Belen Goju Ryu Karate’s two new Black Belts

Elijah Browning and Jose Bautista have both been training for many years at Belen Goju Ryu Karate and have now earned their Black Belts. They have grown up training in Karate.

Elijah, son of Robert and Martha Browning, of Los Chavez, has trained since 2015. He is a 16-year-old home-schooled junior in high school. His plans include college and then service in the U.S. Air Force.

“I train to defend myself and others,” Browning said. “I have gained much discipline and confidence and, as in all things, I do it for the glory of God.”

Jose is the son of Juan and Cynthia Bautista, from Belen. He started in 2017. He is 19 years old, a Belen High School graduate and full-time student at UNM-Valencia Campus pursuing a degree in architecture.

“Karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about discipline, patience and the ability to defend yourself when it truly matters,” Bautista said. “The lessons of the Dojo follow me. You succeed by applying the same mindset; showing up every day, putting in the work and refusing to give up.”

Sensei Richard and Sensei Cindy Long are so proud of these young men and their achievements in Karate and their lives.