Alex Rodrigues, Nyota Rodrigues, Xavier Arjoon, Shawn Naughton and Shaun Singh graduated to the Shodan level last Saturday when the Japan Karate Association/World Federation (JKA/WF) grading concluded at the dojo’s headquarters, National Park, Thomas Lands Georgetown.
A record high total of 99 students were tested by Sensei Yasuaki Nagatomo who is the Operating Director of the JKA/WF US and Chief Instructor of the JKA in New Mexico. Eighty students were from the JKA/WF (including seven from the newly formed dojo located at Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD); 19 were from the Port Mourant and Canje dojos in Berbice.
The Rodrigues siblings were dubbed best sparring pair for the Shodan test. Thirteen-year-old Alex was paired with his 16-year-old sister Nyota. The two displayed a combination of well executed techniques, blocks and counter attacks.
Other outstanding passes included 12-year-old Gavin Bisai (from Craig Dojo), Deborah Fredericks, Moosa Lewis and Nicholas Brusch, all promoted from White (10 Kyu) to second Yellow (8 Kyu) belts.
Danielle Roberts, Shabaka Martin and Ronoko Vaughn were promoted from first Yellow (9B Kyu) to second Yellow (8 Kyu) belts; Quadad De Freitas from second Yellow (8B Kyu) to Orange (7 Kyu); and Encocie Davis and Shamar Leitch from Orange (7B Kyu) to Green (6 Kyu).
Sensei Nagatomo gave lectures and demonstrations on how JKA’s shotokan karate techniques must be practiced highlighting that students are required to demonstrate continuous development in their basic techniques, kata and kumite (sparring).
The beginning stages kumite starts from 5-step sparring and advances to 3-step then 1-step and semi-free until it reaches free sparring stage which is required for the Shodan test. As the level of sparring increases with training, students are expected to execute their attacks with increased precision, speed, power and control, whilst improving their abilities to defend and counter-attack.
Sensei Nagatomo expressed his heartfelt thanks and commended the Guyanese people for their friendliness and hospitality. He also made mention of the dhal puri and chicken curry prepared by the Canje Dojo saying it was delicious, although he was not fond of spicy dishes.
JKA/WF Guyana will now shift focus to the preparation of a 17-member team to represent Guyana at the annual JKA/WF America 2013 Karate Camp and Goodwill tournament which is scheduled for June 6 – 9, 2013 hosted by Sensei Nagatomo’s JKA of New Mexico in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.
