The Trinidad and Tobago National karate team attended the Central Caribbean Training Camp and Cup in Panama City.
The camp consisted of two sessions each for WKF kata and kumite competition. The kata component was hosted by Antonio Díaz of Venezuela, 2-time WKF World Champion, World Games Champion and 16-time Pan American Karate Championships champion. The topics covered included body mechanics for all karate styles to improve balance, timing and speed in basic techniques.
The kumite component was taught by Brazilian, Douglas Brose, 3-time WKF World Champion, World Games Champion, Pan American Games Champion and 8-time Pan American Karate Championships champion. Participants were introduced to warm up exercises for stability and reflexes as well as drills for improving kicks, defensive tactics and explosiveness.
The competition took place from Thursday 27th – Saturday 29th of March 2025. Team TTO was represented by 14 athletes, including seasoned competitors as well as 3 newcomers to the national team.
TKA was well represented by:
Athletes
- Aidyn Batson – HP Karate-Do Center
- Landon Batson – HP Karate-Do Center
- Keiden Joseph – Kuro Obi
- Amaya Millette – Kuro Obi
- Zacckarie Rampersad – Kuro Obi
- Dominic Wilkes – Tora Karate Club
Coaches
- Shihan Nicole Lambie
- Fuku Shuseki Shihan Wesley Dexter Shim
- Shihan Frieda Shim
The youngest member of the team, Zacckarie Rampersad was the first to secure a medal for team TTO by winning a bronze medal in the Under 14 male kata competition. Landon Batson followed shortly afterwards, securing bronze in the cadet male -52kg kumite. He narrowly missed out on repeating this feat in the cadet male kata division where he placed 5th. After 3 hard fights, his brother, Aidyn Batson also placed 5th in the cadet male -63kg kumite division. Unfortunately, despite giving it his best efforts, he was unable to advance beyond the first round in cadet male kata. Making her first appearance on the National Team, Amaya Millette’ brave showing failed to take her beyond the first round of the Under 21 female kata division. Among the seniors, Dominic Wilkes placed 5th in the senior male kata division after completing 5 rounds. Not to be outdone, Keiden Joseph had the crowd at the edge of their seats in two explosive bouts. After suffering a dislocated shoulder in his first match, he rallied and still managed to finish strong, narrowly missing out on clinching a bronze medal in his final bout. He placed 5th in the senior male -84kg kumite division.
In total, team TTO won 5 medals, making this their most successful showing at this event.
- Lei-Anna Valentine – U21 female -55kg kumite – gold medal
- Jyri Spicer – Senior male -84kg kumite – silver medal
- Daeland-Anthony Sydney – Junior male -55kg kumite – bronze medal
- Landon Batson – Cadet -52kg kumite – bronze medal
- Zacckarie Rampersad – U14 male kata – bronze medal
Team Captain, Shiva Sookdeo was unfortunately eliminated in his first round in the male +84kg kumite division.
Other noteworthy mentions were:
- Sajid Ali – U14 male kata – 7th place
- Gabrielle Caesar – cadet female -54kg kumite – 5th place
- Victoria Carvalho (past TKA member who also attended as part of Cayman Islands Team) – junior female kata – 3rd place
Upon returning home, the team resumes training in preparation for the upcoming National Team Trials which will be held in April 2025.