4th Degree Black Belt Troy Bobb excels at US C/ships

Jul 11, 2009 Sports

1st in Kata, 2nd in Weapons & Sword Fight at Karate Alliance

Fourth Degree Black belt Troy Bobb displaying his trophies and plaque.

By Franklin Wilson
Guyanese 4th Degree Black Belt, Troy Bobb returned to the land of his birth last Sunday after excelling for the 6th year at the United States Karate Alliance (USKA) national championships which was held in Albuqerque, New Mexico, April 17 – 18.
Bobb, who was promoted from 3rd to 4th Degree Black Belt, during his stint in the USA, competed in the 18-35 age group at the USKA, outmaneuvering 39 other challengers to win the Kata division, while placing second in both the Weapons and Sword Fight competitions.
The Beterverwagting, East Coast, Demerara, resident also received a plaque (Certificate of Achievement) from the USKA, honouring and recognising him as an outstanding Martial Arts exponent.
Commenting on his achievement, Bobb noted that he has been champion in this category for the last five years and had a 12-day preparation period before the championships and did not even realise that he was also preparing for his promotion at the same time.
“I was due since 2003 for my 4th degree black belt and I eventually got it now and am very proud to have it. I still have to learn much more – I am learning a lot of different Kata’s (weapons) from my Sensei’s in the US.”
Bobb was happy to disclose that he met and had dinner with Sensei Fumio Demura who is one of the most sought after instructors in the world. He (Sensei Demura) asked me if I thought I had done enough for Guyana over the years.
“And I said yes, I try to get as much youths as possible involved to learn a good sport like this which can take them places.”
Bobb was also asked what he does to help the other martial arts clubs in Guyana and this was his response: “Every time I go to the US and return I always open my arms and help by sharing my knowledge. I even brought Sensei Randy Sanders from New Mexico to Guyana twice, to assist with the development of the sport here.”

Sensei Fumio Demura

Demura is known for his impeccable focus, accuracy, crispness of technique, and his combinations of past traditions with modern approaches to training. He has over 60 years experience and was Japan’s 1961 Kumite champion.
He has authored many books and has been in movies such as Rising Sun and Mortal Combat. One of his most memorable roles was as the stunt double for Pat Morita in the Karate Kid movies. He is a member of the Alliance Hall of Fame and Director & Chief Instructor of Shito-Ryu Genbu-Kai International.
Bobb’s love for the sport goes far beyond his personal achievements as he runs the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts Academy. This club is expected to participate in the Pan Caribbean tournament in Trinidad and Tobago from August 19–23.
In October, Sensei Fumio Demura and Sensei Randy Sanders will be in the Caribbean and T&T for the World Championships.
Coming out of the 3rd Annual Harpy Eagles Martial Arts National Karate Championships, slated for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on August 2, Bobb said they will be selecting a Guyana team for the World Championships in the Twin Island Republic.
Teams from Barbados and Trinidad have already confirmed their participation for the Harpy Eagles National Championships.
The club has branches at Beterverwagting, East Coast Karate Club, Apex Education, Uitvlugt Community Centre and the Missionary on the Linden Soesdyke Highway. The club conducts free 30-day training for first timers with classes held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s at all of its locations.
Persons desirous of joining the club can contact Bobb on telephone numbers 220-1606, 696-2988 or 675-0625.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Caribbean Airlines, Beterverwagting NDC Office and Apex Education for making his trip to the USA a reality and success.