Six students at the Harpy Eagle Martial Arts Academy copped 20 medals including 10 gold at the Pan-Caribbean International Martial Arts Championships held in Trinidad and Tobago.
The debutants competed in the Open Form Kata, Individual Sparring and the Open Form Weapons Kata. Guyana’s Lazaro Scott (5-6 open) Teria Kezia Jones (14-16 advance) Romeo De Freitas (8-10 advanced) earned gold medals in two events and their Sensei Fourth Dan Troy Bobb got gold in three events.
The karatekas told Stabroek Sport on Tuesday that they felt no additional pressure or nervousness when they competed though it was their first overseas contest. Nichola McDonald said they were confident that their preparation was enough for success. She said too the karatekas hailed from T&T, the USA, Barbados and St Lucia and were of the same age so the atmosphere was easier for them to compete.
Meanwhile, Bobb was elated that his students had had the opportunity to compete at such a high level tournament. Guyana has participated in this contest for the last three years. He also said the dojo was also invited to participate in the International Martial Arts Championships in St Lucia set for February 20 and 21, 2010. However, the dojo’s most immediate assignment is the World Championships set for November 6-8 in Orlando, Florida.
Medals tabulation:
Lazaro Scott (5-6 Beginner): Gold-Open Form Kata, Gold-Open Form Weapon Kata, Silver- Sparring
Romeo De Freitas (8-10 Advanced): Gold- Open Form Kata, Gold-Open Weapons Kata, Silver- Sparring
Teria Kezia Jones (14-16 Advanced): Gold-Open Form Kata, Gold-Open Weapons Kata, Silver- Sparring
Nichola Mc Donald (16-17): Gold- Sparring, Silver- Padded Weapon Kata
Kemo Scott (11-13): Bronze- Sparring
Tamera Austin: Silver-Open Form Kata, Silver-Open Weapons Kata, Bronze- Sparring
Troy Bobb (35 and older): Gold-Open Form Kata, Gold-Open Weapons Kata, Gold- Padded Weapons