Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM
Japan Karate Association/World Federation Guyana hold grading and clinic
The Japan Karate Association (JKA) of Guyana again impressed parents and spectators in attendance at their sixth and last grading exercise for this year held on Saturday last.
The successful participants at the JKA Grading excerise.
A record high, 97 students were graded under the watchful eyes of 6th Dan – Japanese Class ‘A’ Instructor and Judge – Mr. Yasuaki Nagatomo, who flew into Guyana on the morning of the exercise.
Sensei Nagatomo conducted the grading exercise with assistance from local Chief Instructor of JKA/WF Guyana – Sensei Christopher Chaves (4th Dan), Instructor Marvin Singh (2nd Dan) and Senior Member – Jennifer Cyrus (3rd Dan). After testing the 97 students from the National Park, New Amsterdam and Port Mourant Dojos, Sensei Nagatomo expressed satisfaction with the improvements he saw in the standard of the local karatekas since his visit here last in May and encouraged all members to train harder to maintain the integrity of this rich Japanese heritage. He was particularly pleased with the performance of the beginner ranks (White to Orange belts) and encouraged all to work harder to become good senior ranks.
Of the 97 students tested by Sensei Nagatomo, there were 29 White belts, 16 Yellow Belts, 13 Orange Belts, 7 Green Belts, 20 Purple belts (8 – 5th kyu and 12 – 4th Kyu) and 12 Brown belts (6 – 3rd Kyu, 5 – 2nd Kyu); with 11-year old Storm Katchay as the lone 1st Kyu Brown belt to test for Black belt (Shodan).
Immediately after grading, Sensei Nagatomo conducted a training clinic on self defence tactics, schooling the students and impressing the audience with his charisma and effectiveness of the simple-to-execute techniques he demonstrated. He re-emphasized the need for training and discipline and challenged the Brown and Black belts to train even harder as they will be the mould that will shape the image of what the JKA standard must depict.
Sensei Nagatomo did not fail to remind all present that the JKA’s way is without compromising standard, technique, training and integrity.
In a press release, the JKA/WF Guyana said they were very happy to again have had as its examiner the Operations Officer of its parent organization – The Japan Karate Association/World Federation America, which is the USA’s official branch of the Japan Karate Association – World Federation in Japan.
The day concluded with a get-together for Sensei Nagatomo and members of the JKA/WF Guyana in the evening at the Olympic House lawns, High Street, Kingston; for post-examination relaxation and interaction.
Mr. Nagatomo in response said he was very grateful to experience the warm and friendly hospitable ways of the Guyanese people and certainly enjoyed our local creole dishes.
The Operating Committee and students of the Japan Karate Association of Guyana is extending special thanks to the Operating Directors of the JKA/WF America, The National Sports Commission, The Guyana Olympic Association, parents and supporters for making the examination a success.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Fastest growing economy and an empty stadium
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- It’s a classic Guyanese tale, really. You live in the fastest growing economy in the... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
