by Papua New Guinea’s world recognized International Karate Organization (IKO) Kyokushin fighter is racing against time to prepare for the fight of his life.
Senior Sempai Sailas Piskaut, the last man standing or the ‘lone wolf’ as best described, is set to add the icing to the cake following a lifelong 21 years of dedication and passion for the sport following a historical invite by the head of the IKO World So-Kyokushin Karate organization, Hanshi (Master teacher) Oishi Daigo for Piskaut and his team to participate in the All Japan World So-Kyokushin Karate Championships from November 25-26 in Shizuoka city this year.
Then on November 27, Piskaut will be tested alongside others for his third Degree Black Belt International Certificate to be a Sensei (Senior Teacher).
The only other Papua New Guinean to achieve a IKO third Degree Black Belt, is Walter Schnaubelt, the current Namatanai MP.
However, this opportunity may just be a dream for the struggling New Irelander, who desperately needs financial support for an expected team of five to represent PNG in the Oceania team.
In a further supporting letter from the World So-Kyokushin Karate Organization International Director Shihan Cameron Quinn, he gives his full support and urges potential sponsors to support Piskaut, as the IKO Kyokushinkaikan requires him to study for six months in Japan to pass his examination.
He basically needs to learn the international grading syllabus as a prerequisite to passing the exam.
Cameron Quinn, Shihan
Quinn said like Sensei Walter, who received recognition worldwide with tournament success in Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Asia, Piskaut also has the potential to excel into a high profile professional.
Sailas is now seeking your support to continue bringing that recognition to PNG. He is in need of sponsorship to travel to Japan this year to compete against fighters from all around the globe. Any possible help will make a tremendous difference to this courageous competitor.
Quinn, Shihan
For further reference, Quinn said he can be contacted via email: cameron@budokarate.com.
Quinn will as usual lead the Oceania team to this event.
Piskaut is not new to competing in Japan, as he previously competed in 2016 and again in 2018 where he gained recognition when he pushed the open champion during the All Japan Knockdown National Championships before finishing third and being awarded the Samurai Award (Most Spirited Fighter Award).
To train for the next five to six months at the Hombu (Headquarters) under this scholarship will certainly put me in the right frame of mind to achieve goals that I have set for this year.
I have earned my place to come this far.
But I have become a beggar on this lifelong journey and hope there are good people in the corporate or government sector out there or fellow New Irelanders out there who can assist me to achieve this dream and maintain this legacy…as I will not let you down.Sailas Piskaut, Sempai, Ni-dan
I am not only a proud Papua New Guinean but also a proud son of New Ireland province, where I hope to return one day and impart my knowledge to the best of my ability.
Piskaut is from Ngavalus and Siar.
