Dr. Frank Woon-A-Tai Budokan commissioned by PM Phillips

The lifelong vision of a legendary Guyanese, Master Frank Woon-A-Tai came to fruition on Wednesday when Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips officially commissioned the Dr. Frank Woon-A-Tai Budokan at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The sprawling facility will serve as the headquarters of the International Karate Daigaku, which was formed by Master Woon-A-Tai, and has a presence in 58 countries.

While still not fully complete, construction of the massive two-storey concrete structure began in 2010, with funding garnered from government and the corporate community.

Fundraising initiatives by Shuseki Shihan or World Chief Master Woon-A-Tai and his team at the Guyana Karate College were also executed to offset expenses.

The building, sitting on land made available by former president Bharrat Jagdeo, houses four training halls- a massive one measuring 42’x105’, a medium one and two smaller spaces.

It also comprises a viewing area for spectators, administrative offices, instructors lounge and storage area.

Government’s support

Prime Minister Phillips, delivering feature remarks after cutting the ribbon, was pellucid in his comments about the governing administration’s support for the development of karate and the propagation of its numerous benefits.

“I look forward to the college elevating the standard of karate. I see the college playing a leading role in making karate more visible and popular in Guyana and attracting more enthusiasts,” PM Phillips asserted.

“We have to plan and in planning, we have to set targets. We should set a bold target to establish karate clubs in every secondary school in Guyana within the next 10 years. While this goal is challenging, it is a vision worth pursuing,” he added.

‘A shot in the arm’ for karate

The Prime Minister is confident the facility and the accompanying programmes that will be developed will aid in the expansion of the discipline and create well-rounded individuals.

He touched on the benefits, some of which include physical fitness, mental discipline, ethical values, strength, flexibility and coordination, all of which contribute to overall good health.

The prime minister stressed that it is important that the college implements ongoing training programmes to develop a large pool of instructors who can return to their communities and schools to teach the art.

He added that karate, like many other sports in Guyana, has faced significant setbacks due to the migration of skilled instructors.

And, according to the prime minister, the loss of skilled and experienced instructors leaves a gap that hinders the sport’s growth and continuity.

To this end, he noted that the institution can count on the government’s support to ensure every young person in Guyana experiences the benefits of karate.

WATCH BELOW: Dr. Frank Woon-A-Tai Budokan commissioned by PM Mark Phillips

A transformative project

While the facility will now officially become operable, Master Woon-A-Tai highlighted that there are still other aspects of the project that they would need support for, including the acquisition of key pieces of equipment.

Among those are punching dummy bobs, punching bags and audio/visual equipment.

“This facility will be the best in the world,” Master Woon-A-Tai said to loud applause. “Already, people from India and Africa would like to come here to study.”

In October 2022, during the College’s first Gala and Awards ceremony, which doubled as a fundraiser, President Irfaan Ali committed G$10 million towards the project at Liliendaal.

And Master Woon-A-Tai, speaking at that event, said his goal for the College aligns with President Ali’s ‘1000 men’ programme that aims to eradicate violence and other ills in communities all across the country.

Master Woon-A-Tai, who began his karate career 60 years ago at the age of 14, has always lauded the government for its continued investment in the College, and the creation of avenues to expand and promote the discipline.

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