Sensei Bennett bestowed with Award of Service in the area of Sport

By Timothy Jaikarran

After months of nominations and voting, the Department of Youth hosted its 2019 annual National Youth Awards at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel on August 31.
The awards were bestowed in the following categories: Service in the area of Arts, Service in the area of Entrepreneurship, Service in the area of Volunteerism, Service in the area of Innovation in Science & Technology, Service in the area of Agriculture & Food Security, and Service in the area of Sport.
Sensei Miranda Bennett is the recipient of the Award of Service in the area of Sport. A certified Sensei, Bennett was part of the Little Diamond International Martial Arts Academy, known today as the Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) under guidance of Dr Nazim Yassim.
There is 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 classes. Bennett opted to teach kids’ karate classes, where she could use her platform as a positive way to teach self-defence.
Her accomplishments are numerous and are all stellar. They include Community Spirit and Ambassador Hall of Fame Awards; being the first of 2 females to receive black belt certification in Guyana for Kyokushin, and representing Guyana at karate in Suriname.
Bennett is currently in training for her ‘D’ level Referee and Judging Certification exam, which would take place 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.
Also known for her standout work, Bennett is the main force behind the Miranda B Empowerment Club, which has assisted with the up-keep of the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre (RCAC) under the theme ‘Clean & Fresh’.
In celebration of Heritage Month, Bennett is offering a 20 percent discount on her karate classes for the month of September. The classes are held on Saturdays at the Berea International Hall, located opposite the Impeccable Hall on Brickdam.