by Charles Gladden
BELIZE CITY, Tues. May 9, 2023
On Saturday, May 6, a group of Belizean students from the House of Shotokan Karate participated in the Eagle Park Taekwondo Championships at Parque del Queso, Chetumal, Mexico, and achieved the highest honors in their respective categories.
Belize was the only foreign country to participate, along with several Mexican towns and villages, including San Salvador, Maxuxac, Escarseja, Yucatán, and Xul-Ha.
Amphree Swasey, Jamir Ayala, and Leah St. Clair placed first in the Children’s Fighting Division, Men’s Fighting Division, and Children Girls Fighting Division, respectively.
Nephatia Lopez placed second in the 5-6 Children’s Girls Fighting Division, and Myah Grant placed second in the 8-10 Children’s Girls Fighting Division. Second-place spots were also achieved by Mycah Grant in the 8 -12 Boys’ Fighting Division, and Coyichi Lam placed second in the 12- 14 Boys’ Fighting Division.
Joy Bowen won second place in the Tots-Children Fighting Division, Lucas Martinez won 2nd place in the Children Boys Fighting Division, Gordon Feinstein won 2nd place in the Boys Intermediate Fighting Division, Bention Feinstein won second place in the Boys’ Beginners Fighting Division, and, Nicholas Hyde won second place in the Boys’ Fighting Division.
Also, Manon Mazella placed second in the Women’s Fighting Division.
Taekwondo is a style of martial arts which originated in Korea and involves the use of kicking techniques only. Taekwondo differs from karate, in which both arms and legs are used, Shihan Ray Kelly, Master at House of Shotokan, told Amandala.
“Going into an all-kicking tournament, the students had to make transitions themselves. Myself, being a former Taekwondo fighter, I was able to work with them to make that adjustment, and then go into an all-Taekwondo tournament,” he said.
“At this age, they’re being exposed to success within the martial art realm, and subsequently it builds their self-esteem and their confidence level is high. It also encourages them to look forward to the next event,” Kelly added.