“THE YMCA’s grading exercise went well. They came together with the Guyana Karate College (GKC) for this exercise today, and I must say that even though they are doing the same thing, I would love to see more discipline being shown by the students of both dojos.”

From left in centre, Sensei Jeffrey Wong and Masters Teruyuki Okazaki and Frank Woon-A-Tai strike a pose with karatekas from the YMCA and Guyana Karate College dojo after their grading examinations were completed at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday afternoon. (Adrian Narine photo)

These were the words of Master Frank Woon-A-Tai who, along with Master Teruyuki Okazaki, conducted a grading examination for karate students of both dojos at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) yesterday.

“I think this stems from the laid back approach being taken by the Guyanese population who take their time to do certain things, as they can be seen waiting on somebody to do something before they do it and in that regard, they need to think for themselves and move faster, when following instructions,” said Woon-A-Tai.

While expressing such a concern, Woon-A-Tai, who has studied the sport of martial arts under Okazaki’s training since 1972, did not hesitate to state that the future of the sport in Guyana is bright, when he took into consideration the performance of the karatekas on show yesterday.

In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, Master Okazaki complimented the work being carried out by Master Woon-A-Tai, whom he described as a disciplined and dedicated student.

“It does not make a difference if someone is a fast learner or slow learner, as we explain the technical difficulties and aspects of martial arts, hence the ranking system in the sport. But with regard to Woon-A-Tai, he is a very good student and I am proud of the work he is doing here in Guyana.”

When questioned on the construction and completion of the GKC’s dojo, Woon-A-Tai said that the construction should get under way sometime next year, as the requirements that were outlined by President Bharat Jagdeo were met.

“When we met with and held discussions with President Jagdeo on the issue with the land, we were told that the land would be set aside for us, once we can provide proof of finance to construct same. This set us out on a fund-raising journey to achieve such and after we raised G$1.5M we decided to do another one where a further G$6.5M was realised.

“With a projection of our future revenues, we were able to show the President that we can start and maintain the construction of the GKC, which will be done in phases with the first phase being done to the tune of G$49M and all we are awaiting now is the approval of the lease on the land by the President,” said Woon-A-Tai.

Master Okazaki, who has been a regular visitor to these shores on a yearly basis, leaves Guyana this morning while Master Woon-A-Tai who was presented with a special gift by the Mayor of Georgetown earlier this week, will leave on Monday.

Prior to his departure, he plans to hold a meeting with the parents and guardians of the karatekas with regard to Guyana’s hosting of the Pan Am Karate Championships next year, for which Master Woon-A-Tai plans to return in either March or April to assist with the host country’s preparations.