A group of 15 students of the New Providence Martial Arts & Fitness Centre participated in the 49th Annual Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) International Tournament, April 29 to May 1 in Anaheim, California. The competition provided an opportunity for the students to compete internationally, while representing their martial arts academy and their country at such a prestigious international training event.

"This level of experience and exposure is wonderful for the students' personal, team, and martial arts development, and we look forward to the results of all of their hard work," said Sensei Chinyere T.A. Ijeoma, chief instructor of the New Providence Martial Arts & Fitness Centre Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR). Instructor Sensei Roland A. Evans III also accompanied the group along with a few parents.

The group left New Providence on Thursday April 28 and returned Monday May 2, with accolades and bags full of medals for their stellar performances.

The results were: 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.

The students were granted permission to travel from their respective schools of Queen's College, Temple Christian, St. John's College, The Meridian School, Summit Academy, Genesis Academy and the College of The Bahamas (COB).

In congratulating the students, Sensei Chinyere said it was a proud moment for the karate school and the country, to witness their level of performances.

"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." Sensei Chin said. "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."

The New Providence Martial Arts & Fitness Centre also participated in the international tournament, in Anaheim, California in 2015.

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