Isaac Silva, started training at Belen Goju Ryu Karate in August of 2015. He had trained in another style for 2 1/2 years and decided he wanted learn more practical self defense skills and changed styles. Five years later he tested for three and a half hours for his Black Belt in August and now, after serving a probationary time and completing his Black Belt essay, he is a certified Black Belt at Belen Goju Ryu Karate.

Isaac was born in Las Vegas, Nev. and has been raised in New Mexico since the age of four. He lives in Los Chavez with his parents, Felipe and Theresa, and his two sisters. Isaac is a senior at Canon Christian Academy this year and has plans to attend the Motorcycle Mechanical Institute in Phoenix, Ariz. upon graduation for a certificate in small engine repair.

Isaac has learned much through his training and says, “Nothing in life comes easy and if you don’t put in the work you won’t get to your ultimate goal. I plan on continuing to train to further develop and sharpen my skills, and use my training to help teach others some of the basic things that can keep them out of trouble.”

Sensei Richard and Sensei Cindy are so proud of Isaac’s development in karate and in life as they have watched him grow into a courteous and competent young man. They know his future will be bright.

Donaciano “Donnie” Prudencio de Archuleta started training at Belen Goju Ryu Karate 18 years ago at the age of three. He was too young and didn’t want to, but his USAF Helicopter pilot mom, Sensei Tammy, insisted that his grandparents train him.

Donaciano “Donnie” Prudencio de Archuleta

 

Through the years during the summers with Grandma and Grandpa and a couple of six month stints while his parents were deployed, Donnie continued his training in karate working his way up through the ranks. Moving to Belen after graduating high school in Kansas, Donnie was able to spend more time in the dojo and reach his goal of Black Belt. After completing his three and a half hour Black Belt test in August, Donnie has served his probation, turned in his Black Belt essay and received his certification for Black Belt at Goju Ryu Karate. Donnie has demonstrated a high level of skill in karate and Okinawan weapons art, Kobudo, and has stepped in to help teach classes at every age and level whenever needed.

Donnie says, “Clarity and precision come with practice, and understanding comes with time, so the only thing to do is keep working at it.”

Sensei Richard and Sensei Cindy know Donnie will keep training as part of his life no matter where it takes him. He always knows the road back to the dojo. They are exceedingly proud of the fine young man and Black Belt he has become. He is Belen Goju Ryu’s first third generation Black Belt.

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.