MEMBERS of the Guyana Karate College (GKC), an affiliate to the International Karate Daigaku (IKD) and the Guyana Karate Federation, met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, to discuss the completion of the organization’s new dojo at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The Minister had visited the site on October 2 at the request of the members of GKC, to examine the progress of the dojo’s construction and discuss plans for its future use.

During the discussion, the GKC disclosed that the COVID-19 pandemic is constraining its ability to garner revenue and, therefore, construction has stalled.

A release from the GKC also stated that they informed the Minister that it requires more funding to complete the dojo and requested the government’s support for this very worthy initiative.

Minister Ramson, the GKC said, committed to advocating on their behalf for the required assistance for the completion of the building.

Sensei William Grant, executive assistant to Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th Dan, M.S., chairman of both the GKC and IKD,  indicated that once completed, this state-of-the-art facility/dojo will become the international headquarters of the IKD for the Caribbean and South American regions, with capacity to host local, regional and international tournaments and training seminars.

The new dojo will have over 3,530 square feet of open training space plus two enclosed dojos– one for VIP training– an office, boardroom, karate library and gym. The facility can also be utilized by other martial arts sporting disciplines for tournaments and competitions and can accommodate three competition rings simultaneously.

The GKC said they’re a traditional Shotokan Karate college dedicated to the teachings of Master Gichin Funakoshi and Master Masatoshi Nakayama. Its’ parent body– the IKD– is the fastest growing international karate organization in the world with dojos in over 76 regions from 56 countries.

The IKD uses traditional and modern applied research to offer the highest level of karate to all students while upholding standards of excellence that inspire students to improve character development and instill core values of respect, honour and discipline.

The IKD also encourages positive behaviour and empowers children and youth to live socially and emotionally healthy lives.

Further information about the GKC and IKD can be viewed at their websites www.guyanakaratecollege.com and www.internationalkaratedaigaku.com

Members of the public wanting to learn more about GKC’s Dojo project and contribute to its completion may contact Sensei William Grant at 699-3358 or the Assistant Treasurer, Golda Kurtzious, at 639-3089.