From 1st Dan to 2nd Dan Black Belt, Max Messiah aims for the ‘Maximum in the Sport’

Nov 25, 2014 Sports

Years of diligent practice and commitment has finally borne fruit and host of

The satisfied look says it all as Mr. Messiah (left) collects the coveted accolade from Master Woon-a-Tai.

‘Maximum Sports’, Max Messiah , also a karate practitioner, was honorably promoted from 1st Dan to 2nd Dan Black Belt by none other than Chairman of the Guyana Karate College and International Karate Daigaku, world renowned 9th Dan Master, Frank Woon-a-Tai.
Mr. Massiah received the accolade along with the requisite certificate from Master Woon-a-Tai at a simple ceremony at the National Communication Network (NCN) shortly after completing a telethon on Maximum Sports to facilitate the construction of a Dojo for the Guyana Karate College (GKC) headquarters in Lilliendaal ECD on a plot of land made available by the government in 2011.
Master Woon-a-Tai congratulated Mr. Massiah while pointing out the depth of his contribution to the sport. The Karate expert leaves shortly for Canada where he resides and further promised to officially bestow a personalized belt to Mr. Massiah to be presented when he returns early next year.
Mr. Massiah expressed gratitude to Mr. Woon-a-Tai for recognizing his talent even as he promised to continue being an asset to the noble sport. He said that his entry into the sport dates back more than 4 decades when he was merely 11 years old. During his introductory years to the sport he practiced in Houston EBD under the tutelage on one, Sensei Danny, before shifting sessions to his Agricola residence where he had built a small gym.
Shortly afterwards he enrolled as a recruit into the now defunct Guyana National Service in 1975. He said that that organization facilitated his continued development in the sport and when he eventually left a few years later, he continued to practice his skill. Consequently, he enjoyed promotion at various levels and was a 1st Dan when he received the honorary promotion from Mr. Woon-a-Tai.
Mr. Massiah underlined the importance of perfecting the sport saying that it was a noble profession that teaches self discipline even as the practitioner perfects the art of self defence. He said that his favourite weapon is the nunchaku sticks, two stout pieces of sticks attached by a chain that when expertly wielded serves as a defensive weapon.
Mr. Messiah is a true sports enthusiast and is also a certified boxing coach. He also dabbled in bodybuilding where he enjoyed some measure of success. He currently hosts Maximum Sports, a one hour programme that deals with the intricacies of karate, martial arts and similar contact sports. (Michael Benjamin)