Team Member

Purna Tamang embarked on his Karate journey at the age of 16 under the guidance of Sensei Bhim Thapa and the Late Hiran Ghising within the Bhutanese refugee camp, Beldangi - II. Actively participating in regional and National championships in Nepal, Purna attained his first-degree black belt (Sho-dan) in 1998 in Dharan, Nepal, marking the inception of black belt training outside Kathmandu, a pioneering achievement in the country. Subsequently, Purna committed himself to the training of junior students, nurturing numerous black belt recipients over time. Assuming the responsibilities of coaching incoming students due to the commitments of his former instructors in camp organizational affairs, Purna played a pivotal role in sustaining the Karate training program.

Additionally, Purna served on the Refugee camp management committee as the head of a unit known as a Sector, tasked with overseeing the distribution of facilities provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Lutheran World Service (LWF), and various other philanthropic organizations, for approximately two years. Purna's active involvement in community service, notably his dedication to assisting those in need within the community, is commendable.

In 2012, Purna undertook resettlement in the United States, leaving his Dojo in the camp behind. Nevertheless, his legacy endures as his students persist in their Karate pursuits within the camp, supported by the philanthropic endeavors of Mr. Meg Subedi from Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania, facilitated through the Transamerican Association of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do (TASK). Following his resettlement, Purna collaborated with Sensei Tryamphu Rai to establish a Dojo in Pittsburgh in 2016. Purna currently holds the rank of 4th Dan (degree) awarded by Shobukan Karate, Shito-ryu, rooted in the martial arts of Shobukan in Okinawa, Japan. He remains an active member of TASK, presently serving as the Internal Vice President of the organization.

Continuously striving for excellence in official endeavors, Purna has been recognized with the positions of regional judge and national referee for Kumite (fight) and Kata. He remains deeply involved in the advancement of Karate both locally and nationally.