Scores graduate from GKC examination

The Guyana Karate College last Friday held special Kyu and Dan grading examinations for over sixty of its students under the review of the Chairman and Chief Instructor, Shihan Frank Woon- a-Tai M.S. Woon-a-Tai is a ninth Degree Black Belt of the newest world shotokan karate organisation, the International Karate Diagaku (IKD).

Students undertaking the examinations this year were drawn from the GKC’s four dojos, namely, the Marian Academy, the Timehri Community Centre, the Guyana Karate Shotokan Club-Girl Guides Building, Brickdam, and the Malteenoes Sports Club.

Tyler Orderson, at just seven-years-old, became the youngest student from amongst all of the students across the world, under the International Karate Diagaku world umbrella organisation, to earn a Shotokan Karate black belt.

He was a first kyu brown belt and was awarded the prestigious black belt after a stringent examination was carried out by Master Woon-a-Tai and team of examiners.

Tyler, whose skills and concentration are considered to be amazing by his instructors, had within four months of taking up karate three years ago at the GKC, achieved his first belt-a yellow.

Thanks to one and a half hours of daily practice he successfully acquired the next seven belts in less than three years, under the watchful eyes of sixth Dan Black Belt and Senior Instructor, Sensei Jeffrey Wong.

Tyler, a student of Marian Academy, like the ‘Ultimate Karate Kid’, has been training since the tender age of four years-old, and already knows to perform more than a dozen katas.

Also joining the esteemed black belt club, as a result of being successful at their shodan examinations at this grading exercise, were 11-year old Alyssa Persaud of Marian Academy, and Desmond Fernandes from St. John’s College.

Of note were the promotions of Alliyah Wong and Joshua Mortley from Shodan (1st degree black belts) to Nidan (2nd degree black belts).

The high-kicking Alliyah, who is only ten-years-old and extremely gifted, also achieved the distinction of being the youngest karateka from amongst all the countries globally governed by the International Karate Daigaku to be awarded the 2nd degree (Nidan ranking). Both Alliyah and Josh put on a scintillating performance as they went through their paces for grading.

The Guyana Karate College now has its focus set on preparing its best students to be a part of ‘Team Guyana’ to participate in the first ‘International Diagaku Cup’ to be held in Toronto, Canada, starting from July 03, 2012 under the auspices of the IKD. The IKD is the newest world karate organisation that was founded by Master Frank Woon-a-Tai and which draws its membership from over 150 clubs worldwide, in excess of 20 countries.

This year, for his outstanding work and achievements in karate both locally and internationally, Master Woona-Tai was recognised by being appointed to the Orders of Guyana, as he was conferred with the insignia of the Medal of Service.

The GKC has also set for itself as a priority for the remainder of 2011, the commencement of phase two of the construction of its new headquarters and dojo at Liliendaal, on land that has been donated by the President of Guyana, His Excellency, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Already the college has completed its grading, land filling and foundation works as part of phase one, and this new phase will see the erection of the steel frame and the completion of the exterior building, including the roof and walls.