This weekend, the 2019 Panamerican Karate Championships will be held in Bogotá, Colombia, in conjunction with the city’s Festival de Verano. Andres Vargas, Senior Legal Counsel for Biz Latin Hub and Secretary for the Japanese Karate Association, will be competing in the championships. Over 600 athletes from 16 countries have traveled to Bogotá to participate in the two-day event. Biz Latin Hub had the opportunity to speak with Andrés Vargas about his involvement in the championships and his role within the association.
Andrés Vargas will be competing in four categories: Individual Kumite, Individual Kata, Team Kumite (five versus five), and Team Kata. He has been practicing karate for 18 years and is at the Ni Dan (Second Dan) level. Vargas also runs a karate school called Jishin Dojo with his wife, where they train groups of people three times a week. As Secretary to the Japanese Karate Association, Vargas provides legal support and advice on various matters, including contracts and events.
Participating in the Panamerican Karate Championships is a meaningful experience for Vargas because it allows him to compete in front of his family, friends, and colleagues who have never seen him compete before. He feels a sense of responsibility to perform well and make those who support him proud.
Vargas chose karate as his sport because he was inspired by martial arts films, particularly those featuring actors such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Lee, and Chuck Norris. He was also drawn to Japanese culture and chose to learn karate as a way to experience the famous martial art form from Japan. Karate taught Vargas about important values such as discipline and respect, which have had a significant impact on his life both inside and outside the academy.
The values taught in karate include being correct and rightful, punctuality, self-improvement, respect for others, and abstaining from violent behaviors. These values are not only taught in karate lessons but also practiced and shared in everyday life. Vargas believes that karate has helped him remain calm and composed in stressful situations and has provided him with valuable techniques to navigate life’s challenges.
Biz Latin Hub has been a crucial support for the Japanese Karate Association, helping them achieve their goals and promote the principles of karate. Through their involvement in sporting events like the Panamerican Karate Championship, Biz Latin Hub aims to contribute to social development and Panamerican integration.
Vargas’s objectives for the championships are to give his best performance, be a good sportsman, and show respect to his opponents. He is incredibly excited about the upcoming competition and eagerly awaits the opportunity to compete.
Biz Latin Hub offers legal and back-office services to foreign businesses and entrepreneurs looking to enter the Latin American and South Pacific markets. They recognize the importance of supporting social development and integration through sporting events like the Panamerican Karate Championship. If you’re considering entering the Latin American sports scene, Biz Latin Hub can assist you with the legal and regulatory requirements of setting up your business.
