The Lao Karatedo Federation is expanding the number of training camps around the country, in an effort to bring fighters up to an international level.
Vientiane has four karatedo training facilities - the 279 Army Camp at Sithong, 105 Army Medical School, Vientiane Secondary School and the Telecom School . The federation will open another camp at the Comcenter Business Administration College next month.
Comcenter students will be able to study for about five years, after which they will receive a certificate and a black dan (or belt).
The federation will also set up training camps in Borikhamxay and Champassak provinces in May.
Karatedo trainers at each camp will prepare young fighters to compete in the 8 th National Games in Champassak province this December.
“We will select the best fighters at the games to join the national team in their preparations for the 25 th SEA Games, to be held in Vientiane next year,” said the Vice President of the Lao Karatedo Federation, Mr Sonesak N. Nhansana.
More than 100 students from Vientiane Secondary School attended a training course to improve their skills last week.
Last Sunday the federation hosted a seminar about competition rules and held an examination for 70 young fighters from the four camps in preparation for the upcoming National Games.
“All the fighters understand the rules and passed the examination,” said Mr Sonesak.
The seminar was attended by professional karetedo fighter Fujikyo Omura, who holds eight dans. Mr Sonesak is the best fighter in Laos , with 4 dans.
At the SEA Games in Thailand last year, Souphansa Inthavongsa won a bronze medal in the men's karatedo 75kg category.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
