Shotokan Karate-Do Guyana National tournament hailed a success
Last Saturday, the 2017 National Karate Tournament of the Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (SHOKOGUY) was declared open by Chief Instructor Sensei Christopher Chaves-Godan; and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall immediately experienced an explosion of energy.
Participants of Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana 2017 National Karate Tournament following its completion at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
Chaves-Godan was introduced by Secretary of the organization, Marlon George, who acknowledged Sensei Chaves’s past achievements in both competition, administration, and development of both Japan Karate Association (JKA) and International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) Karate in Guyana.
In his opening remarks, Sensei Chaves shared the vision of the ISKF, which is fully embraced by Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana, to provide the highest quality of Shotokan karate instruction to all participants through the practise of Master Funakoshi’s teachings, philosophy, and principles.
Sensei Chaves highlighted the need to have an organization with the highest level of integrity, leadership, and technical competency. He also spoke of the need to guide students in the development of character. Participants were encouraged to compete to the best of their ability with respect and dignity.
Spectators had the opportunity to witness a well-executed demonstration of attack-defensive movements, followed by breaking of boards. This was done by senior black belt students Alex Rodrigues and Shaqueel Amin.
The Tournament proceeded smoothly, as over 55 karatekas from the Headquarter Dojo-National Park, Georgetown International Academy Dojo and Craig Dojo, E.B.D competed for top honours in individual kata, Kumite, and team kata events in various age and rank divisions.
Competition was of a very high standard in both the junior and senior divisions.
The tournament concluded with Sensei Chaves thanking parents, sponsors, supporters, judges, volunteers and competitors for making the tournament a huge success.
The medals were distributed by Referees Sensei Neville Holder, Sensei Marvin Singh and Sensei Shermon Kyte.
Special trophies were awarded to Akeem Morgan: Best Junior Male Competitor; Loren Black: Best Junior Female; Nyota Rodrigues: Best Female Competitor; and Shaqueel Amin: Best Male Competitor.
