The Guyana Karate Federation is inviting persons, especially women, to get involved in karate and Nathalie Gibson, who has a third degree black belt, supports the call.
Nathalie is also an assistant instructor at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) building.
She emphasized that females on the whole should try karate because it is a good sport that would not only keep them fit but would enable them to learn self-defence skills.
“I could recall that one day I was walking and a guy snatched my phone and had I not known what I know, I could not have gotten back my phone.”
She said that she has been involved in martial arts for a number of years now it’s something that she enjoys doing. She also noted that she has been representing Guyana for a number of years and is very proud of herself.
“In 2006 I was in Trinidad when I got third place, that was my first fight out of Guyana, in 2008 I was in Canada, I reached the finals but did not make it to the advanced levels in 2009 – I had an injury so I could not have participated in the tournament that year but that didn’t slow me down.”
She stated that in the 2010 tournament over 12 countries participated and she won the fight which earned her a spot in the lead.
“I was placed first so I felt so happy even though I had an injured knee. I went out there and gave it my best and got first place.”
Nathalie said also that last year in Venezuela she earned herself a third place and a second place spot respectively in Grenada.
The challenges she has faced as a woman in karate are sometimes difficult since most of her competitors in practice are men.
“For me it is a very hard task which usually pays off in the end,” Nathalie said with a smile.
Meanwhile, she will be competing in the IKD World Shoto Cup in Canada in July and she stated that she is focused and well prepared.
“I have been working hard for the Shoto Cup challenge and I’m hoping to be on top again.”
Nathalie along with five others are the only females involved in the sport at present and she is urging other females to take part in karate since it offers significant physical and mental benefits.