THE sixth edition of the Guyana South American Undiscovered Martials Arts championship was, on Friday, launched at the National Sports Commission boardroom on middle street, Georgetown.

The event organised by Korean International Martial Arts Guyana is set to be hosted this year at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue from March 30 to 31.

Organiser Roland Eudoxie said they have done the ground work and his team was ready to stage the premier martial arts championship locally.

This year’s tournament will field teams from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago along with teams from Guyana.

An Asian team is also likely to be confirmed in the coming week.

Eudoxie said physical health, mental strength and discipline were some of the benefits of practising martial arts with practitioners being given a chance to showcase their skills.
Eudoxie noted that the support of his sponsors was crucial to him realising the dream of hosting the event for another year.

’It’s our dream at Korean International Martial Arts Guyana to develop the sport which is not only seen as an extracurricular activity but a means of discipline being taught as an important life lesson.

Guyana Tourism Authority marketing representative, Nikoli Primo, said the event demonstrates what they are all about.

“The GTA plays more than a role of promoting our beautiful landscape and our unique wildlife, we also understand the importance of sport and culture and how that plays a role in promoting our national identity and fostering vibrant society’.

Trisha Heeralall from Guyana Breweries, Asleema Khaleel from Gupta Group and Omkar Raghunauth from Icon Construction Equipment Sales and Rentals also gave brief remarks at the launch.

Competitors will duel it out in traditional Kata Forms, Points Sparring and Team Kata.

On the second day they will match skills in Freestyle, Empty Hand Kata, Weapon Kata, Points Sparring, Team Kata and Team Sparring.

The competition caters to athletes from under 6 to 35 and over with the different age categories battling it out in the novice, intermediary and black belts division in all the respective classes.
The event is also sponsored by the National Sport Commission, Starbucks Guyana, and Hand in Hand among others