– Wong gets 3rd Dan
By Calvin Roberts
It was third time lucky for Stabroek News’ photographer Lawrence Fanfair who finally got his first Dan (shodan) black belt whilst karate instructor Jeffrey Wong got his third Dan (sandan) when the Guyana Karate College held its first grading examinations at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue on Tuesday.
Fanfair, who is better known for his photography skills, was a bit unfortunate not to be awarded with his shodan on two previous occasions through a fault in one of his techniques, but he wasted no time during his five months of preparation following a 15-year lay-off from the sport.
“Twice before I was
examined for this grade, but due to a fault in one of my
techniques on both occasions caused me to miss out and I had to be re-examined once again.
“This time around I was successful, and there are no words that I can use now to express my feelings,” stated Fanfair who was also awarded the National Sports Council (NSC) photographer of the year award early this year.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say heartfelt thanks to sensei Wong, Lavern Jones and Chetram Mortley for the hard work they put in with me which enabled me to receive this status today,” he added.
College Instructor Wong was awarded his sandan and also the position of senior instructor at the GKC.
“I am filled with feelings of joy at the moment with this achievement. My years of experience were a vital cog which helped me achieve this status here today,” Wong told Stabroek Sport.
Wong, who was also an instructor of his own club in St. Kitts, holds the distinction of being the first Guyana/Japan Karate Association champion. He was also a silver and bronze medalist for Guyana at Caribbean Championships in 1978 after obtaining his black belt in 1976.
Sensei Woon-A-Tai was impressed with the students of the GKC who were being examined for the first time.
“I must say that I am pleased with the performance of these karatekas who had only gone through training for three months. It also shows that the standard of the GKC is very high and is getting to the point it is aiming for. The hard work put in by sensei Wong has paid off here today,” said Woon-A-Tai.
Over 21 students faced chief judge and Master sensei Frank Woon-A-Tai including Fanfair and Wong with 11 being awarded their 8kyu (yellow belt whilst eight (8) other students who were successful in their examinations which was their first received their 7kyu (orange).
After the grading examinations, persons were interested in enrolling not only themselves, but their children into the GKC whose vision it is to teach the sport of karate and the discipline it comes with to all who are willing to learn same.
The GKC will have its next grading examinations in July and for persons who are willing to enroll the enrollment fee is $1,500.00 with a monthly subscription of $1,000.00 and they can contact sensei Wong at the GKC, which is located in the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
