Mike Powers|News-Bulletin photo
Richard and Cindy Long prepare for the 16th annual Capt. Tamara Long-Archuleta Memorial Open Karate Championships.
Belen
One of New Mexico’s premier martial arts events returns Saturday to Belen High School. As many as 200 competitors of all ages, representing nearly 30 schools, will take part in the 16th annual Capt. Tamara Long-Archuleta Memorial Open Karate Championships.
“We start with the littlest guys and go up the line,” said Richard Long, of Belen Goju Ryu Karate, who promotes the tournament along with his wife, Cindy. “We offer over 100 divisions. Our idea is that more kids get to go home with a trophy. That’s keeps them motivated to keep training.”
The championship is named after the Long’s daughter, Tamara Long-Archuleta, who died in a 2003 accident while co-piloting a helicopter on a rescue mission in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Cindy said because Tamara was committed to education, the championships raise scholarship money for students throughout Valencia County.
“We’ve given $40,500 in scholarships,” to 68 recipients, Cindy said. “They’ve come back to us years later to tell us how much they appreciate it and what its done for them.”
The Long’s have been hosting tournaments in Belen since 1993.
“Martial arts build real self-esteem. It’s not false,” Richard believes. “We try to teach them life skills through the martial arts.”
The tournament begin at 10 a.m. at the BHS gymnasium. Admission is $3, with children ages 7 and younger free.
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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May 2, 2024
