31/05/2026
RYU DAN EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION CREATE HISTORY AT THE WAKOTT PAN AMERICAN KICKBOXING CHAMPIONSHIP – KLA-SIK OPEN 2026!
Over the last four days, 10 National Athletes from Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation and from 4 National Athletes from Zen Martial Arts Academy, proudly represented Trinidad and Tobago as part of the larger TeamTTO National Kickboxing Team at the prestigious WAKOTT Pan American Kickboxing Championship – KLA-SIK Open 2026 in Tobago.
This internationally recognized championship was sanctioned by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) and the Pan American Kickboxing Federation (PKF), bringing together some of the region's finest athletes to compete in both the Goodwill Cup and the Republic Open Championships.
Led by Sensei Shantel Licorish and assisted by Sensei Michael Thorne, our athletes delivered a phenomenal performance, earning an incredible 47 medals:
🥇 34 Gold Medals
🥈 10 Silver Medals
🥉 3 Bronze Medals
These remarkable achievements are the result of dedication, discipline, sacrifice, commitment, and countless hours of training. When people speak about excellence, quality, resilience, and determination, this is what it looks like.
We may be small in numbers, but we are mighty on the competition floor, proudly wearing our red, white, and black with honor and distinction.
At Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation, we do not simply build students—we develop athletes, leaders, champions, and future role models. Our athletes are supported by dedicated parents, committed coaches, caring communities, and an unwavering belief that with faith, hard work, and perseverance, anything is possible.
We may not always have large delegations traveling with us, but one thing we always carry is the love of our families, the support of our community, and the guidance and blessings of Almighty God.
As proud members of WAKO TT - Official Media and Pkatt Wako Nso , we recognize the importance of this nationally sanctioned and internationally recognized championship. These results speak volumes about what can be accomplished when opportunity meets preparation.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the organizers, officials, coaches, clubs, schools, athletes, volunteers, and especially the President of WAKOTT, Mr. Martin McClashie, for helping to make this outstanding international event possible on the beautiful island of Tobago.
To every parent, guardian, supporter, sponsor, and well-wisher—thank you. Your encouragement and belief in our athletes continue to make the difference.
The journey continues. The mission continues. The history-making continues.
💪🏽🥋🇹🇹 Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation — Empowering Lives, Building Champions, Transforming Communities.
