Adrian John is first Vincentian to become licensed PKF Coach

The Hairouna Karate Federation (HKF) and by extension, St Vincent and the Grenadines, has broken the glass ceiling with Adrian John becoming the first to obtain a Panamerican Karate Federation (PKF) licensed Kata and Kumite coach.

John obtained his licence after successfully completing a theoretical examination, during the staging of the Youth Panamerican Karate Championship in Paraguay, from August 27 to 30, 2025.

John who was the St Vincent and the Grenadines coach to the championships, expressed delight at being able to pave the way for others.

“For me the licence opens doors to coaching roles at the regional championships, Panamerican Games, and even the Olympics.”

Beyond the networking, John sees the licence as a pathway for further advancement.

“Being a licensed coach Panamerican Karate Federation (PKF) Kata and Kumite coach offers a range of strategic, professional and practical benefits not just for me, but for St Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole,” John told SEARCHLIGHT.

“ A PKF Coach grants us access to Coaching Zones at Official events. This gives us direct influence during matches- offering tactical advice, managing athlete stress and responding to referees’ decisions.”

John added that, “PKF also aligns with the World Karate Federation’s regulations, ensuring that I am recognized across Panamerica and global events. Too, it demonstrates my commitment to fair play, anti- doping protocols and ethical coaching conduct”.

Looking form a broader perspective, John advanced that St Vincent and the Grenadines’ professional credibility and recognition will also increase as federations view licensed coaches asn “vetted professionals”.

He is confident that with him opening doors, others in St Vincent and the Grenadines will also traverse this route and become licensed.