World renowned Guyanese karateka, Master Frank Woon-A-Tai, recently announced the formation of a new world karate organization, the International Karate Daigaku (IKD), according to a press release from the Guyana Karate College (GKC).
The release stated that that this announcement was made on January 30, which was the first anniversary of his karate dojo in Canada where he resides. Daigaku means university or college in Japanese and it was noted that the organisation has strong West Indian ties.
The slogan of the International Karate Daigaku is – ‘Tradition in the 21st Century’.
More particularly known for his developmental work in karate in Guyana from its embryonic stage, Woon-A-Tai, who is an 8th Dan karateka, is also the Chief Instructor of the GKC and the president of the Caribbean Karate College (CKC). He was also president of the former umbrella body, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and former director in the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF).
For the new organisation, Woon-A-Tai will also be the interim Chief Instructor (Shuseiki Shihan) with 7th dan Dr. Dexter Shim of Trinidad and Tobago and karate master Maureen Woon-A-Tai, who is also a 7th dan, being the interim deputy chief Instructors. When they officially take office, their position, new rank, and title shall be announced.
The release stated that “this is customary with leaders of world martial arts organizations.” Maureen, who is Frank’s wife, has made history by becoming the first woman to be a deputy chief instructor of a traditional world karate organisation and this will be used as an instrumental tool for women.
The IKD, according to the release, has over 70 karate dojos attached to it in Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, along with affiliated dojos in Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and St. Vincent.
There is also the vision that the IKD can be expanded into Europe and Asia.
It is also hoped that when the GKC’s permanent facility at Liliendaal is completed it will also provide access for international karatekas to train and study in Guyana.
“It would be fitting, and as the membership grows throughout the world, for the first IKD World Cup to be held in Guyana, the birth place of its founder. Master Woon-A-Tai’s unique teaching method is very popular with the international karate community and his organisation is expected to grow rapidly,” the release stated.
Meanwhile, the release noted that Woon-A-Tai left the ISKF, an organization he served for 40 years, due to excessive “politics”.
“The ISKF was viewed by the JKA as a threat and Master Woon-A-Tai and the Caribbean Karate College were viewed as threats to the ISKF. Master Woon-A-Tai stated after careful contemplation and reflection he decided to resign because his integrity, loyalty to his teachers, and technical, and administrative abilities were compromised by false accusations and innuendo by the said unknown persons,” the release stated.
However, it was noted that Woon-A-Tai “has a positive outlook for his future in karate” and views his resignation as a “blessing in disguise” since he has vast support from over 70 dojos around Canada, the Caribbean and South America.
“With such large and popular support he feels justified and holds no grudge against anyone. His impeccable karate credentials, including a University of Toronto Degree in Japanese Studies, 47 years karate experience, ability to organise on a large scale, and international standing make him the ideal candidate as a world karate leader,” the release added.
It was also noted that Woon-A-Tai thinks it best to carry on the work that he and Dr. Shim had started in developing the instructor training programme of CKC and to “extend the work of the IKD in advancing scientific development and medical research on karate training.”
“The work of the IKD would not only benefit karate in the Caribbean, but also karate in other parts of the world. All aspects of karate shall be studied and analyzed, including philosophy, physical education and fitness, self-defense, and sport,” the release pointed out.
It also stated that Woon-A-Tai has the support of several prominent medical doctors and PhDs to begin this stage of the IKD’s development.
