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GKC hosts inaugural Open House at the Dr Frank Woon-A-Tai Budokan
Kaieteur Sports- In a bold show of vision and perseverance, the Guyana Karate College (GKC), under the leadership of Grand Master Dr. Frank Woon-a-Tai, hosted its inaugural Open House ceremony yesterday at the Dr. Frank Woon-a-Tai Budokan, a facility poised to become the Home of Karate in the region.
DoS Steve Ninvalle alongside name bearer Dr Frank Woon-a-Tai share photo-op with students, dignitaries and instructors at the inaugural Open House at GKC headquarters.
Located at Block XXX, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, just outside Georgetown, the Budokan is already being hailed as the largest karate training centre in the Caribbean and Latin America. Though still under development, the facility welcomed guests with open arms, celebrating a milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter in regional martial arts.
The Open House was attended by local sporting dignitaries, including the indefatigable Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, along with dozens of karatekas, instructors, students, and newcomers. Guests were treated to an afternoon of cultural exchange, martial arts demonstrations, and an impassioned keynote address by Dr. Woon-a-Tai, M.S., F.G.M.S., 10th Dan.
Master Frank Woon-a-Tai speaking at yesterday’s open house ceremony.
“It is with my distinct pleasure I welcome you here to the GKC Open House ceremony. For many of you, this may be your first visit but I assure you, it won’t be your last,” said Woon-a-Tai. “This Budokan is set to become the home of karate for over ten thousand practitioners worldwide. Although we’re not yet fully completed, we’ve made incredible progress and we’re training here already.”
The GKC, a non-profit institution, is deeply committed to youth development, using martial arts to instill discipline, resilience, and respect. The College seeks to steer young people away from the traps of drugs, crime, and violence, instead guiding them toward personal excellence and leadership.
Those in attendance were treated to some expert Kata demonstrations at the new GKC.
Following the formal welcome, the attendees witnessed a series of striking karate demonstrations by both students and instructors, a preview of the talent the Budokan aims to nurture. Despite ongoing construction, key elements like training mats and dojo spaces are already in use, following a temporary disruption at GKC’s previous practice location on Thomas Lands due to the CXC examination period.
Though certain amenities, including; air conditioning, lighting, lounges, and parking facilities remain under development, officials expressed optimism that all major components will be completed in the coming months.
Dr. Woon-a-Tai, one of the highest-ranking karate masters globally and a revered figure in the martial arts world reaffirmed his dedication to the mission of the GKC. With his leadership, the Budokan is on track to become not only a world-class training facility but a pillar of positive change in the community.
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