Martial Arts Gaining Popularity in Los Fresnos

Youngsters practicing karate at the academy in Los Fresnos

by Tony Vindell/LFN

Students from as young as five years of age are among a growing group of area residents taking classes in the martial arts here in Los Fresnos and its surrounding area.

Their main instructor is Rene Garza, a veteran of this sport and soon to be inductee into the martial arts hall of fame. Garza owns Dojang Martial Arts Academy.

He started the karate academy two years ago with a couple of students and has today more 30 who are learning self-defense and other fighting tactics.

“We have attended six tournaments and have brought more than 100 medals,” Garza said during a recent session at the karate gym in Los Fresnos. “Each of our students average two medals.”

He said his technique is traditional karate and tangsoodo.

Garza, who has more than 40 years of martial arts experience behind him, said he teaches for the love of this fighting technique and because he likes others to learn about it.

Rio Hondo resident Thelma Martinez has two children, ages 5 and 8, in Garza’s class.

“He is very knowledgeable,” she said.

“I like how he talks and teaches his skills to his students.”