The spirit of discipline, excellence, and competition was on full display as ISKF Guyana successfully hosted its Annual Independence Karate Tournament on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The tournament was officially declared open by Director of Sport, Mr. Steven Ninvalle, and commenced with a simple but meaningful opening ceremony featuring karate demonstrations by dojo members and a cultural dance performance.
The championships attracted one of the largest and most diverse fields in recent years, bringing together karatekas ranging in age from five to fifty-five years old and representing ranks from yellow belt through black belt. Athletes competed in individual and team events across the two disciplines of traditional Shotokan Karate: Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring).
Throughout the day, competitors demonstrated remarkable determination, sportsmanship, and technical ability. The Kata events showcased precision, speed, power, focus, and technical execution, while the Kumite divisions delivered exciting exchanges of punches, kicks, sweeps, and counterattacks that kept spectators engaged from start to finish.
Veteran competitors displayed the benefits of years of training and experience, while newer karatekas gained invaluable exposure to tournament competitions and the opportunity to test themselves under pressure.
The tournament also highlighted the strength of ISKF Guyana’s emerging talent pipeline, with several competitors capturing both Kata and Kumite titles in their respective divisions. Outstanding performances were recorded throughout the day by athletes across all age categories, reflecting the continued growth and development of traditional Shotokan Karate in Guyana.
At the conclusion of the tournament, medals were awarded to the top three finishers in each category by senior black belts Sensei Marlon George, Sensei Marvin Singh, and Sensei Stephanie Kerry.
Special recognition was also presented to outstanding performers whose achievements distinguished them throughout the competition.
The prestigious Master Gichin Funakoshi Award, named in honour of the founder of modern Shotokan Karate, was presented to Agnes Siju and Javier Collins in recognition of their exemplary discipline, commitment, character, and dedication to the principles of Shotokan Karate.
Among the junior competitors, Chelsea Harrison captured the Best Junior Female award, while Amario Tyrrell secured the Best Junior Male title.
The tournament’s highest honours went to two of ISKF Guyana’s most accomplished senior athletes. Talitha Kissoon dominated the female black belt divisions, capturing first-place finishes in Kata, Kumite, and Team Kata, and was crowned Best Senior Female Kata and Kumite Champion.
Similarly, Kristian Chaves delivered an exceptional performance, securing first-place finishes in Black Belt Kata, Black Belt Kumite, Team Kata, and Team Kumite.
His commanding display earned him the distinction of Best Senior Male Kata and Kumite Champion, cementing his position as one of Guyana’s leading Shotokan Karate competitors.
The championships also served as a key evaluation platform as ISKF Guyana finalizes preparations for its upcoming international campaign.
Athletes will travel this week to participate in the 2026 ISKF Master Camp and International Goodwill Tournament at Camp Green Lane, Pennsylvania, USA, before turning their attention to the highly anticipated 5th ISKF World Shoto Cup, scheduled for October 2026 in Merida, Yucatán, Mexico.
Several of the day’s standout performers are expected to play pivotal roles as Guyana seeks success on the international stage against some of the finest Shotokan Karate practitioners from around the world.
ISKF Guyana extends sincere appreciation to its sponsors whose support contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks are extended to Guyana Beverage Inc., under its Oasis brand, for providing refreshments throughout the tournament; Mrs. Melisa Alphonso for supporting the medal programme; Trophy Stall; and Mr. Errol Baptiste of Ruff Ltd. Automotive & Industrial Supplies for generously providing the championship trophies.
The organization also recognizes the invaluable contribution of its referees, judges, table officials, ring managers, tournament doctors, volunteers, and support teams whose dedication ensured the smooth execution of the event. Their collective efforts continue to strengthen the development of traditional Shotokan Karate in Guyana.
Special recognition is extended to:
Referees and Judges: Christopher Chaves, Marlon George, Kristalia Chaves, Kristian Chaves, Alex Rodrigues, Shawn Jemmott, Talitha Kissoon, Stephanie Kerry, Jessica Callender, Marvin Singh, and Justin Sampson.
Table Management: Tempest Katchay, Ieda Harrison, Mena Chetty, Rosita Katchay, Tammy Jeffery, and Britney Bettencourt.
Ring Management: Feonia Yong, Jonathan Yong, Chelsea Harrison, Matthew Harrison, and Emily Ibbott.
Tournament Doctors: Dr. Randell Collins and Dr. Tiffany Collins.
Entry Door Management: Deslyn Rawlins, Shellana Washington, and Angeline Christie.
Snack and Beverage Team: Navinie Persaud, Maria Parsram, Latoya Fordyce, Christopher Bacchus, Emily Chand, Jeremy Persaud, Govinda Prasad, and Nikita Dyer.
Other Volunteers: Jonathan Butters, Sheina Carter, and Adona Marcus.
As ISKF Guyana looks ahead to upcoming international competition, the association remains committed to developing disciplined athletes, fostering strong character, and proudly representing Guyana on the regional and world stage. (ISKF-Guyana)
