A TALENTED quartet of British judo players from the News Shopper region are intent on making an impression in their world championships debut in Tokyo next month.

Gemma Gibbons, 23, Scarlett Woolcock and Gemma Howell, both 20, and 19-year-old Kelly Edwards will all be making their inaugural appearances at judo’s showpiece event.

Gibbons, from Charlton, who took gold at the Orenburg European Cup in Russia, is looking for a strong showing in Tokyo.

“I’m excited, I’m looking to give a good account of myself in Japan,” said the former Metro Judo Club player.

The 2010 world championships, which take place between September 9 and September 13, will be the first time the event has been held in consecutive years and the sport’s famed event will now be held annually in all but Olympic years.

“I think that reduces the pressure as more fighters will be able to compete there and more regularly,” said Gibbons, who’ll be joined in the U78kg category by Woolcock.

Dartford-based Woolcock traditionally competes at 70kg, but was more surprised to be selected than to find out she’ll be campaigning in a new weight category.

She said: “I didn't think I was going to be selected for this, my aim was the U23 European championships so to be selected is a big honour.

“I’m going to go and get experience. I’m fighting outside my weight category, so it’s about going along, getting the experience, and having a good time.

“Obviously I want to aim for a medal or there is no point going but there is no pressure on me.

“Hopefully I get a good draw and have a good championships.”

Howell, the only fighter selected in the U57kg weight category, is keen to compete in the sport’s homeland.

“It’s very good to go to Japan because judo was introduced there,” said the Sidcup-based judoka.

“I’m hoping for a medal but so will everyone else who is going there, so I have to do my best on the day.”

U48kg star Edwards, the youngest member of the world championships squad, is keen to make the most her debut in Japan.

“I can’t wait to compete in Tokyo, I’m very excited to compete at such a event,” said the teenager.

“My teammates and coaches have talked about the crowd and the atmosphere and I can’t wait to experience it.

“I’m going there to compete well and I’m hoping to gain experience which I can build on in the future.”

The British Judo Association is the national governing body for the Olympic Sport of judo in Great Britain.