Newcastle's Naz O’Connor focusing on Karate World Championships held in Florida this July | photos

Sporting three competitive medals and an Australian title trophy nearly the size of his torso, O’Connor has already proven himself on the national stage in a big way.

Now, the 13-year-old martial artist has his eyes set firmly on the invitational Karate World Championships, to be held in Florida in July.

While O’Connor admits it would be “awesome” to bring back more silverware for his ever-expanding cabinet, the youngster believes he’ll have fun regardless.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be really cool to be over there competing with all these people,” he said.

It’s not just the medals and trophies O’Connor has already taken away from his two years in the Karategi however.

After being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, O’Connor focused in on karate as a form of self-regulation, and believes that’s part of what’s made him so good at what he does.

“I have a lot of focus, I have to train a lot and practice patterns and self-control,” he revealed.

“It definitely helps me get better at what I want to improve at, for sure.”

O’Connor also heaped praise on his family, from his sporting siblings to his mother Navina Honey, who helps him travel between Newcastle and Bathurst for training, and has recently organised a fundraising event at the Wickham Park Hotel.

The event, to be held at Thursday May 10, will include trivia, raffles, door prizes and live local music in an effort to raise money to take O’Connor to Florida.

Ms Honey is looking forward to the “party event” and is hoping people can “spare a little” to get her son overseas.

“It’s going to be a really good night, we have just one or two tables left for trivia and there’s a number of bands on,” she said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”

O’Connor will depart Australia, bound for the state of Ohio and karate tournament glory, in July.

He will be accompanied by his brother Kay, and a number of students from his dojo in Bathurst.

“It’s going to be pretty cool going over there [with Kal] and everyone,” O’Connor said.

“I don't mind if I go over there and don't win. It's still going to be so cool, and very awesome.”