THE FIRST ever South American Karate Championships being held under the auspices of world karate organisation, the International Karate Daigaku (IKD) got under way at the Cliff Anderson Sorts Hall, Homestretch Avenue at approximately 10:00hrs yesterday morning.Gracing this significant martial arts event with his presence this morning was His Excellency the President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, a 7th Degree Black Belt, who in his remarks pledged his Government’s continued support to the development of Karate-do, to sport in general and to the development of the youth of Guyana.

In attendance and officiating at the championships were the top brass of the IKD including the Chairman and Chief Instructor Frank Woon-a-Tai, Vice Chairman and Deputy Chief Instructor Maureen Woon-a-Tai, Shihan Keith Da Costa and IKD Executive Treasurer Bernice Hughes.

The tournament which saw the participation of Venezuela, Suriname and Guyana was of a very high standard with competitors taking part in individual Kumite (fighting), kata (form), and the application of karate through team kata team bunkai, and team enbu.

Today is the final day of the championships with the official opening ceremony set to take place from 10:00hrs, following which all of the final events will be run off.