On Saturday 16th December 2023, The Anguilla Karate Association (AnKA Tigers) hosted a Karate Development Training Seminar, held at the Pythons Karate Federation Dojo- Rock Farm. The seminar commenced at 9:00 am with a brief opening ceremony, which was chaired by Ms. Uldean Trim- Secretary of the Association. AnKA Tigers athletes, parents, and the executive body of the Association attended the ceremony.
During the opening remarks, Ms. Trim shared a famous quote by Gichin Funakoshi- the founder of Shotokan Karate-Do, “Karate is like boiling water, if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.” She also shared the Vision of the Association which is , ‘To make Karate engagements a unique, inspiring, and innovative experience for all by providing the highest level of inclusive instruction, while guiding students in the development of positive character and all-round fitness. To be the leading organization in martial arts with the highest level of integrity, competence, compassion, respect, and accountability”. She also shared the Association’s mission, which is, “To provide the highest quality of instructions and promote the principles and philosophy of Karate in a suitable and safe environment, in a non-political manner with equal opportunities for all.”
President of the Association Mr. Paul Trim, gave a brief overview of the Anguilla Karate Association (AnKA Tigers), titled, ‘The Journey- then and now’. Sensei Trim highlighted that the Association focuses on Shotokan Karate and was founded on January 31st, 2022. He also shared that the Association is Non-Profit Organization registered with the Anguilla Financial Services Commission and the Department of Sports. It is governed by a constitution. He highlighted that the primary goal of AnKA Tigers is to develop youths in Anguilla through martial arts, specifically in the areas of personal development and competitive sports. He added that additionally, the club provides local athletes with opportunities to represent Anguilla on both regional and international stages in Karate. Mr Trim shared with the audience, a slide show of pictures of the journey of athletes who are also members of the Pythons Karate Federation from 2019 to now. Sensei Trim also mentioned that athletes could benefit opportunities offered by affiliated agencies at local, regional, and international levels. These agencies include the Department of Sports- Anguilla, Caribbean Karate Federation (CKF),World Karate Federation (WKF), International Karate Digaku (IKD), Pan-American Karate Federations, and other international affiliates approved by the WKF. President, Paul Trim expressed profound gratitude to the governing body of the association, for all the hard work and dedication to bring this training to fruition.
Vice-President Mr. Desmond Ollivierre,
Secretary Ms. Uldean Trim
Treasurer Mrs. Denise Samuel
Public Relations Officer Ms. Sharmer Fleming.
Sensei Cameron King, 6th Degree Black Belt, Two-time Pan American Karate Champion, Three-time silver medalist Pan American Karate Champion and, The Caribbean Representative for the Commonwealth Karate Federation outreach program, was the facilitator of the training seminar. He shared that the rational behind the training is to introduce Karate athletes to the concept of sport Karate, which provides an opportunity for karate athletes to compete in Anguilla, Regionally, and Internationally. He highlighted that participating in competitions gives athletes an opportunity to determine their level of performance and guides them on the areas for improvement. Sensei King made special reference to Zharnel Hughes, one of Anguilla’s greatest athlete- the fastest British man ever, who broke both the 100m and 200m British records which stood for thirty years. He asked the athletes, “How do you think Zharnel became a champion?” One athlete replied, “Through dedication”. Sensei king added that it was not only dedication and training everyday, but also by competing in championships where he was able to test his level of performance against other athletes. Mr King also added that by competing, Zharnel and his coach were able to determine where he needed to improve, in order to make it to the podium. He encouraged all karate athletes to do the same if they intent to make it to the podium. The seminar concluded with Sensei Paul Trim, offering words of gratitude.
Immediately following the opening seminar, athletes commenced training, with focus on Kata training in the morning and Kumite training in the afternoon. A total of 12 athletes, and 2 instructors participated in the training:
Keveon Headley
Kyrae Connor
Kei’Jae Greenaway
Xayvion Brookes
Samija Bazil
Sariah Bazil
Calum Bibby
Adrian Kentish
Kymoni Gumbs
Alexander Kentish
Kymani Hughes
Desjuan Ollivierre
Sensei Paul Trim
Sensei Uldean Trim
The training concluded at 4:00 pm after which all participants were awarded a certification of Participation.
AnKA Tigers would like to express profound gratitude to all who made a contribution towards the success of this seminar. Special thank you is extended to the Facilitator, Sensei Cameron King, association members, participants, and the team at the Department of Sports.
