Belize Takes the Stage at CCONDEKA: Young Karatekas Share Their Journey and Ambitions

Belize continues to make its mark on the regional martial arts stage through its talented young athletes competing in the CCONDEKA Karate Championship, one of the premier tournaments organized by the Central American and Caribbean Karate Confederation. This morning, several inspiring representatives from Belize joined us to talk about their training, achievements, and the dedication required to compete at such a high level.

Among the guests was Xavier Vivas, who recently earned a silver medal in the Under-12 division at the championship. Xavier spoke proudly about the discipline and hard work that led him to the podium. For him, karate is more than just a sport, it’s a way to build confidence, learn respect, and challenge himself with every competition. Also joining the conversation was Julie Cruz, who secured a bronze medal in the Female Cadet division at the tournament. Julie described the experience of competing against athletes from across the region as both exciting and motivating. Each match, she said, is an opportunity to grow stronger, refine her technique, and represent Belize with pride.

Another young athlete sharing her perspective was Kasyah Dunn, a dedicated member of the Cayo Shotokan Karate Club. Kasyah highlighted the importance of teamwork and consistent practice, noting that every training session brings her closer to her goals in the sport. Guiding these athletes along their journey is Steve Mossiah, coach at the Belize City Shotokan Karate Academy. Coach Mossiah emphasized that karate is about developing not only skilled competitors but also disciplined and confident individuals. He spoke about the rigorous training routines the athletes follow, including conditioning, technique drills, and mental preparation ahead of major tournaments.

According to Coach Mossiah, competing in the CONDEKA championships offers Belizean athletes invaluable exposure to high-level competition. It allows them to measure their progress against some of the best young karatekas in Central America and the Caribbean while proudly flying the Belizean flag. With medals already earned and valuable experience gained, the team is now turning its attention to their next upcoming competition. Training has intensified as the athletes focus on sharpening their skills, building endurance, and strengthening their mindset for the challenges ahead.

Their stories reflect the passion and perseverance driving Belize’s growing karate community. As these young athletes continue to train and compete, they not only pursue personal success but also inspire the next generation of martial artists across the country. Belize’s presence at CONDEKA is proof that with dedication, strong mentorship, and national pride, even the smallest nations can stand tall on the international stage.

Watch today’s Open Your Eyes show here: