International Karate-do Organisation Guyana branch…
The world karate body, the International Karate-do Organization [IKO], which has its headquarters in the United States, has now officially established a branch locally, known as IKO-Guyana, and will before long be establishing affiliated dojos across the length and breadth of Guyana.
Sensei Jeffery Wong
Concurrently, the International Karate-do Organization (IKO) has appointed Guyanese karate expert Shihan Jeffery Wong, a 7th degree Black Belt, as Vice President for Dojo Development.
Shihan Wong, who early next year will be marking fifty years of being involved in the martial art of Shotokan karate, has been tasked with the special responsibility of overseeing the development and growth of the International Karate-do Organization in Guyana, and will help maintain the traditional standards of the Shotokan karate of the International Karate-do Organization
This announcement was made by Shihan Adrian Ellis, 8th Dan Black Belt and President of the International Karate-do Organization.
The IKO is a member of the World Karate Martial Arts Organization headquartered in Switzerland, the WKMO, whose members number more than 60 countries practising all styles of martial arts.
The WKMO coordinates and undertakes World Cup Championships. World Championships, Continental Championships, high-level technical seminars, referee’s and judge’s certification.
Shihan Ellis noted how honoured the IKO was to have someone with Sensei Wong’s experience and expertise as a member of their organization; someone whose tremendous skill and knowledge has influenced a large number of martial artists in Guyana, particularly young karatekas, and whose love and passion for Shotokan karate will be great for their organization and for the people of Guyana.
Karate is an ancient form of combat and self-defence that is said to have originated on the Japanese island of Okinawa. It provides meaningful exercise for both children and adults, leading to overall physical and mental health benefits.
In accepting this important position for karate in Guyana and beyond, Shihan Wong has indicated that his focus would be on the training facilities of the IKO in Guyana, which must be top-class consistent with the mission of the IKO, and possess all of the necessary amenities. He said his intention is to see IKO-Guyana invest in good training infrastructure across the country, and not to make the habitual mistake of concentrating only on Georgetown.
He opined that improving in the art of karate is a long process, but it can be done with the right instructors and dojo environments.
