ZANSHIN Karate Dojo recently hosted Saint Lucia’s inaugural Youth Karate Kata Tournament at the Beausejour Indoor Facility.
Over 60 young karatekas, aged 5 to 15, participated in the kata competition. The event featured athletes from Zanshin Karate Dojo and three other dojos: Ikikata Shotokan Karate School, led by Sensei Kara-Lee Emmanuel-Theobalds; Kaizen Shotokan Karate School, led by Sensei Karim Sifflet; and Rising Warriors Academy, led by Sensei Christopher Napoleon. Participants from St. Joseph’s Convent, Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School, and Carmen Renee Memorial School represented Zanshin Dojo.
An event organizer described the tournament as a resounding success, marking the beginning of a new era for karate in Saint Lucia with a stronger focus on youth involvement and participation. The management of Zanshin Karate Dojo expressed gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the event.
A special recognition and award ceremony are being planned to extend their thanks.
Results of Zanshin Youth Competitors were as follows:
| GENDER | AGE-BELT GROUP | WINNERS | PLACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | White | Dristan Lewis | 1st |
| Mikyo Charlery | 2nd |
||
| Mikye Charlery | 3rd | ||
| Female | Yellow / Orange | Leilani Felicien | 1st |
| Neyah Jawahir | 2nd | ||
| Jaeger Cox | 3rd | ||
| Female | White/Yellow/Orange / Green | Alyssa Martyr | 1st |
| Kyra Dolcy | 2nd | ||
| Annabelle Khodra | 3rd | ||
| Male | Yellow / Orange | Ethan-Daniel Jordan | 1st |
| Kyre Simon | 2nd | ||
| Hervany George | 3rd | ||
| Male | Orange / Green | Vijai Plummer | 1st |
| Zhamari David | 2nd | ||
| Varek St. Clair | 3rd | ||
| Female | Yellow / Orange | Kaelyn Preville | 1st |
| Thandi Wilson | 2nd | ||
| Davia Dupres | 3rd | ||
| Male | Yellow / Orange | Joshua Emmanuel | 1st |
| J’Quan Tuitt | 2nd | ||
| Jamanni Gustave | 3rd | ||
| Female | Purple | Teyanna Naitraim | 1st |
| Lianne Naitraim | 2nd | ||
| Janae McKie | 3rd | ||
| Male / Female | Brown | Shanice Searles | 1st |
| Davion Isidore | 2nd |