US help coming for karate clubs

The American-Trinidad and Tobago Karate Union has announced its  assistance with the programmes promoted by the TT Karate Federation (TTKF) in the next calendar year starting in September.

This will include financial support for new clubs joining the TTKF to assist with start-up costs associated with advertisements, protective equipment, training programmes (coaching, officiating — WKF rules). The TTKF is also looking to host JKF (Japan Karate Federation) official’s seminars and workshops and exams in Trinidad and Tobago next year. This was revealed yesterday by Sharon Grell, executive director of the US-TT Karate Union in an e-mail from New York. President of the organisation is Keith Taylor. These programmes are open to all karatekas from TT including those from the TTKU. “We are suggesting to the TTKU that their members participate in these programmes and pass  the JKF dan examinations before appointing technical committees. To not do so would be like the ‘blind leading the blind’,” Grell said.

This is an open challenge to the TTKU, the US-based official said. “We are also asking the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs to oversee this programme to ensure fairness. The TTKF is willing to accept the results of the JKF Examination Committee. Is the TTKU willing to do so?” she asked. Candidates for dan testing must be able to perform the eight shetai (mandatory) kata and demonstrate bunkai (application) and kihon (basics) for the kata demonstrated. The ATTKU official said she is very confident that both the TTKF and the TTKU members are capable of excelling in the exam. Contact numbers for further information are TTKU —- Selwyn Tompack 662-4278 (President);  TTKF — Roger Howai 674-2844 (President)