LanzaroteDeportiva.com: Playa Blanca Kenpo Tournament Fuels Growth of Martial Art
Playa Blanca, Yaiza - Over 150 athletes from across the Canary Islands and the Spanish peninsula gathered in Playa Blanca last Saturday for the fourth edition of the Kenpo Tournament, showcasing the growing popularity of the martial art in the southern Lanzarote town. Organized by the Kenpo Karate Lanzarote Academy School with the support of the Yaiza City Council and the THB Tropical Island hotel, the event focused on formative growth and fostering the core values of work, perseverance, discipline, and respect.
Competitors ranging in age from four years old participated, accompanied by coaches and families. A delegation of fifteen athletes travelled from andalusia alone, demonstrating the tournament’s expanding reach.
“We are very satisfied with the organizational and technical result of the tournament,” stated Ángel Lago, Sports Councilor of Yaiza. “it is a real pride that a club from the municipality, part of our Sports Schools program, can promote an event of these characteristics and promote the growth of Kenpo.”
The tournament also highlighted the success of local talent. Young Daniel Vallejo of Playa blanca, recently returned from the European Championship in Ciudad Real where he won a bronze medal representing Spain in Semi Kenpo -45 kg (male 12-14 years), was in attendance. “I want to continue improving and if I want to be first I have to train more,” Vallejo shared, acknowledging his nerves during the continental competition.
Wellington Castro, head of the Kenpo Karate Lanzarote Academy School, emphasized the importance of community support. “The key to growth is the support of the athletes and their families and the support of the Yaiza City Council, which believes in grassroots sports. The entire team behind the tournament is convinced that every year we can do better.”
The Kenpo School offers a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels, including semi Kenpo (point combat), Continuous Kenpo (light contact), Submission Kenpo, and Full Kenpo. Families in Yaiza are encouraged to learn more about the Sports Schools program at www.yaiza.es.