Fifth Dan Black Belt Karate Master Winston Dunbar has returned home with a desire to generate greater interest in the art of Wado-Ryu after successfully attending the Wado-Ryu Summer Academy in England recently.
According to Sensei Dunbar, the summer programme attracted more than 200 participants and was conducted by current head of the international Wado-Ryu organization grandmaster Hironori Otsuka II and ninth Dan black belt M. Shionitsu.
“The programme was very enlightening and I have returned to impart the knowledge gained to the local students,” said Sensei Dunbar who is the head of the Wado-Ryu in Guyana.
It was Dunbar’s fifth visit to the Summer Academy where grading, tactical training and physical conditioning takes place.
Dunbar said while it was very expensive to attend the international programmes he had learnt a lot over the years and that was also the only way that he could be graded.
Sensei Dunbar said that he is grateful to Courtney Benn Construction Company who provided him with the ticket as well as support from Banks DIH Ltd., Kei Shars Store and Carwyn Holland Enterprises for making his trip possible.
The local karate instructor is encouraging young Guyanese to get involved in Wado-Ryu which was once popular in the 1970s and 80s.
“I am hoping to see an increase in membership and I am therefore encouraging youths to enroll in the Academy,” he added.
Sensei Dunbar said Wado-Ryu was very popular around the world but Guyana is the only known area that practices that form of karate in the Caribbean.
Wado-Ryu was started in Guyana back in 1963 by Alex Waithe, who was assisted by Dunbar.
When Waithe migrated in the mid-70s Dunbar took over and has been head of the local Academy ever since.
Earlier classes were held at the Guyana Defence Force Gymnasium, PSU Hall, and Teachers College in Kingston.
The Banks DIH Wado-Ryu Academy at Thirst Park which was started in 1989, remains the main centre but sessions are now being held at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Mae’s School in Subryanville.
According to Sensei Dunbar, sessions at Banks DIH Sports Club are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 17:30 hours and Sundays from 09:30 hours with sessions for the Tuschen centre being held on Wednesdays and Saturdays while at Mae’s school training takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 15:30 hours.
Sensei Dunbar is assisted by his son second Dan Ron Dunbar and first Dans Fazal Mohamed and Darren Nurse.
Wado-Ryu is one of four traditional Japanese karate styles and was introduced by Japanese Grand Master Hironori Otsuka in 1938.
