Donaciano, “Donnie” Prudecncio de Archuleta and Isaac Silva

Starting every class with our Basic Conditioning

Isaac and Donnie do alot of techniques on the equipment

Isaac and Donnie demonstrate many of our empty hand self defense techniques.

Pictured are some of the self defense techniques demonstrated by Isaac and Donnie with Gun, Knife, and stick.

A lot of matt work is demonstrated with how to fall forward and backward safely, roll outs, slap outs, take offs from different attacks and much more.

Sanchin, Tensho, Taikyoko Chudan, Taikyoko Jodan, Taikyoko Gedan, Taikyoko Kake, Taikyoko Mawashi, Gekisai Sho, Gekisai diIitch, Gekisan di Ni, Saifa, Seinchin, Shisochin, Sanseiru, Seipai kata are performed. Then we test mental strength with the Shinai (Kendo training tool).

Sparring with sport targets with all the students from the lower ranks and up. This shows the fighting spirit of the student.

Pictures of the rank of Black Belt being awarded, certification will follow after a probationary time and Black Belt essay turned in.

Pictures with the class, with the Black Belts in attendance that night, with Sensei and with family.

We are so thankful for the support from family and friends. Shodan Isaac and Shodan Donnie all took their own path to the same goal. They are the two newest certified Black Belts at Belen Goju Ryu Karate. We now have certified 75 Black Belts and 4 posthumous Black Belts for a total of 79 Black Belts.

Isaac Silva Earns Black Belt

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 to learn more practical self defense skills and changed styles. Five years later he tested for 3 1/2 hours in August for his Black Belt and now, after serving a probationary time and completing his Black Belt essay, this December he is a certified Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate.

Isaac was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and has been raised in New Mexico since the age of four. He lives in Los Chaves 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, Arizona 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.

Donnie Archuleta Earns Black Belt

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

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 3 1/2 hour Black Belt test in August, Donnie has served his probation, turned in his Black Belt essay and received his certification for Black Belt certification in Goju Ryu karate this December. Donnie has demonstrated a high level of skill in karate and Okinawan weapons arts, 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 exceeding proud of the fine young man and Black Belt he as become. Donnie ,our Grandson, is Belen Goju Ryu’s first third generation Black Belt.