Vincentian karatekas sharpen skills at Kumite training in Panama

There was nothing but praise for the experience gained by two Vincentian karatekas who were part of a recent Kumite training exercise in Panama.

Representing St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) at the Centro Caribe Sports event, November from 30 to December 1, 2024, were J- Don Matthews and Rishaud Roache.

They were accompanied by coach, Adrian John.

The training exercise involved representatives from the Caribbean and Central America, and was held under the tutelage of Douglas Brose, a three-time World Karate champion, gold medallist in the 2009 World Games, the 2015 Pan American Games, as well as being an eight-time Pan American Karate Championships champion.

Matthews in her assessment said, “I really enjoyed the training. The two days were fun. In terms of the training, it was very informative. I learned some new techniques. I also had the opportunity to learn from other athletes and got tips”.

Eager to improve her own craft and share with others, Matthews added, “Now that I am back home, I have started to practise what I have learnt so I can get better. Overall, it was a great opportunity and experience for me”.

For Roache, the experience was “nothing short of phenomenal”.

Noting that it was insightful, Roache, added that, “the training itself was intense and when combined with the knowledge of the instructor, it was very insightful as wisdom was imparted, allowing me to use existing techniques more effectively to improve my Kumite. I would like to point out that improvement of my Kumite came not only from the instructor, but from the other athletes whom I met during the training”.

The karateka stressed that the Panama training was both worthwhile and fruitful.

“It was an incredible experience and I am eager to pass on the knowledge I have gained to the other karatekas of St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

John too, agreed that karate in St Vincent and the Grenadines will be better served from having attended the Kumite training.

The trio’s sojourn to Panama, dovetailed with a similar training in the Kata. At that session, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ representatives were Christian Joseph (athlete), and Seon Stronghold (coach).