… Special trophies awarded to Amin, Rodrigues, Black and Morgan

LAST Saturday, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall experienced an explosion of energy with the Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (SHOKOGUY) 2017 National Karate Tournament, after being declared open by Chief Instructor, Sensei Christopher Chaves-Godan.

Chaves-Godan was introduced by secretary of the organisation, Marlon George, who acknowledged Sensei Chaves’ past achievements both in competition and administration as well as in the development of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) in Guyana.

In his opening remarks, Sensei Chaves shared the vision of the ISKF which is fully embraced by Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana to provide the highest quality of Shotokan karate instructions to all participants through the practice of Master Funakoshi’s teachings, philosophy, and principles.

Sensei Chaves highlighted the need to have an organisation with the highest level of integrity, leadership, and technical competency. He also spoke of the need to guide students in the development of character. Participants were encouraged to compete to the best of their ability with respect and dignity.

Spectators had the opportunity to witness a well-executed demonstration of attack-defensive movements followed by breaking of boards. This was done by senior black belt students Alex Rodrigues and Shaqueel Amin.

The Tournament proceeded smoothly, as over 55 karatekas from the Headquarter Dojo-National Park, Georgetown International Academy Dojo and Craig Dojo, E.B.D competed for top honours in individual kata, kumite, and team kata events in various age and rank divisions. Competition was of a very high standard in both the Junior and Senior divisions.

The tournament concluded with Sensei Chaves thanking parents, sponsors, supporters, judges, volunteers and competitors for making the tournament a huge success.
The medals were distributed by Referees- Sensei Neville Holder, Sensei Marvin Singh and Sensei Shermon Kyte.

Special trophies were awarded to Akeem Morgan – Best Junior Male Competitor, Loren Black – Best Junior Female, Nyota Rodrigues – Best Female Competitor and Shaqueel Amin – Best Male Competitor.