Senior Karateka Roger Peroune dominated the dojo this past Sunday when the Association Do Shotokan Karate – Guyana (ASK-G) held its 2018 National championships at the YMCA, Thomas Lands.
Peroune, who was recently appointed Vice-President of the Guyana Karate Federation (GKF), snared the first place spot, ascending to first place kumite after beating veteran Keith Beaton in an intense showdown.
Among the top Kata performers; Joel Kellman’s Empi Kata saw him excel to the rank of Brown Belt level despite not winning a medal. Kellman, one of the future stars of the sport once again performed creditably in the Kumite, placing 3rd place amongst the Black belts.
Karatekas pose following Sunday’s Championship at the YMCA Dojo
Peroune’s display of speed, accuracy and skill saw him steal the show in the senior category, despite having to contest with a few seasoned fighters. Peroune eliminated his first opponent in very short time and the final match against seasoned Beaton saw him being victorious acquiring the coveted Kumite first place.
In the 15-17 males, strong performances from Trevon Miller and Charles Benjamin earned them first and second place respectively in the Kata division. The Kumite saw just as fiery combat as the adults resulting in Trevon Miller and Shemar Parkinson placing first and second.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s tourney featured some 40 categories with over 80 competitors drawn from the East Bank, East Coast, West Bank, West Coast and Georgetown.
The martial artists participated in 20 Kata and 20 Kumite contested among athletes aged 5-6, 7-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17 years old. The officiating judges were Clinton Moriah, Bhagwandin Persaud, Roger Peroune, Keith Beaton, Mahadeo Ramotar, Malcolm Francis, Laurence Lowe, Patrick Gurahoo, Leonard Leuwassie and Rebecca Wesley.
