Recruits from the Felix Austin Police College were outstanding Saturday at the Pan American Martial Arts Championships held at the National Gymnasium winning nine medals in their debut appearance.
Those placing first were Sensei Bobb, (kata) Ignatius (self defence and kata) Constable 22377 Peters (self defence) and 22510 Mc Donald (sparring).
Second place finishers were Sensei Ignatius (weapons), constables 22380 Simon (self defence), 22499 Thomas (sparring) and 22524
Hercules (sparring) while constable 22498 Thomas was the only third place finisher for the lawmen.
“It is compulsory that every recruit learn martial arts and self defence,” said the Guyana Police Force Training Officer, senior superintendent Paul Williams in an interview yesterday, with this publication.
According to Williams since he took over training for the Guyana Police Force in 2012, he has gained full support of the administration for the reintroduction of self defence which was dormant for almost three decades within the organization.
He commended his team’s efforts stating that they were outstanding.
The competition, which was hosted by Black Hawks Karate Club featured nine local clubs including two clubs from Trinidad and Tobago.
“The Force is very proud of its ranks’ performance and full support will be given to those ranks that are desirous of taking the sport to a professional level.”
Williams also disclosed that he recently formed a rugby club for the Guyana Police Force and he has been elected the club’s president. He said that the club is now registered and affiliated with the Guyana Rugby Football Union.
There are currently a male and female team and the members are going through training in preparation for upcoming competitions.
