Zen students conquer the world

By Jessica Coleman
Staff Writer
    Zen Martial Arts in Edna has a reputation of greatness. Sensei Luis Jimenez drives his students to be the best competitors they can be, and they oblige, happily. 
    This collective determination combined with hard training and a love of what they do has formed many Zen students into world-class athletes, and in September they proved it again.
    The World Kickboxing and Karate Union World Championships in Orlando, Fla. were held throughout September, and while the USA team took second place overall, Zen came home in vehicles weighed down with gold, silver, and bronze. Jillian Tindell, Christopher Escobedo, Diondra Williams, Sofia Gonzales, and Katelyn Dodds travelled across half the nation to flaunt their skills for the world.
    “There were like 700 competitors from 32 countries,” said Jimenez. “So the kids did awesome.”
    Of course, they all agreed, you go to a competition to win, but the experience of being there, surrounded by fierce competition from all over the world, making new friends, and learning about new cultures, was eye-opening and unforgettable.
    “I learned a lot watching people compete,” said black belt Jillian Tindell, “and I met a lot of people from other countries. People from the U.K. are so cool, especially the people from Wales.”
    Christopher Escobedo, who earned seven medals, including three World Championship titles at the event, said he learned a lot about other cultures and countries.
    “I had no idea that some people in Canada spoke another language,” he said. “They speak French.”
    That wasn’t the only language barrier they faced. While Sofia Gonzales could translate in order for the Zen students to talk to the Mexican team members, they just couldn’t communicate with some people. This led to some uncomfortable but humorous situations.
    “When we were in the elevator I was trying to ask some Germans if they’d take some pictures with me,” said Tindell, “and they just looked at me.”
    Escobedo has travelled all over the world to compete and was impressed by Orlando. He managed to collect a bronze medal even after suffering an injury in an earlier event.
    “This tournament was probably one of the biggest tournaments I’ve been to,” he said. “I did nine divisions and I made it in six of them. In sparring I hurt my hand and it messed up a lot for me. I popped my knuckle out of place during the fight. That kind of messed up my forms, and I ended up getting a bronze.”
    The team brought home a total of 25 medals, six of which were World Championship titles. 
    What happens now? They start preparing, both physically and financially, for next year.
    “Next year, it is going to be in Ireland,” said Jimenez. “We’re going to have to do a lot of fundraising, but I think everyone wants to go.”
    Hands shot in the air as he asked who was going to Ireland.
    “Yeah,” Jimenez said, smirking. “We’re going to Ireland.”    
    With determination like Zen Martial Arts has exhibited thus far, there is little doubt he is right.