Abu Dhabi: Two members of the World Karate-do Federation – UAE, Ibrahim Chaliyath and Gaus Amir Sheikh are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to represent in the prestigious 11th World Karate Championship to be held in Tokyo, Japan from August 13-18.

The event is organised by World Shotokan Karate – do Federation – Japan will be followed by a two-day International Training Seminar.

“This is the first time anybody from the UAE has been selected to participate in this event. We are really excited and looking forward to do well,” Chaliyath told XPRESS.

Chaliyath is a karate trainer based in Abu Dhabi and runs his schools all over the UAE. The 47-year-old has already won several national and international titles, including the recent one in Turkey, but according to him this would be the biggest opportunity to shine at the international level.

“There are participants coming from over 100 countries so it’s big. We are really working hard and ensuring we train everyday.

“I understand the competition level is high but I still fell I stand a good chance because of my experience and good fitness level,” he said.

Chaliyath, who is a sixth dan karate black belt, will be participating in the above 45 years category. “I have had success in almost all the international events I have attended. I did well in Turkey, Sri Lanka, Australia and India so that should provide me a lot of confidence going into this big event,” he added.

Amir Sheikh also voiced similar confidence but said sometimes it becomes difficult since they do not get to know their opponent’s background till the fight.

“We need to be at our best in every fight, one bad fight and we are out of the event. Since you don’t know your opponent we really can’t judge how good he is and the experience he carries,” said Amir Sheikh, who will be contesting in the 40-45 years category.

“This is a big opportunity and you dream to participate in big event like this. I had got this opportunity way back in 1999 but I could not attend since it clashed with my academics.

“But I’m thrilled I have got a second chance and I want to prove myself here by doing well,” he added.

Amir Sheikh, who is a fourth dan karate black belt, is also a karate instructor and has won several awards during his two decades karate career.