By Calvin Roberts
The Guyana Karate College will hold its first ever karate examinations on Tuesday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue from 1700hrs (5:00pm).
The College, which is also an affiliate member of the Caribbean Karate College, (CKC) had opened its doors to persons who were desirous of learning the sport last November and, according to Master Frank Woon-a–Tai, the response has been good.
Master Woon-a-Tai, who paid a courtesy call on this newspaper yesterday said the examination will be conducted under his guidance.
Woon-a-Tai said that land has been promised to them by the government for the erection of a building to house the GKC.
“Presently we are using the Gymnasium on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1700-1900 hrs for our classes,” said Master Woon-a-Tai.
Twenty five (25) karatekas will be examined by Master Woon-a-Tai with the successful ones being outfitted with the yellow belt whilst those who put in exemplary performances can find themselves being awarded the orange belt. Immediately after the examinations, an open house will be held during which enrolment for the next class which will see its examinations being done in July will be held right at the venue.
“It is not to say that they will come and expect to receive their belts just like that. They know that they have to work hard to get them. We have had some good response since we have opened our doors last November especially from teenagers and children, not forgetting the adults,” said Master Woon–a-Tai who is responsible for the formation of the Guyana Japan Karate Association (GJKA) 40 years ago.
During Master Woon-a-Tai’s absence, sensei Jeffrey Wong is authorized to take the students through their paces at the GKC and Master Woon-a-Tai said he was pleased with the work of Wong to date.
“He has done exceedingly well with the students, thus the examinations which will be held on Tuesday. The students were giving him great responses to the lessons taught also.” Master Woon-a-Tai, who is the third highest ranked instructor in the world (masters Okazaki and Yaguchi are above him) is rounding off his visit here to Guyana which was a three-fold one.
“My visit here was three-fold. First of all, I am involved in the selection of the national team that will contest the World Shoto Cup Karate Championships which will be held in October in Toronto, Canada.
Then there is the grading of members of the GJKA which will be held today and finally the grading of students of the GKC.”
He added: “Guyana’s chances at the World Shoto Cup championships is very good. Our style of karate is similar to that taught at the CKC and having had a look at the karatekas going through their paces. There was also a preparatory programme held last Wednesday.
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The World Shoto Cup Karate Championships will see participants in the following categories: Seniors 45 years and over 4 entrants: Adults 18-44 years 4 entrants and children 8-17 years old unlimited entries.
