Bequia karate students make grade

A group of nine students from Bequia Kiai Karate School, forming part of the International Shotokan Karate Federation, travelled to St Vincent on Saturday, May 17 to take their latest examinations.{{more}} All came back having successfully passed their grading and were presented with certificates and their new belts at an informal presentation at the dojo in Lower Bay, Bequia last weekend.

The group included the youngest ever karate pupil of the school, five-year-old Ivo Rands, who gained his Yellow belt alongside his mum, Bec Horner.

Another family group, mother and daughter Elena and Jamilia Glynn gained their Purple belts, trying to catch up with big sister Chelsea, who is set for taking her Black belt, next – the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree at the age of only 13!

Teenager Canyon Duncan gained his 1st Kyu Brown belt enabling him to go for his Black belt in a year’s time.

Others gaining their belts were Shaquille Primus (Purple bar), Chrislan Friday (Orange), Joan Davis (Purple) and Saraija Lewis (3rd Kyu Brown)

Proud of her son and delighted to have found karate, Bec Horner said:

“Ivo has worked very hard to be ready to take his first belt. It is not easy for a five-year-old to concentrate, but through karate he has learned how to not give up and has gained the confidence to believe he can do it. I am so proud of him and he is so pleased to have got there; he has such a feeling of accomplishment”.

Bequia Kiai Karate School is headed up by Sensei Selwyn Gibson of St Vincent, who is a highly respected 3rd Dan. Training for the best part of 40 years, Sensei brings a magical blend of discipline, experience and encouragement to each karate session which sees his pupils grow in confidence, strength, fitness and character.