Vincentian karatekas elevated after grading exercise

Local karatekas from three dojos were part of a grading exercise, held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Scouts Headquarters, Arnos Vale.

The Vincentians showed their skills under the keen eyes and expertise of Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon Tai, the founder and Chief Instructor of the International Karate Daigaku/College.

From Left: Allan Burke 7th Dan and Marc Cordice 8th Dan

After the process, 46 were ranked with belts between white and brown.

The highlight though, was the upward movement of those with black belts.

Entering the higher levels were one female and six males who received their 1st Dan Black Belt.

The recipients were Cassique Quow, the lone female, from the IKD Shotokan dojo; along with Rishawn Roache, Malik McKie and Jeaden Guy of Dragon Ryu Karate; and the duo of Desmond Cox and Liam Bollers of the Seishin Karate Dojo.

Obtaining a 2nd Dan Black Belt was Aaron Mc Donald of Seishin Karate Dojo; and a 4th Dan was attained by Adrian John, also of the Seishin Karate Dojo.

Significantly, two karatekas were awarded with 7th Dan, and one with an 8th Dan.

Elevated to 7th Dan were Allan Burke and Claude Bascombe Jr. Thus, Burke and Bascombe are regarded as (Shihan) “Master instructor” or Teacher of Teachers” signifying that they are highly skilled and experienced instructors.

Attaining 8th Dan status was Marc Cordice, who is deemed the pioneer of Karate here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Cordice, who spearheaded the popularity of Karate in the mid-1970s, now resides in Seattle, Washington, USA.