Guyana places third overall at ISKF South America Masters Tournament

Guyana secured an impressive third-place finish overall in the medal standings at the fourth International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) South America Masters Tournament, held from April 24 to 27, in Bogotá, Colombia.

According to a release, a strong contingent of 29 competitors, supported by four coaches, three judges, and one official, proudly represented the nation at the regional event, earning high praise for their performance among participating countries.

The tournament opened with essential training sessions, judges’ briefings, and instructors’ seminars led by the highly respected Shihan Hiroyoshi Okazaki, 9th Dan, Chief Instructor and Chairman of ISKF. These sessions provided participants with valuable opportunities for skill development and knowledge sharing.

The release noted that Guyana’s junior karatekas delivered standout performances that contributed significantly to the team’s overall success. Katalina Carter (8–9 girls), Arryan Sankar (10–11 girls), and Agnes Siju (12–13 girls) each earned double gold in both Kata and Kumite. Jasmin Dalgetty and Amario Tyrrell (12–13 boys) matched that feat with golds in both categories as well. David Charles (12–13 boys) and Emily Ibbott (12–13 girls) also performed strongly, each securing two silver medals.

Additional medals in the junior divisions were earned by Jevanah Collins, Ethan Goodhart, Trivena Tyrrell, Miah Sampson, Gia McPherson, Kem Chan, Kempton Carter, and Gael McPherson.

In the black belt divisions, the release said that Guyana’s athletes displayed grit and determination. Talitha Kissoon (18–21 adult female) took bronze in Kata and silver in Kumite, while Kristian Chaves (18–21 adult male) earned a bronze in Kumite. Alex Rodrigues (22–44 adult male) added a bronze in Kumite, and Feonia Yong (22–44 adult female) claimed bronze in Kata and silver in Kumite. Rosita Katchay (45–55 female adult seniors) won gold in Kumite.

Team events added further highlights. The junior team of Jevanah Collins, Kem Chan, and Ethan Goodhart captured gold in Team Kata, while the team of Trivena Tyrrell, Emily Ibbott, and Javier Collins earned silver in the same category. In the Team Kumite final, Guyana defeated host nation Colombia to advance, ultimately falling to Argentina to take the silver medal. Alex Rodrigues recorded a notable individual victory during the matchup.

Outside of competition, the Guyanese delegation explored Colombia’s rich culture and scenic landscapes through organised sightseeing tours, the release stated.

ISKF–Guyana expressed appreciation to Shihan Hiroyoshi Okazaki, Sensei Julian Garcia Torres (Country Director, Colombia), Sempai Simonee Torrealba (Tournament Director, Colombia), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports – Guyana for their support with tax exemptions, and all officials, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the team and the tournament.

ISKF–Guyana is based at their HQ Studio (Benab) in the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.