THE Guyana Karate College (GKC) held a simple but significant presentation ceremony yesterday at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue and Camp Street, where deserving students and members of the college, who attained Dan Ranks in April of this year, were presented with their International Black Belts and diplomas.

There were five recipients of black belts, including eight-year-old Azari Samuels. The others are David Hackett, Shawn Jemmot, Gobin Kumar and Balram Daas.
During the ceremony, Hackett and the youngster Samuels, bravely demonstrated some ‘Tachis’ before having a quick chat with the media.

Samuels, who is now entering the fourth grade, thanked his parents and his sensei for his success.
In an invited comment with 5th Dan Sensei Laurence Lowe — Samuels’ teacher — he noted that, “Azarri is a very determined young man, very competitive and usually the first one there (at training). His drive has allowed him to achieve his black belt at this very young age.”

Sensei Lowe noted that Azzari, who began karate at the tender age of three years old, is the model student and he hopes that his commitment and success can help inspire upcoming and aspiring karatekas.