JAMAICA is set to host the 2014 International Taekwondo Federation World Cup in Montego Bay, August 26-30. As part of the build-up to the first ever martial arts world tournament in Jamaica, STAR Sports continues its profile of the combined martial arts team to this weekend's New Jersey Open.

Unbeaten in 52 team matches since 2004, open their 2014 campaign against Team USA on Saturday. The nine-man squad comprises new captain Nicholas Dusard, former skipper Jason McKay, Scott Wright, Kenneth Edwards, Adrian Moore, Ackeem Lawrence, Kevin Brown and invitees Allando Ebanks and Demar King.

Demar King - I know what it takes

Demar King is one of two invitees for the 2014 combined martial arts team but is no stranger to international competition.

King was a consistent junior medallist for Jamaica Taekwondo at the United States Open and was considered a future star.

As a junior, King won a pair of bronze medals at the 2007 US Open and gold in 2008. In his last appearance as a junior, he won silver in 2009.

On the comeback trail, King won heavyweight bronze at last year's Seido Karate Open and silver medals at Zendo Karate and McKay Security Jamaica Taekwondo Invitational, earning five points to clinch his invitational spot.

Set to travel as an open-weight fighter to New Jersey this weekend, King said he knows what it takes to seal a starting spot.

"My teammates are stronger and think faster than I do. They're better fighters than I am now. However, I use to be there with them as juniors. We all started as white belts. I am the last to make the team so I am playing catch-up now.

Noting that the combined team has been unbeaten since 2004, King is raring to get into top shape.

"Coach has been working on my stamina and intuition in the ring. I believe I have it in me. I see the work I have to do in training to get there," he said.

Allando Ebanks - an abundance of talent

Invitee Allando Ebanks is determined to join fellow Ningen Martial arts Academy stars, Olympian Kenneth Edwards and Scott Wright, as regulars on Jamaica's combined martial arts team.

Highly touted by former team captain Jason McKay as being blessed with pedigree, Ebanks has been described as "an abundance of talent waiting to explode".

Heading to New Jersey this weekend, middleweight Ebanks could be a dark horse in the combined team's arsenal.

Ebanks was invited after winning the lightweight division at Sidekicks Taekwondo Open and secured bronze medals at Ningen Open and McKay Security Jamaica Taekwondo Invitational last year.

"Allando resumed training two years ago and has shown tremendous improvement since," said Shihan Keith Edwards of Ningen Martial Arts Academy.

"He fought well in 2012 and never medalled. Last year was good for him and he is very confident ahead of New Jersey so I expect him to do well," Edwards added.

Ebanks said he was enthused and anxious ahead of this weekend.

"It's very good exposure being on the team and I am looking forward to New Jersey, which will be different from local tournaments," he said.<