THE Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association (GWRKA) has planned a series of activities to honour its chief instructor Sensei Winston Dunbar who celebrates 50 years as a martial arts practitioner and the celebrations will coincide with Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.The programme will kick off with a Fitness Walk this Sunday from the National Cultural Centre to Banks DIH Sports Club at Thirst Park starting at 07:00hrs.
Members of the (GWRKA) and well-wishers will participate in the event, sponsored by Banks DIH Limited.
The next event will be a National Youth championships billed for May 8 at the Banks DIH Sports Club starting at 10:00hrs.
The championships will be open to students six years to 15 years old from karate clubs at Mae’s School, Banks DIH and Farm, East Bank Essequibo. There will also be a fund raising barbecue to be hosted by the Association.
Sensei Dunbar, a 7th Degree black belt (Shian) started practising martial arts in March 1966 at Lithographic Karate Club and later became one of the founders of the Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association and the Guyana Karate Federation along with Frank Woon-a-Tai, Alex Waithe and Steve Moonasingh.
He attended the World championships in Los Angeles, USA in 1975 and among his many achievements was a 2007 International Olympic Committee (IOC) award in recognition of his contribution to the development of karate in Guyana. He was also awarded the status of Technical Adviser for Wado Ryu for the Caribbean and Guyana by Grand Master Hironori Otsuka.
Sensei Dunbar has expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for supporting the work of the (GWRKA). Sessions are held weekly at Mae’s School in Subryanville, Banks Sports Club and Farm, East Bank Essequibo.