JKA/WF Guyana Karate Grading...8 Black Belt promotions, over 100 students graded

JKA/WF Guyana Karate Grading…8 Black Belt promotions, over 100 students graded

Mar 30, 2014 Sports

The combined Dojos of the Japan Karate Association/World Federation Guyana held its first grading exercise for 2014 on Saturday last (March 22) at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where a total of 112 members were tested for promotion.
Twelve (12) students were tested for advanced ranks; 7 tested for Shodan (1st Degree Black belt); 4 for Nidan (2nd Degree Black belt) and 1 for Sandan (3rd Degree Black belt).

Participants of the JKA/WF Guyana grading exercise pose with Sensei Yasuaki Nagatomo and other officials at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The grading exercise was conducted under the watchful eyes of Japanese exponent – 6th Dan – Sensei Yasuaki Nagatomo who is also Chief Instructor of JKA New Mexico. Sensei Nagatomo arrived in Guyana as Guest of JKA/WF Guyana on the morning of Friday 21st from the mountain state, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
JKA/WF Guyana members present, were part of a training clinic done by Sensei Nagatomo prior to them being graded and a second clinic for all Black belts subsequently.
Both clinics were filled with insights and covered much of the JKA’s syllabus and technical knowledge. Sensei Nagatomo’s charisma didn’t only resonate with the students but also the spectators present.
In attendance was the honorable consul to Japan, His Excellency Mr. Kashir Khan, Mrs. Simone Nurse (Headmistress of Mae’s Primary School, Annex) and Mr. Ganpat Sahai.
As the grading commenced, the Dan ranks were tested first. Those successful at the Shodan promotions were two adults – Abdur Kellman and the lone female Christina Chaves; teenagers Jordon Denny and Andy Sam-Reddy from Berbice who both became the new inductees to the Black belt fraternity.
Marlon George, Shermon Best formerly Kyte and teenager Shaqueel Amin also put in a clinical performance to be promoted to Nidan rank.
In the quest for Sandan rank, lone Assistant Instructor Sensei Marvin Singh was also tested and also made a great impression on Sensei Nagatomo, gaining a pass. They all had to be successful at the 3 facets of Shotokan karate, namely; Kihon – ability to demonstrate correct application of basic techniques, Kata – a series of offensive and defensive movements against multiple opponents with good interpretation of the movements and Kumite – free sparring.
This is where the students are put to spar against another person of equal rank or higher and had to demonstrate the ability to defend one’s self and launch attacks whilst maintaining composure, control and strong spirit.
Following these, the KYU ranks (colored belts) were tested and performed exceptional having been tested on the same 3 facets – Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
However, Kumite in their category is done in a pre-arranged format which are basic, one step or semi- free style sparring depending on their level, but with the same idea as mentioned for free sparring.
Promotion results for these ranks can be viewed on JKA/WF Guyana website – www.jkawfguyana.tk.
The parents and head teacher of their newly added Dojo – Mae’s Primary School Annex, Millington Street, eagerly waited to see their kids perform for the first time and were pleased. They were impressed with the organization and the way everything was conducted.
Members from the Port Mourant and Canje Dojo’s and Craig East Bank Demerara all travelled to Georgetown to be graded. Sensei Nagatomo expressed his continued satisfaction with the membership of JKA/WF Guyana for keeping and practicing acceptable JKA standards and applauded their efforts made thus far and spoke of the potential of this territory.
In the evening, JKA held a social with its special invitees, its members, parents, friends and Sensei Nagatomo at the Guyana Olympic House in Kingston that was well attended. This allowed for further interaction and better acquaintance with each other and just to celebrate and have fun.
Meanwhile, Regional Director and Chief Instructor for Guyana, Sensei Christopher Chaves along with the JKA committee announced that preparations for their attendance in the annual JKA/WF America 2014 Karate Camp & Goodwill tournament to be held in Panama City, Panama this June will commence immediately.
Thanks was expressed to the Honorable Consul to Japan Mr. Kashir Khan, Mr. Ganpat Sahai, Mr. Bashir Khan of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Mr. Garvey Harry of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Hector Edwards from the GOA, Mrs. Simone Nurse as well as all parents and friends for their support that made this grading the success it was.