“The Dragon” conquers new heights…
With
strong intensity, focus and precise execution Geoffrey Ganga flawlessly
demonstrated what it takes to be a Martial Artist. Geoffrey’s performance on
Saturday February 26th, 2005 during testing for his 2nd Degree Black Belt in
American Karate left no doubts in minds of the eight panel of judges that he
was there to accomplish this feat.
In the grueling three hours test which included
various elements of basic and advance power techniques, as well as board
breaking, fighting, weapons and Kata demonstrations, Geoffrey displayed
excellence, precision and flawlessness throughout his performance. “He
clearly lifted the bar for future 2nd Degree candidates”, remarked one of
the judges.
Asked what he would remember most from this experience, Geoffrey indicated,
“Everything just fell into place. This is a level every martial arts student
aspires to achieve, and I credit hard work, dedication and training, as well
as my instructors and parents for their continuous encouragement. The single
most rewarding moment during my test was board breaking. It was required of
me to break six boards using a combination of hand, spinning and jumping
kicks. I opted to do seven breaks instead of six, with the seventh break
being breaking three boards at once. I was pretty happy that I accomplish
the breaking sequence combination flawlessly”.
Geoffrey obtained his 1st Degree Black belt in
March 2003 at the age of 12. Now 14 years old and a new 2nd Degree Black
Belt, Geoffrey aspires to be a Karate Grand Master one day with his
immediate focus being on passing on the skills he has acquired by training
others, young and old, to be good martial artist. “Obtaining a Black Belt in
Martial Arts is a great accomplishment for anyone. Black Belt is a priceless
knowledge, which once earned, cannot be bartered. This sport emphasizes
courage, discipline and respect and I am truly happy to be a part of it,”
says Geoffrey.
A competitor in Martial Arts Tournaments, Geoffrey has won several Regional
competitions, including the Iris City Open and the IKC Challenge Martial
Arts Championship in Phoenix City AL. Barring the injuries he faced, with a
broken foot, in 2004 and having to withdraw from several tournaments,
Geoffrey ended the 2004 year with an All Star Karate League (ASKL) Regional
ranking of 1st in Musical Weapons, 2nd Musical Forms and Open Forms, and 3rd
in Open Weapons. For the International Karate Circuit (IKC), Geoffrey ranked
number 2 in Weapons and Forms and 3rd in Fighting.
Weapons are dangerous items in the hands of a child and for Geoffrey that is
no different. However, use of weapons is limited to the competition floor
and during training when Geoffrey erupts with a burst of energy using his
choice of weapon, the Kamas, a weapon derived from the ancient Sickle. His
Martial Arts training has taught him to be aware of the dangers associated
with use of weapons and respect for such items.
Geoffrey “The Dragon” Ganga, along with his parents are students of Joe
Corley American Karate in Alpharetta GA. If you are interested in learning
more about Martial Arts, please email Geoffrey and
gf4re@bellsouth.net or visit the
Joe Corley American Karate website @
www.joecorley.com.
Athlete Profile
Name: Geoffrey Ganga
Age: 14
Place of Birth: Middletown, Connecticut
Current address: Alpharetta, Georgia
Education: 8 grade
Martial Arts Training: Kenpo Karate, Middletown Connecticut
Joe Corley American Karate, Alpharetta, Georgia
Some Notable Accomplishments:
1st place Forms – Rhonda ‘Ridgehand’ Alexander Annual Karate Championship
1st Place Forms – Iris City Open Karate Championship
1st place Forms, Weapons & Musical Forms – Southern Open National Karate
Championship.
1st Place Forms & Weapons – Golden Open Karate Championship
1st Place Forms – Newnan Thanksgiving Open
