Get Ready For The Ultimate Martial Arts Showdown As The 16th Annual Capt. Tamara Long-Archuleta Memorial Open Karate Championships Makes Its Grand Return To Belen High School This Saturday. With Around 200 Competitors From Nearly 30 Schools, This Event Is Set To Be An Action-Packed Extravaganza For Martial Arts Enthusiasts Of All Ages.
Richard Long, From Belen Goju Ryu Karate, Is The Driving Force Behind This Tournament, And He’S All About Making Sure Everyone Gets A Shot At Glory. “We’Ve Got Divisions For Everyone, From The Littlest Warriors To The Seasoned Pros. Our Goal Is To Make Sure Every Kid Walks Away With A Trophy. It’S All About Keeping Them Fired Up To Keep Training,” He Said.
This Championship Is A Heartfelt Tribute To Tamara Long-Archuleta, The Daughter Of Richard And Cindy Long, Who Tragically Lost Her Life In A 2003 Accident While On A Rescue Mission In Afghanistan. Cindy Shared That The Event Is Not Just About Combat, It’S Also About Giving Back To The Community. The Tournament Raises Funds For Scholarships In Valencia County, With A Total Of $40,500 Already Awarded To 68 Deserving Students. Cindy Added, “We’Ve Had Students Come Back To Us Years Later, Expressing Their Gratitude And Sharing How Much The Scholarship Has Impacted Their Lives. It’S Incredibly Rewarding.”
The Longs Have Been At The Helm Of Martial Arts Tournaments In Belen Since 1993, And Their Dedication To Empowering Young Minds Through Martial Arts Is Unwavering. Richard Emphasized, “Martial Arts Instil Genuine Self-Esteem. It’S Not Just About Putting On A Show; It’S About Teaching Life Skills Through The Art Of Combat.”
The Tournament Kicks Off At 10 A.M. In The BHS Gymnasium, And The Entry Fee Is A Pocket-Friendly $3, With Free Admission For Kids Aged 7 And Under.
So, Mark Your Calendars And Get Ready To Witness The Power, Discipline, And Spirit Of Martial Arts In Action At The Capt. Tamara Long-Archuleta Memorial Open Karate Championships. It’S An Event That’S Not Just About The Fights, But Also About Honouring A Remarkable Individual And Supporting The Future Leaders Of Valencia County.