In the constellation that is Gabon's sporting history, two stars were born many years apart but inherited the same first and last names: Guy Roger Nzamba. But there has been no connection between them. They are just complete homonyms.
While the older of the two athletes wrote one of the most beautiful chapters in the history of the national football team with the Azingo team in the 1990s, the second star, and the one in the spotlight today, Guy Roger Nzamba, is a three-time Choi Kwang Do world champion. This Guy Roger Nzamba is also the captain of a US Choi Kwang Do team and four-time world champions in the discipline.
Now he wants to inspire the youth, particularly Africans, to believe in their dreams.
Choi Kwang Do martial art requires intelligence, flexibility, and agility channelled through unparalleled rules and techniques. Mastery of this martial art is a real asset for both civil and military martial training.
"Choi Kwang Do is a modern, scientific martial art focused on health, efficiency, and personal development distinguished by its natural, fluid movements that are biomechanically adapted to the human body, which significantly reduces the risk of injury," Guy Roger Nzamba told TRT Afrika.
"Beyond self-defence, it develops discipline, self-confidence, respect, self-control, and perseverance. In civilian life, it helps to better manage stress and difficult situations. In a military setting, it offers effective, fast techniques adapted to real-life situations," he added.
Both in description and in practice, Guy Roger's passion is enough to see his rank as chief instructor at the international headquarters of Choi Kwang Do in Atlanta, the first African to achieve this.
While it is true that many people have dreamed of their ideal life, Guy Roger Nzamba, the chief instructor, is one of those who can say that they are living their dream. And this dream life began to take shape nearly 30 years ago, when he left Gabon for a grand journey around the world.
"I left Gabon in 1998, when I was in my junior year at Bessieux College, to continue my studies in the United States. I came to join my older brother, Jean Claude Nzamba. I got my high school diploma in Maryland, then I went to New York to study computer science," he said.
‘I gave it 100%. I breathed martial arts’
"My first job was as a swimming instructor in New York after school to pay for my studies. I sometimes had two jobs to be able to pay the rent and school fees," he added.
Guy Roger already had shown a fighting spirit even before venturing into Choi Kwang Do. After the September 11 attacks in New York, he decided to join his older brother in Atlanta, Georgia, and discovered Choi Kwang Do at a dojo not far from his new home.
"So, I started Choi Kwang Do in 2002. I decided to devote myself entirely to this martial art. I wanted to be the best version of myself, to represent my family with dignity and to represent Gabon."
Today, Guy Roger represents all of Africa, especially when he shows off his dexterity in executing the essence of this combat art. Indeed, the striking, kicking, blocking, and wrestling techniques of this sport hold no secrets for Guy Roger Nzamba, to such an extent that today he is also the pride of Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi, who is a globally respected figure in the game.
"I gave it 100%. I breathed martial arts. A lot of hard work, discipline, and dedication allowed me to progress. Today, I am the first African to have achieved the rank of Master and 6th dan in the world," Guy Roger said.
"I was appointed by the founder himself, Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi. It's a huge honour and I didn't expect it," Guy Roger said modestly.
Believe in yourself
While this rank confers certain honours, it also entails significant responsibilities for the Gabonese.
"It means guiding, inspiring, and passing on knowledge. My role goes beyond myself: I represent Africa, Gabon, my family, and all those who believe that anything is possible with hard work and faith," he added.
As chief instructor, Guy Roger Nzamba's job is to supervise and train more than 40 instructors at a school with approximately 300 students. His role also extends to ensuring the quality of teaching and training future leaders and maintaining the international standards of Choi Kwang Do.
During training sessions with his colleagues and students, Guy Roger describes an atmosphere that is both disciplined and family-like.
"There is a lot of respect, but also motivation and encouragement. We work hard, but always in a positive spirit. My goal is for each student to progress physically, mentally, and spiritually."
"Anything is possible with faith, discipline, vision, and hard work. No matter what your current situation is or what others say, believe in yourself, give 100%, and God will open doors," the three-time Choi Kwang Do world champion said.
With this in mind, Guy Roger plans to develop projects aimed at promoting Choi Kwang Do, particularly in Africa.
