Another step for martial arts as Kung Fu Instructor Andrew Molen was given much-deserved recognition for receiving the title of ‘Sifu’ by his teacher, Steven Ngandang Sifu of the PNG Shaolin Kung Fu Wushu School. This took place on January 11, 2025, during East Gate Karate Academy’s open day, a day which witnessed martial artists coming together to support each other and promote their community's values. Molen has been training martial arts and competing in combat sports for the past twenty years, and the endorsement of his peers, Senesis Byron Chan, Chief Instructor of the Dragon Karanas Mixed Martial Arts Club and Julius Piku, the Chief Instructor of East Gate Karate Academy, gave him much-deserved recognition to pursue his aspirations of creating a club and carrying on the martial arts lineage. Sensei Byron stated that Sifu Andrew has years of training and expertise as both a martial artist and a combat sport athlete, and he was pleased to honor Molen's accomplishments. As part of this endorsement, Sensei Byron bestowed Molen the rank of Second Dan Black Belt in the International Dragon Full Contact Self Defense Sports Federation system. Molen will also lead Kung Fu and Wushu training at Sensei Chan's club. Sensei Julius also expressed his support for Molen and thanked Sensei Byron for continuing to support and promote martial arts amidst his busy schedules. “At East Gate Karate, we are always delighted to launch people off to a good start and see them become successful in their endeavors.” He stated that martial arts have a vital part in forming people's character as they face various life situations. However, martial artists have challenges in their work due to a lack of resources, support, and, most critically, cheap space to run their programs. "We also produce athletes for sports, but without good venues, we are unable to contribute fully in that way." He believes it is always beneficial to collaborate with other martial artists and support one another throughout trials like these. Martial artists and their clubs should not be divided by style, politics, or personal ambition. Sensei Byron also announced the formation of the World Taekwondo Organization (WTO) in Papua New Guinea, where he has been named President. He is also the President of Japan Shotokan Karate-Do International in PNG. Sensei Byron and his club are linked to various international organizations for martial arts, self-defense, and combat sports. These associations aim to create pathways and opportunities for his students and members. Meanwhile Steven Tommy, Senior Instructor of Dragon Karanas Mixed Martial Arts Club and Vice President of WTO PNG, also received a Third Dan award during the event. Other students also received new ranks after a recent grading in 2024. Sensei Byron encourages young people to practice martial arts to develop discipline and character while using their free time wisely. He urges martial artists and style leaders to collaborate and enhance their skills. The meeting marked the start of classes for East Gate Karate Academy and Dragon Karanas MMA for 2025. All new and current students should attend training with their instructors. Sifu Molen will soon open his club as well.