Latest update February 5th, 2025 8:33 AM
GDF Cpl excels at Martial Arts in China
CPL Aluko Venture (Centre) with officials from the Institute.
Thirty-four year old Guyana Defence Force Corporal Aluko Venture, is now a certified Martial Arts Instructor, after he earned his Diploma at the Chinese PLA Advanced Institution of Physical Education, Guangzhou, China recently.
Demonstrating a high capacity for learning, exemplary discipline and dedication to his studies, Corporal Venture successfully completed an eleven month course of study in martial arts training and has returned to serve his country.
Venture was selected to pursue the training after he excelled at a local martial arts training programme which was held for members of the Joint Services, and departed Guyana in September 2008 for Guanghou.
According to comments recorded on his Course Report which covered a total of 14 subject areas, the Chinese authorities note that Corporal Venture “…successfully completed all his courses with outstanding achievements…and showed excellence as a serviceman. We have no doubt that he will certainly be an asset to his country.”
The Corporal said that he was elated when he received the news of his selection for the programme. He added that it was difficult to be away from his family for 11 months, but he knew that it was an opportunity, not only for his development, but also for a chance to make a larger contribution to the GDF and Guyana as a whole. He said that he was motivated to do his best in order to make his superiors and Guyana proud. There were 41 students from various developing countries around the world in his class, with a large number being from the Caribbean.
Venture explained that training sessions lasted for at least 5 hours per day with the rest of his time being divided between intensive personal practices, rest, and a bit of sight-seeing.
“The sessions were tough but rewarding. It was important for me to practice constantly to ensure that my fitness and skill levels were always at their best. The training has made me physically and mentally stronger and has also helped to strengthen my self-esteem,” he said.
“Although there was a significant cultural difference, the Chinese people were warm and welcoming and the authorities ensured that we were well taken care of. Our safety and security was of major importance at all times. I was even able to stay in touch with my family back here in Guyana,” he added.
Corporal Venture joined the Guyana Defence Force in 1992 and was promoted to his current rank in 2008. He is an avid sportsman who was a former boxer and also currently plays rugby. Back on duty for Guyana, he is expected to play a role in training of his fellow soldiers in martial arts.
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