IT was standing room only when the Shotokan Karate -Do Federation Saint Lucia held its 49th examination in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Karate Federation (SLKF) on the 5th floor of the Finance Administrative Centre in Pointe Seraphine recently. A combined 79 male and female karateka’s moved from White, to Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown 2, Brown 1 and 1st Degree Black belt levels.
The highlight of the evening was 8-year-old Liam Ernest (Challenged Athlete and a member of the Saint Lucia Bushido Shotokan Karate Academy, who moved from White to Yellow belt (first time in the history of the sport in Saint Lucia); and Black Belt (1st Degree, Shodan) Claudius Athill; Twinki Stephen; Analee Stephen and Malik Peter.
Addressing the gathering was President of Saint Lucia Karate Federation, Oliver Lawrence. Lawrence welcomed all the participants and wished them well in their respective examinations. He also thanked invited guests for coming to lend their support to the young ones.
“The purpose of the Karate Federation is to harmonize the karateka’s in Saint Lucia and to seek international affiliation,” Lawrence said. “SLKF is affiliated to the World Karate Federation, the Pam American Karate Federation, and the Caribbean Karate Federation. These three international bodies are recognized by the International Olympic Committee and serve as an umbrella body for Saint Lucia to participate in International events such as the Olympics Games in Tokyo 2020”.
He added, “The 49th examination is a prime example of what all affiliates should engage in. Affiliates must develop and manage their affairs and put on activities like this. You must take this business seriously. Karate is international; worldwide there are programmes available, but it is equally important that we manage our affairs well and effectively.”
“We are going places, but I ask for one thing, and this is your continued support for the sport in Saint Lucia,” Lawrence noted.
The examination panel at the three hour function included Sensei Ezra Jn. Baptiste 6th Dan SKIF-Japan, Chief Examiner; Sensei Oliver Lawrence 6th Dan SKIF-Japan; Sensei Victor Dudley 5th Dan SKIF-Japan; Sensei Deborah Jn Baptiste 4th Dan SKIF-Japan; Sensei Karim Sifflet 3rd Dan SKIF-Japan and Sensei Pius Stephen 2nd Dan SKIF-Japan.
Results
From White to Yellow Belt: Rochelle Brathwaite, Luke Couchman, AnikurEudovic, Brianna Jerson, Naomi Bernadine, Tia Fontelle, Jasmine Vigier, Lucia Byrne, Chatannye Toussaint, Christian Hyacinth, Quan Brice, Avani St. Marthe, and Nathan Mongroo.
From Yellow to Orange Belt: Sharleen Peter, Kimani Gabriel, Zaiieef Mann, Alyssa Phulgence, TeyanaNaitram, Merkai Gregg, JaenicPolius, Scott Alcee, Joshua Marcelle, Lianne Naitram, Nicholas Philogene, Amara-Jayne Alexander, Kelanie Fitz, Dialo Albert, and Summer Labadie.
From Orange to Green Belt: Camille Oculien, JehoiakimLamontagne, Thecla Fitz-Lewis, Severin Francois, Alitta Francois, Raphael Lamontagne, Faith Rudducks, Janae McKie, Ari George, AnaliseLubin, Adyra Mathurin, Damani Fitz, Myla John, Amelia Hyacinth, Desiree’ Francois, Gianna Harry and Layla John.
From Green to Blue Belt, Jeanne Miller, Electra Marcelle, Shadia Longville, Shanice Searles, Terelle Theobalds, Jean-Mar Joseph, Tyler Venner, Navon Pascal, and Deej Phillip.
From Blue to Purple Belt: Neyan Simeon, Daniel Myers-James, Breanna Justin, Sophia Gabriel, Lil Slyvest, and Anya Whitfield.
From Purple to Brown Belt: Joel Bertin, JervinAimable, Giovanni Francois, Jabari Gabriel, Ignatius Alexander, Christian Dovor, Thai-Reid Joseph and Tre’ Phillip.
From Brown to Brown Belt 2: Jarell St. Omer, RoselimaBertin, Jannae Leon, and Jerne’ Felix.
From Brown Belt 2 to Brown Belt 1: NyimWilkie and CiannaDalson.
From Brown Belt 1 to Black Belt (1st Degree, Shodan): Claudius Athill (Adult from Budoshin Dojo – Choiseul); Twinki Stephen (Young Adult from Budoshin Dojo – Choiseul); Analee Stephen (Youth from Budoshin Dojo – Choiseul) and Malik Peter (Junior Youth from Castries).
