ZEAIR McCauley is looking to add some international flavours to her style after returning home from the Osaka Cup.

The 12-year-old was part of the Australian Koshiki Association Team which went to Japan earlier this month for the international tournament.

McCauley proved she was up to the international competition with some excellent results.

The blue belt was fifth out of 10 competitors in the kata (a prepared routine), which was open to all female competitors.

The kumite (full contact sparring) was made more difficult when she and another competitor were moved up an age and weight division.

The James Sheahan student showed she could handle herself against more experienced competitors, securing a top eight result from 26 girls.

She was the only blue belt in the kumite and, while disappointed she couldn’t contest her own division, she wasn’t fazed by the older opposition.

“I was a bit nervous but I wasn’t scared at all. I tried my hardest,” McCauley said.

The Osaka Cup attracted competitors from around the world which allowed McCauley to see how other countries compete.

“I learnt a lot about the different styles of fighting,” she said.

“I enjoyed the Netherlands' style of kata. It was a bit more flexible.”

Before going to Japan McCauley had been travelling to Sydney every weekend to train with Australian Koshiki national team coach Jeff Traiche.

She is hoping she can resume her training in Orange and one day represent Australia again.

McCauley thanked all the supporters who helped her make the trip to Japan.