Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 07, 2015 Sports
At age 28, Colin Benjamin received his 2nd Dan Black belt in Mixed Martial Arts last November from Master Lloyd Ramnarine at the latest grading of the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association and he is now focused on preparing to compete at the International level.
A Tour Guide and Taxi driver by profession, Benjamin got involved in Martial Arts as a 12-year-old after seeing what he described as ‘Ninjas’ training in Republic Park while riding past a Martial Arts school on his cycle.
“I went home and told my dad that I wanted to join and he agreed. Since then I have loved Martial Arts. After competing in several local competitions I am now training to participate at the International level with my ultimate aim being to become a Grand Master” Benjamin disclosed.
He disclosed that it will take six years for him to qualify as a five-Dan Black Belt holder which is the requirement to become a Master. The level of Grand Master is much more difficult to gain since only an eight-Dan Black belt can become a Grand Master.
Benjamin, despite a lack of financial rewards, remains in the Sport due to his love of Martial Arts, which he says develops self discipline while maintaining a high level of health and fitness. He has been a member of the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association for 16 years and Master Lloyd Ramnarine, who conducted the grading, said that Benjamin is very dedicated and disciplined and works very hard on improving his art.
Mixed Martial Arts consists of Shotokan Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Brazilian Ju-jitsu, Stick-fighting and free-style. Mixed martial arts is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports and martial arts. Various mixed-style contests took place throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900s.
Benjamin, who has a daughter (Terriann Benjamin), says he gets encouragement from his daughter’s mother Joy Francisco adding that he is committed to making Guyana proud this year which sees as least five International events on the Martial Arts calendar.
The former St Angela’s Primary and Richard Ishmael Secondary student enjoys Hip-hop, Reggae and Dance Hall music, socializing and Break Dancing. In fact the Eccles resident competed at ‘Dance Mania’ in 2004 & 2005 for the now defunct All Stars Dance Club.
“My challenge now apart from the rigorous training is getting sponsorship for my participation at the International level,” Benjamin concluded. Master Ramnarine is encouraging youths to get involved in the sport by joining any of the four Martial Arts branches which are located in Diamond and Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara and Independent and Black Cobra in Westminster, West Bank Demerara. He can be reached on 698 6727. (Sean Devers)
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
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