A group of 15 students of the New Providence Martial Arts & Fitness Centre participated in the 49th Annual Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai International Tournament from April 29-May 1st in Anaheim, California and returned with karate bags full of medals and accolades for their stellar performances.

This competition provides an opportunity for the students to compete internationally, while representing their Martial Arts Academy and their country at a prestigious international training and tournament event.

Sensei Chinyere T. A. Ijeoma, Chief Instructor New Providence Martial Arts & Fitness Centre Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai, said of the event: “This level of experience and exposure is wonderful for the student’s personal, team, and martial arts development and we look forward to the results of all of their hard work.

“I wish to congratulate each of our competitors from the New Providence Martial Arts Centre for doing such an outstanding job representing school and country so well at the 49th Annual Japan Karate-do Ryobu-kai International Tournament.”

She added: “The competition was great experience for them. I saw each of our students elevate their performance to the level of their competition. Their focus and endurance has certainly come a long way. I have never felt so proud as an instructor and a Bahamian with how well our kids represented the 242 in and out of the ring.”

Instructor Sensei Roland A Evans III, also accompanied the group along with some of the parents.

The results: Chernard Thompson, Red Belt – Kata 2nd, Kumite, 2nd; Dominic McFall, Brown Belt – Kata 2nd, Kumite 2nd; Robyn Evans, Purple Belt – Kumite, 1st, Kata, 3rd; Chigozie Ijeoma Jr. Red Belt, Kumite 1st, Kata, 3rd; Roland Evans, Black Belt - Kata 1st; Casey Scavella, Red Belt – Kumite, 1st; Duran Rolle, Brown Belt – Kumite, 3rd; Morgan Sands, Purple Belt – Kata, 3rd, Kumite, 3rd; Charles Diggis, Brown Belt – Kumite, 1st; Kata, 3rd; Chianna Diggis, Green Belt – Kumite, 2nd, Kata, 2nd; William Knowles, Brown Belt – Kumite, 2nd, Kata, 2nd; Miles Ferguson, Red Belt – Kumite, 2nd, Kata, 3rd; Nkume Ijeoma, Brown Belt – Kumite, 3rd; and Jadyn Munnings, Brown Belt – Kumite 2nd, Kata, 1st.