Belize Karate Federation to host Central American championships

Karate may not be as popular as basketball or football, but its kicks, blocks and chops have been present in Belize.  But its graceful katas have been lying dormant in the shadows for several years. Since 2006, dedicated athletes have shed their sweat for the sport’s revival.  Herman Pastor junior, the president of the Belize Karate Federation, says that they have taken great strides to have the country host a karate championship for Central America in February.  It’s a great honor for the seven schools that teach the discipline, but Pastor says the federation needs the public’s support.

Herman Pastor Jr., President Belize Karate Federation

Herman Pastor Jr.

“The association has been on this constant objective of trying to improve the international level of athletes, what we call elite athletes through attending seminars, elite fighting seminars and also judging seminars, coaching seminars and through participation in international seminars.”

Jose Sanchez

“What even do you have that’s coming up?”

Herman Pastor Jr.

“We’re looking forward to host the sixteenth Central American karate championships this coming February fifteenth to the twenty-first of February.”

Jose Sanchez

“Where is it going to be held?”

Herman Pastor Jr.

“The actual competition will be held at the Belize City Center on the nineteenth and twentieth of February, but the week before that we have activities for the complete week. We have judging seminars and we have kumite seminars and other seminars. We’d like to appeal to the general public to assist in hosting these championships, mainly monetary donations. We need certain equipment to host these championships. We need a couple of scoreboards and fighting mats. We need assistance in hosting the executive committee of the Central American karate Confederation. And also we need to host a World karate referee. That’s basically it.”

If you would like to get involved, call Herman Pastor at 678-1158.