TISHANA Bianca Wong began her karate training at just six years old; and for the last seven years, she has worked all through the nine kyu ranks, beginning as a white belt (10th kyu), then being successfully promoted all the way through to brown belt (1st kyu).
Thereafter, she underwent rigorous training for six months, before successfully undergoing her shodan examinations, at which she earned a first degree black belt.
Last year, again subsequent to arduous training and practice for two years, she earned a 2nd degree black belt (Nidan ranking); and already, she has embarked on a training regimen in preparation for undertaking examinations in 2015 to earn the black belt ranking of Sandan (Third Degree).
A very tough and keen competitor in the Dojo, friends engaging this 13-year-old Aquarius-born success story outside of karate encounter a more playful, even sometimes mischievous, side of Tashana that is all part of her very likable and inspiring personality.
During her prolific karate career, Tashana represented Guyana first in St. Lucia, then in Grenada at the Caribbean Karate Championships, followed by the World Karate Tournament that was held in Toronto, Canada last year, winning gold, silver and bronze medals. She also successfully participated in a number of local tournaments, and is currently preparing to represent Guyana again, this time at the upcoming Caribbean Tournament slated for July 11-14 in Bridgetown, Barbados this year.
Tashana is one of Guyana’s teenagers who have emerged from the shadows of women’s sport into the spotlight of Karate at the highest level; and she has done so with guts and glory. Her athletic prowess is not limited to karate; she is also engaged in swimming and cricket. In her spare time, she is also occupied with cooking, writing poems, painting, and communicating with others through social media.
Tishana attends West Demerara Secondary School, and loves Science, Spanish, Electricity, and Home Management as subjects taught in school. Her ambition is to become a Veterinarian. She has a passion for travelling, fashion and music, besides hanging out with friends her age. She is extremely comfortable in her skin, and is a teen of substance, strength, talent and vigour, being unquestionably beautiful from every perspective.
Tashana encourages females of all ages to take up karate, as she suspects many people think that women and martial arts don’t mix. She debunks the theory that women are too fragile, or that if a woman gets involved in martial arts, she would start fighting, or get aggressive and mean.
She said that sometimes — and this one she finds funny — people think that only unattractive and masculine-built women get involved in martial arts. She is, of course, testimony that this is untrue; but, in fact, myths are just plain ridiculous.
Tashana says that as far as attractiveness goes, martial arts and karate in particular are great for physical fitness. It is a great way to lose weight and tone the body. It will help in strengthening muscles and gaining flexibility. It helps a woman gain self-confidence, which makes her feel and look more attractive, thus shattering the unattractiveness myth.
