who had also qualified during competition last year for consideration as a national representative.
"It is a real honour to make selection, my first for any national team, but judo is a minority sport and the majority of funding has to come from the athletes themselves.
"Even though I won't compete at the Oceania tournament I hope to be on the mat at the Pan Pacific Masters for sure," Ogden said.
The Masterton pharmacist was hoping to attain sponsorship for his international bid at judo glory and any prospective sponsors may contact him at the MJJA in Queen St or call him on 021 248 6111.