The local karate fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of Sensei Ian Fung.
Fung, a founder member of the Guyana Karate College, one of his incomplete dreams, passed away following complications due to diabetes.
Fung who recently celebrated his 50th birthday when the Guyana Karate Association celebrated their 40th died at his 102 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme home. Sensei Fung who began training in the 70s achieved the rank of fifth dan.
The residence of the archbishop of the West Indies in Kingston was where he first took up the art along with another great Master, Frank Woon-A-Tai.
Sensei Fung received his fifth dan under the watchful eye of Master Okazaki and went on to represent the country numerous times internationally.
Fung set up dojos (schools) in neighbouring Suriname and also Canada where he trained numerous students before returning to Guyana.
One of Fung’s dreams was to see the successful setting up and running of a karate college here in Guyana, something that was only partially realized.
At the time of his death Fung was the vice-chairman and instructor of the college and according to Sensei Jeffrey Wong he would be greatly missed by the local karate fraternity, especially Master Woon-A-Tai, President Reyaz Husein, Vice President Andrew De Abrue and others.
A special wake will be held tonight at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Thomas Lands from 7:00pm.
