Black belt karatekas receive upgrades in Suriname
Stabroek News
May 15, 2003
Two local martial arts students - Roy Bacchus and Alim Hussain Azimullah - were recently elevated in degree after participating in a two-day grading examination in neighbouring Suriname. The examinations committee was headed by Dr. Cha Sok Pak, holder of an 8th degree black belt and vice-president of the World Taekwondo Federation.
Bacchus was promoted from 3rd Dan black belt to 4th Dan, while Azimullah was promoted from 1st Dan to 2nd Dan.
Apart from the two locals, the grading which was held at the NGVB Sports Hall in Paramaribo, also involved students from Suriname and French Guiana.
According to a Guyana Taekwondo Association (GTA) release, Dr. Sok Pak, who is also the president of the Pan American Taekwondo Union, was ably assisted by Rolande Romeo a 6th Dan black belt and president of the Suriname Association and Ho Sak Wa another 6th Dan black belt and Technical Director for Suriname and French Guiana.
The release stated that the examinations, which were of a high standard, involved object breaking, combat fighting and Poomse (forms).
At the conclusion of the examinations, a technical committee was formed which aims to develop and promote the sport between Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. The committee would also formulate tournaments and technical exchanges between the Guianas.
Referee clinics, advanced tournament techniques and Dan promotions tests to be held at least once yearly in either of the three nations was also discussed by the committee, the release stated.
At present, The GTA has seven martial arts students undergoing intensive training for possible promotion by the first quarter of 2004.
The GTA with branches in Linden, at Peter's Hall on the East Bank of Demerara and at the Guyana Teachers Union Hall, Woolford Avenue, conducts classes for both adults and children in various aspects of the sport.
Classes are offered for children from as young as five years.
