Karate team represents Belize in Barbados

Belizeans spar and kata their way into Barbados. Eight Belizeans left the country for Barbados today to compete in the eighth ISKF Pan American Karate Championship. The Belizean team says they are looking forward to the event and have done some domestic traveling to prepare for it.

Leonard Nuñez, Captain, Belize Shoto Kan Karate Team

“Well we have been travelling around the country every month, training with the different clubs, sharing from one district to the other so that the different team members could have a chance to train at home.”

Joshua Perdomo, Fourteen, S.J.C. High School

“I have been training hard and I think I can do well in this tournament. I have good confidence.”

Q: “You feeling excited?”

Gregory Arana, Fourteen, S.J.C. High School

“Yes, Miss… very.”

Q: “You a little nervous?”

Gregory Arana

“No.”

Q: “What you looking forward to most?”

Gregory Arana

“To win; only to win!

The team participated in the competition two years ago in Mexico and walked away with silver and bronze medals. The competitors were chosen based on interest. The team’s trip is made possible by donations from the Taiwanese Embassy, St. Joseph’s Primary School, family and friends. They will return home on Monday.