THE Japan Karate Association/World Federation (JKA/WF) Guyana will today host its first grading exercise for this year, under the guidance of the charismatic sixth Dan Japanese Master and ‘A’ Class judge Sensei Yasauki Nagatomo at the National Park dojo. In an exclusive coverage with local Chief instructor Sensei Christopher Chaves who is also a fourth Dan karateka, this promises not only to be special but the most anticipated, with Samuel Arjoon, Shankar Singh, Marlon George, Shermon Kyte, Storm Katchay and Shaqueel Amin all being tested for their Shodan Rank (1st degree black belt).
Sensei Nagatomo who is originally from Kyushu, Japan, and now resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he is Chief Instructor of New Mexico and serves as member of the Operating Board of JKA/WF America.
In addition to Shodan testing, Sensei Nagatomo will conduct a special training clinic at the National Park dojo and also in Berbice.
This afternoon, Sensei Nagatomo will be in Berbice to conduct examination, where members of JKA/WF Guyana from Port Mourant and Canje Dojos will for the first time experience the presence of a Japanese Examiner.
The last Dan examination (1st degree Black Belt) was conducted by the keen Master Nagatomo in 2010, whose precision in judgment is as a razor’s edge.
Endurance, a good show of character development, respect, humility and high technical ability are some of the fundamental requirements students will need to possess in order to be successful when graded by Sensei Nagatomo.
Today’s examination is set to commence at 08:30hrs, while the examinations in the Ancient County of Berbice will be held at the Rose Hall Community Centre at Canje this afternoon from 15:00hrs. All members of the public and martial arts fraternity are welcome to witness both examinations.