Chapala Taekwondo School Aims for International Competition, Faces Fundraising Challenge

The Lakeside mixed martial arts school in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, led by instructor Omar Pajarito, is preparing for a significant milestone: its first group trip to South Korea to compete in the Open International Taekwondo Championships 2026. Despite a decade of dedication to the discipline and strong community support, the team is working to overcome financial hurdles to ensure all aspiring athletes can participate.

A Decade of Dedication and the “Mind Kwon” Philosophy

For 14 years, the school has served the Ribera de Chapala region, evolving from traditional Taekwondo to a more holistic approach. The institution’s “Mind Kwon” program integrates psychological support, focusing on emotional self-control, positive discipline and frustration management for children and young people. Instructor Pajarito notes growing parental interest in these comprehensive courses, highlighting the positive impact of martial arts and self-defense training.

Fundraising Efforts for the South Korea Trip

The Open International Taekwondo Championships 2026 will be held in Seoul and Seongnam, South Korea, on July 18 and 25, with the team’s return to Mexico scheduled for July 30. To make the trip a reality, the school has launched a diverse fundraising campaign, including raffles, voluntary self-defense workshops, and community events. Students have until the second week of July to reach their fundraising goals.

Athletes Representing Ribera de Chapala

The athletes selected to represent Ribera de Chapala at the championships are: Leopoldo Contreras Juárez, Marco Antonio Montaño Vargas, Luis Manuel López Delgado, Karely Josselin Rivera Flores, Frankie Valentine Pérez, Annmarié Pérez, Joshua Salvador Segura Rodríguez, Naomi Geraldine Jasso Zamora, and Karen Esmeralda Hernández Macías.

Community Support and Remaining Needs

While the school has received considerable support from the local community and businesses, Instructor Pajarito indicated in an interview that the fundraising goal hasn’t been fully met. “People and companies have supported us a lot and I am very grateful; unfortunately, there is still a lack of funds to ensure that all our students who want to be part of the trip attend,” he explained. The school continues to seek contributions to fulfill the dreams of these young athletes.

How to Support the Team

Those interested in supporting the Lakeside Taekwondo school’s journey to the Open International Taekwondo Championships 2026 can contact Omar Pajarito at 33 1434 9804.