One of the key aspects of Tae Kwon Do is self-confidence.

Combine that with self-strength, self-knowledge and self-control and you have a potent force - a force Bermudian Iejaa Caines believes resides within him.

In a few days the 19-year-old will get the chance to prove it when he steps onto the mat at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador.

Going into his sixth year in the discipline, the first degree black belt will compete in the heavyweight division against the best the region has to offer.

"I would like to do well and place first," he said during a break from training at the Bermuda Tae Kwon Do Association on North Shore Road, Pembroke.

It is a statement of intent that his coach Richard Smith, President and the Association's Head Instructor, believes is wholly credible.

"He has got good speed and reflexes and that is the advantage he is going to carry into the heavyweight division," said Smith.

Those attributes, however, will need to come to the fore straightaway in El Salvador where the one false move means the difference between progressing and heading for the airport.

With that in mind Caines is working hard on the one area of his craft that needs a little improvement.

"As a fighter I am thinker - I probably think a bit too much when I should just let everything go," he said.

"That is my downfall and an area I need to work on."

Smith agreed.

"I always say you have to introduce yourself. What I mean is go in there and let them have it. If you can hit him first you can gain his respect," he said.

If Caines heed's his coach's advice, Smith believes there is no reason why he cannot go all the way.

"I like to live in a dream world, a Utopia. We are going to come back with a medal," he said, before adding a realistic tone. "Failing that he will come back with experience that will help take him to the next level."

Medal or no, Caines says his appearance among top class competition will send a message to the Island's youth.

"It means a lot to represent my country. I have always wanted to be known for having done something positive, rather than known for sitting on a wall," he said. "This will show Bermuda that there are some good guys out there."