RICARDO WOODING

INTERNATIONAL KARATE-DO & SPORTS GOVERNANCE PROFILE

5th Dan Chief Instructor | President – Trinidad & Tobago Karate Union
Level B Examiner | Level B Judge | Level B Instructor
Trinidad & Tobago | Caribbean
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EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Ricardo Wooding is a senior Karate practitioner, instructor, examiner, judge and sports administrator with more than 35 years of experience in Karate development.

He currently serves as President of the Trinidad & Tobago Karate Union (TTKU) for the 2026–2029 term, providing leadership for the governance, administration and development of Karate in Trinidad & Tobago.

A holder of the rank of Godan (5th Dan), Ricardo is also certified by the Japan Shotokan Karate Association (JSKA) as a Level B Examiner, Judge and Instructor. His experience encompasses technical instruction, Dan grading, athlete development, competition officiating, coaching, youth development and sports governance.

His career includes national and international competition, international officiating and extensive engagement with senior Karate instructors and organizations. He was a member of Trinidad & Tobago’s first National Karate Team to participate in the Pan American Karate Federation Championships in Cuba and represented Trinidad & Tobago at the international level as both athlete and official.

Ricardo’s professional philosophy combines the traditional values of Karate-do—discipline, respect, integrity, perseverance and personal development—with contemporary principles of sports governance, athlete development and organizational leadership.


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NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCE

Ricardo has served continuously in leadership and administrative capacities within the Trinidad & Tobago Karate Union, progressing through multiple levels of organizational responsibility.

Position    Period

President                        2026–2029
Vice President                 2012–2025
Public Relations Officer    2009–2010
Assistant Secretary / Treasurer    2007–2008
Delegate                        2005

This progression provides Ricardo with more than two decades of direct experience in national sports governance, including executive decision-making, administration, organizational development, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
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COMPETITIVE KARATE ACHIEVEMENTS

Ricardo’s competitive career includes national, regional and international podium finishes across Kata, Kumite and team events.
Selected Achievements

Caribbean Classic Karate Championships – 1993
•    1st Place – Kata
•    2nd Place – Kumite
Taekajudo Martial Arts Academy Tournament – 1994
•    1st Place – Kata
Goshindo Seishin Kai – 1995
•    1st Place – Kata
•    2nd Place – Team Kumite
SKIF Pan American Tournament – Venezuela – 1996
•    4th Place – Men’s Team Kata
SKIF Trinidad & Tobago National Tournament – 1996
•    1st Place – Kata
•    1st Place – Kumite
SKIF Trinidad & Tobago – 1997
•    1st Place – Kata
•    1st Place – Kumite
Barbados Karate Federation International Championships – 1997
•    1st Place
TTKU National Championships – 1998
•    1st Place – Kata
•    2nd Place – Kumite
Trinidad Associated Schools of Karate – 1999
•    1st Place – Team Event
TTKU National Championships – 2001
•    1st / 2nd Place
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AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Trinidad & Tobago Karate Union - Award for Outstanding Achievements – 1998
Recognized for outstanding achievement and contribution to Karate.
WITCO Sportsman of the Year - Nominee – 1998
Nominated for the WITCO Sportsman of the Year Award.
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