SENSEI Compton Winston Dunbar, Chief Instructor of the Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association has been awarded with the 8th Dan Black Belt by the Caribbean Karate Federation (CKF) for his distinguished service to karate in the region.

He was also appointed President/Chief Instructor of the 29-nation regional federation.
Sensei James Holder, London-based Head Coach of the CKF, who is on a short visit to Guyana, made the presentation to Sensei Dunbar on behalf of the federation. It is the highest award in the Caribbean for the Wado Ryu style.

Sensei Dunbar, who celebrated 50 years as a martial arts practitioner last year, was also honoured in 2000 when he was appointed Technical Adviser by Grand Master of the World Union of Karate-do Federations.
“I am honoured to be presented with this award and I will continue to serve diligently to promote the development of the sport in Guyana and the Caribbean, “the Chief Instructor said.

He also thanked Banks DIH Limited for assisting the development of the sport locally by providing the Sports Club at Thirst Park as the main dojo of the local association for the past 28 years.

Meanwhile, Holder said his visit to Guyana coincides with preparation for the hosting of the inaugural Caribbean Karate-Do championships slated for October 27-28, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Affiliates of the CKF will participate in the championships to be hosted for the first time in the Caribbean and sanctioned by the World Union of Karate-Do Federations.