The Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) left Guyana with a team of 12 on August 17, to compete in the Shuirken Martial Arts School Tournament which began on August 19 in Suriname.
Led by Grandmaster Soke and Dr Nazim Yassim, they were able to cop nine medals. 
They took with them seven students who were eager to participate in the tournament. They were: Christian Freeman (13), Joshua Bascombe (17), Govindanauth Persaud (17), Vikash Somwaru (17), Bhudesh Shilchand (18), Shakeel Rahat (23) and Maranda Bennett (23).
Being a confident unit, the team fought with everything they had, and thus secured three gold medals, five silver medals and a bronze medal. This feat was no easy task, as it required hard work and dedication.
Enmore resident Govindanauth Persaud fought extremely well, but lost the bout in the quarter finals.
Instructor Vikash Somwaru claimed all three gold medals: in the Kata, weapons Kata, and Kumite 16-19 divisions.
Christian Freeman secured silver in the 13- 15 Kumite; Joshua Bascombe struck silver in the 16-19 Kumite; Bhudesh Shilchand won two silver medals in the 16-19 Kata & Kumite Division; while Shakeel Rahat, who fought for the first time, landed bronze in the Kumite.
Lone female on the team, Instructor Maranda Bennett, claimed silver in the 20- 25 Kata.
Even though that leg of the competition is completed, Grandmaster Soke stated that he is not going to let the medal count get to his head, as the team is already being prepared for the Open International Championship on September 23. His team (kyo-Kushin-Kai Guyana) will be doing battle against Suriname, Trinidad, and local teams at the National Gymnasium.
Dr Nazim Yassim also expressed heartfelt thanks to the National Sports Commission, Gafsons Industries Ltd, and all the parents that supported the Kyokushinkai Guyana Team.
