by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
Every year, some of the nation's best fighters gather in Albuquerque to showcase their abilities.
The UNM Karate Club competed in the 2007 United States Karate Alliance Nationals Tournament at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North this weekend.
UNM brown belt Amanda Townsend - who won nationals in the form competition and was runner-up in sparring in her division - said it is a thrill to participate in a prestigious event.
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"To be here, where all of it is happening, is so cool," she said. "We get to see all kinds of black belts from different places and talk to them."
Townsend said being a national champion is unreal.
"It hasn't quite set in yet," she said. "It's crazy."
The national tournament hosted fighters from all over the country. The UNM Karate Club had participants in divisions including
purple, brown and black belts.
Javier Gonzalez, head trainer for the UNM club, said Albuquerque is privileged to host high-caliber fighters.
"It is quite an opportunity and an honor more than anything for all of us," he said. "It's a huge tournament with really good
competitors."
UNM Karate Club President Thuso Simon said it's great to see his peers have the chance to test their skills on such a large stage.
"It's just amazing," he said. "They're just normal people who hear about the club through their friends, or just come check it out."
Simon didn't compete this weekend because of a rib injury.
UNM black belt Uriel Lapcevic had one of his events cut short after he was disqualified for trying to head butt his opponent in a fight.
Lapcevic said his emotions got the best of him in the fight, but his success in the rest of the tournament made up for it.
"I placed twice this year. And last year, I was knocked out in the first match, so that's a good accomplishment," he said.
Gonzalez said his students continue to improve, and he is proud of their performances at the
tournament.
"It's a nice surprise when we get the results," he said. "It just continues to get better and better, and that just is a result of the hard work that we carry on at the club."
Townsend said camaraderie makes the UNM club successful. She said the club's members are close and spend time with each other outside of practice, which helps at events like the national tournament.
She said joining the club is one of the best decisions she
has made.
"It's really amazing. We have some really talented people in the club," she said "We're all doing really well at the state level and here at nationals."
Simon said people should check out the club if they have
free time.
"We got a lot of good talent in New Mexico," he said. "All of our members are awesome. It's a lot of fun."
