GTT is observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme Pinktober, and is hosting a one-hour free karate session at Berea International Hall, opposite Impeccable Hall on Brickdam.
GTT Pinktober flyer
The classes are being conducted by 2nd Dan black belt holder Miranda Bennette from 13:30h to 14:30h.
Bennett started her martial arts career in 2002 at the age of seven and under the instruction of Sensi Robert Alleyne. She went on to Banks DIH and learnt Wado with Master Winston Dumbar.
In July 2012, Bennett joined Little Diamond International Martial Arts Academy, known today as the Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) under guidance of Dr Nazim Yassim, where she worked her way up the ladder to earn the title of 2nd Dan Black Belt.
In 2017, GIKMAA collaborated with ‘LiveProactive’, and was placed in charge of teaching Tai Chi, Self-Defence and Kids Karate Class. Having the option, Bennett decided to teach Kids Karate Classes, where she could use her platform as a positive way to teach self-defence.
She has stellar accomplishments under her belt, which include Community Spirit and Ambassador Hall of Fame Awards; being the first of 2 females to receive black belts in Guyana for Kyokushin, and also representing Guyana in Suriname to add to her long list of achievements.
Bennett is currently in training for her ‘D’ level Referee and Judging certification exam, which is in November, along with her 1st Dan Kubodo Weapons Exam.
In 2019, she intends to focus on her 3rd Dan and Chief Instructor level exams, which are also set for November, as she aims to qualify herself to become a standout for Guyana in karate.
Bennett attributes her success to the continuous support of her family members, and she also greatly appreciates the assistance forthcoming from her current instructor Dr Nazim Yassim and the GIKMAA family, National Sports Commission (NSC) and Red Cherry Café, for their long standing support in helping her achieve her goals. (Timothy Jaikarran)
