Sensei Daniel Kwame Gyamfi, a Ghanaian karate referee who took part in the recently concluded 4-day referees and Judges course organized by the Union of Africa Karate Federation (UFAK) in Nigeria, Abuja has successfully achieved success.
He passed remarkably and has subsequently join a list of UFAK referees to officiate in international championships in Africa.
The course which attracted 154 participants across Africa aimed to equip referees and judges with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote and develop Karate in Africa.
It covered a range of topics, including Rules and Regulations, Referee and Judge Responsibilities, and Practical Experience.
These topics are designed to ensure that referees and judges are well-versed in the rules and regulations of Karate competitions, including Kumite and Kata competition rules.
Additionally, the course provided participants with the opportunity to gain practical experience by officiating at local and national tournaments and participating in workshops or seminars.
In an interview, Sensei Daniel Gyamfi who passed the test expressed gratitude and joy for qualifying as an official Africa Karate referee, crediting God’s grace and support from others, particularly their president, Mr. Johnson.
He also appreciated the Ghana Karate community’s support and see this achievement as motivation to aim higher, with a goal to become a certified World Karate Federation referee.
“I am very excited but it wasn’t easy, very difficult and many could not make it but by the grace of God, I made and qualified as an official Africa Karate referee. I thank everybody for their prayers offered me.”
He stated.”I also want to express profound gratitude to my president Mr. Johnson for the tremendous support and efforts for my success. May he excell in all his endeavors and his supports for Ghana Karate has been massively. I appreciate all Karate members in Ghana. This success will push me to achieve more, my target is to be a certified referee for World Karate Federation.”
He added.The technical director, Shihan Kwabena Afriyie Poku (Dr) congratulated Sensei Gyamfi for the success. He urged him to strive for more success.
The technical expert expressed concern that language proficiency and individual capability can significantly influence one’s prospects for success.
Nevertheless, the World Karate Federation (WKF) is actively working to overcome language barriers in order to advance the development of karate across the African continent.
According to him, the federation has outlined several initiatives aimed at developing technical aspects of the sport including officiating.
Sensei Daniel Gyamfi becomes the first Ghanaian referee to officially receive the UFAK badge, Under the current leadership of Nathaniel Johnson.
He is the second official of the karate fraternity in Ghana to join the list of accredited UFAK referees in Africa.
The current technical director Shihan Kwabena Poku, was the first to attain the level of excellence. The Ghana Karate-Do Federation, can now boost of two official certified UFAK referee badge holders.
