By Tiadi Blair

Karateka Troy Bobb recently represented Guyana at the Karate Alliances’ Annual National Tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the United States of America where he won four trophies and a promotion to Fourth Dan Black Belt.

Bobb is affiliated to the alliance and travels regularly to the US for competitions.  At this year’s event he gained first place in the kata competition and was second in the sword fight and weaponry category.

He was the only representative from the Caribbean among competitors from Russia, India, Pakistan, Canada and the host nation. Bobb said the competition was tough since all the karatekas had to be black belt holders.

Boob is now looking forward to an upcoming local tournament.  He said he would like to see Guyana open its doors to martial arts representatives from other parts of the world as this can help develop the sport here. This is certainly possible, he added, considering the numerous karate clubs located nationwide.

The annual martial arts tournament has been a success in previous years with competitors from the home front, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago taking part. Last year there was a reasonable turnout and  a larger attendance is expected this year.
Already the Barbadians have responded indicating their interest.

Fourth Dan Black Belt Troy Bobb in a martial arts stance with trophies won at the 2009 Nationals Tournament held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

Seven local clubs have signed onto what Bobb referred to as one of the biggest events to be held in this country for karate.
Bobb  is involved with several other clubs including one situated at the Apex Educational Institute which he considers to be one of his largest clubs. Bobb said he is dedicated to the furtherance of karate and his schedule is fully booked with classes and tournaments. His love for the sport began in the late 1980s and he moved up the ranks over the past two decades.
Bobb noted that he cannot forget those who sponsored his trip and extended thanks to his sponsors Caribbean Airliners, Apex Educational Institute, Beterverwagting NDC and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.