The Japan Karate Association/World Federation Guyana on Saturday conducted its third grading examinations for the year at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall which saw 74 students attaining a higher rank.
Local fourth Dan Chief Instructor, Sensei Christopher Chaves, who conducted the examination, said that he was pleased with the performances and encouraged the students to continue regular training.
He advised the students that their next grading examination was scheduled for November under the watch of first-class Japanese Master Yasuaki Nagatomo.
Additionally, he mentioned that immediate attention will be paid to the much-anticipated annual national tournament.
Preparation for this event will commence with a training camp on August 27-28 at Camp Kayuka prior to the tournament which will be held in October.
The top performing karatekas in Kata and Kumite from the national tournament will form the team to represent Guyana in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the 2011 Pan American Karate championships.
On Saturday, Arianna Phagoo and Javon Fraser were both promoted from second to first kyu Brown belt while Klaus Chin, Shankar Singh and Shermon Kyte received their second kyu Brown belt.
Three students gained promotion from third to second kyu Brown belt, one student went from fourth kyu Purple to 3B kyu Brown, while Damian Kerry, Kelwyn Griffith and Marlon George attained Brown belt status from fourth kyu Purple to third kyu Brown.
Seven students received promotion from 5th to 4th kyu Purple and Six from 5th to 4B kyu Purple.
Two students were promoted from 6 kyu Green belt to 5B kyu Purple belt and two from 6 kyu Green belt to 5 kyu Purple belt. Two karatekas were promoted from 7 kyu Orange belt to 6 kyu Green belt and three moved from 7 kyu Orange belt to 6B kyu Green belt.
Eleven students attained 7 kyu Orange belt from yellow and five moved to 8 kyu 2nd yellow belt from 1st yellow in the 5- 6 years old age group.
In the largest category, 23 white belts were tested. Eight students moved from 10 kyu white belt to 9 kyu -1st yellow, one moved from 10 kyu to 8B kyu, while 11 were promoted from 10 kyu white belt to 8 kyu-2nd yellow.
Berbicians Shairaz Hack, Natasha Persaud, and Nirvanie Persaud performed outstandingly in this category moving from 10 kyu White belt to 7B kyu Orange belt.