ISKF Guyana annual National Karate Tournament the beacon for Showmanship and Standards

Jun 07, 2023 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – On Saturday May 27^th the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) – Guyana held their annual National Karate Tournament at the Marian’s Academy Auditorium on Carifesta Avenue.

The tournament kicked off at 4pm sharp and the capacity crowd of spectators comprising of parents/guardians, invited guests and other supporters had a refreshing experience.

These annual national tournaments help to select the premier performers who go on to represent ISKF – Guyana annually in the USA and the upcoming ShotoCup World Tournament in 2024 which will be held in London. The World tournament is held every 4 years.

As customary, the Country Director and Chief Instructor – Sensei Chaves opened this year’s tournament with remarks that welcomed their distinguished guests, judges, competitors, family members, and spectators to their 2023 ISKF Guyana Independence Goodwill Tournament.

The competitors and officials take time out for a group photo.

Sensei Chaves graciously thanked his operating committee along with those dedicated parents and volunteers who’s input supported the tournament’s preparation.

This year, Sensei Chris enlightened the audience on the virtues of ISKF. Being an inclusive organization that values diversity, and recognizes the human dignity of all individuals, treating all with fairness and respect at all times.

Sensei Chaves went on to highlight four (4) areas of specific emphasis for ISKF – Guyana:

Integrity: Where they commit to maintaining the highest ethical standards, honoring our commitments and fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust.
Innovation: Where they strive to maintain the foundation of our founding masters while being able to adapt and improve our technical instruction and organization.
Excellence: Where they work continually to attain the highest level of performance for each individual, dojo and our organization as a whole.
Collaboration: Where they value working in collaboration with all martial artists and is committed to shared learning.

As he closed, Sensei encouraged each participant to have a successful tournament and reminded all that this is an excellent opportunity to test their preparation, dedication, and hard work. And that, regardless of the outcome, what is most important is to continue training, to improve self first, and to follow the Dojo Kun.

Thereafter, is was apparent that Sensei’s words set the stage as the events commence with alacrity. The noted efficiency of the tournament was due to the points and flag system employed, the sagacity and decisiveness of the judges, and the evident planning.

The main highlights of this year’s tournament saw:

16+ years old Female black belt Kristalia Chaves emerged the winner in the Kata Contest by doing kata Chinte with 21.7 points. Second place went to Tempest Katchay and third to Talitha Kissoon. In the Kumite rounds Tempest Katchay reigned supreme by defeating Talitha Kissoon for 1^st place.

In the 18+ Male black belts contest Kristian Chaves emerged the winner by doing kata Enpi earning 22.1 points, second place went to Storm Katchay and 3^rd to Alex Rodrigues. In their kumite division, Alex Rodrigues emerged to take 1^st place over Shermon Best in a tense and closely contested match.

Officials for this year’s tournament were:

Chief Judge: Sensei Christopher Chaves
Referees: Sensei Marvin Singh, Sensei Marlon George
Judges: Shermon Best, Shankar Singh, Christina Chaves, Storm Katchay, Alex Rodrigues, Kristian Chaves, Kristalia Chaves

What made ISKF – Guyana the beacon was their evident level of organization. It was distinctive taking the format of an international one with seating clusters, mat preparation, and an officials section. This aided the aesthetics and efficiency throughout the events right up to the medal presentation.

Complementing ISKF’s tournament were their sponsor who deserve special thanks. Guyana Beverages Inc’s, Oasis Water, Mrs. Melissa Alphonso, AD Tech Printing Establishment and Dr. Shekeila Ramsammy of the Ministry of Health who stood in as the tournament doctor. ISKF extends their heartfelt gratitude to them.

In their follow up report to the media, they were pleased with this year’s tournament outcome in all areas. They have since met with their members and brainstormed ways to improve next year’s tournament as part of their continuous improvement process.

Training continues per normal at the Thomas Lands – National Park HQ Dojo. A team is currently training daily for their upcoming attendance at this year’s ISKF Camp & Goodwill tournament in Philadelphia, USA later this month.

Full tournament details can be found below: