By Vanessa Cort
GUYANESE Verney Max Massiah reached the pinnacle of his illustrious martial arts career when, last year, he received the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Award. Max, who developed Maxido Street Defence – a series of moves designed to quickly get someone under attack out of trouble – has been in martial arts for 54 years now.
This is the second time he has received the GOAT Award in his career. Among other achievements, he is a ten-time Hall of Famer and has twice received the Kung Fu and Karate Masters of Martial Arts Medal.
Kelly Lee, a formidable martial arts expert and heavyweight kickboxing champion, said Max tossed him around during the demonstration for his recent GOAT Award.
“He’s the real deal. I’m twice his size and he was throwing me like nothing”, said Kelly, who recalled how he grew to like and respect Max after they met, talked and dined together
“He knows his stuff…awesome guy, super human being”, Lee praised, urging anyone who got the opportunity to train with Max.
Many Guyanese have done so at Max’s dojo, formerly housed at the Critchlow Labour College in Thomas Lands, but now located at his home in North Ruimveldt.
He is currently looking for a more spacious venue in the city as the space at his home is limited and he has had to reduce the size of his classes.
“I have achieved all I really wanted to”, he said in a recent interview, “I always dreamed of being a black belt and now I actually train black belts”.
Now he wants to put all of his energy into running his dojo and teaching Guyanese men, women and youth simple but effective self-defence.
Students are given formal martial arts training, also learning intense street defence techniques.
All of the moves result in broken bones for the attacker, who is generally totally unprepared for the speed and accuracy of the defence.
Max emphasises defence rather than attack, saying, “My aim is to teach defence tactics that anyone can use.” His methods can be used by older people, who need quick, effective methods that do not require a lot of physical strength.
Max is currently involved in planning a movie to be shot locally, with fellow martial arts expert and actor, Silvio Simac.
Simac visited this country some years ago, holding a series of events aimed at sharing his knowledge and skills with Guyanese. In an interview, he declared his love for the country and his desire to return with his family.
He and Max have been friends for many years and close collaborators in the martial arts arena.
The planned movie will see them once more ‘putting their heads together’ in a project aimed at showcasing their martial arts techniques, while telling an interesting story.
It is comforting to know that we have in our midst such an accomplished martial arts veteran, willing to share his considerable knowledge and experience with Guyanese of all ages from teenagers to older folks.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
