Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal Aluko Venture is now a certified martial arts instructor after earning his diploma at the Chinese PLA Advanced Institution of Physical Education in Guangzhou, China.
Since successfully completing an 11-month martial arts training programme he has returned to serve the people of Guyana.
According to a news release, the thirty-four-year-old serviceman was selected to pursue the training after he had excelled at a local martial arts training programme which was held for members of the Joint Services.
The Corporal was elated when he received news of his selection for the programme but it was difficult being away from his family during the course.
The Corporal noted, however, that it was an opportunity for more development and a chance to make a larger contribution to the GDF and Guyana as a whole. He said he was motivated to do his best to make his superiors and Guyana proud.
Venture explained that training sessions lasted for at least five hours per day with the remaining time used for intense personal practice, rest and sightseeing.
The release stated that there were some 41 students from various developing countries in Venture’s class, largely from the Caribbean.
Corporal Venture joined the GDF in 1992 and was promoted to his current rank in 2008.
He is described as an avid sportsman who was a former boxer and currently plays rugby. Back on duty for Guyana, he is expected to play a role in training his fellow soldiers in martial arts.