Cuba Hosts World Martial Arts Championship | 2024 Event

by Grace Chen

Cuba to Host Inaugural Martial Arts World Cup in Historic December Event

A landmark moment for Cuban sports is on the horizon as the nation prepares to host its first-ever Martial Arts World Cup this December, bringing together athletes from diverse disciplines and nations.

Cuba is poised to make its mark on the global martial arts stage, solidifying its commitment to the sport with a focus on both technical excellence and international collaboration. The competition, spearheaded by the Cuban Association of Martial Arts (ACAM), represents a notable milestone in the country’s sporting history.

A Milestone for Cuban Martial Arts

According to a senior official, “It is a great challenge, and at the same time a high honor, to hold a world competition like this in our country, in which we expect the presence of competitors from around a dozen countries.” The event is designed to elevate martial arts practice across the island,emphasizing rigorous technique and fostering international connections.

The organization is being led by Dr. Nubia Bregado Gutiérrez, a 10th dan Grand Master and president of ACAM. Dr. Bregado and her team are working diligently to ensure a accomplished and impactful competition. Key ACAM directors, including Dr.Iosif Sánchez Nodarse, 8th Dan Grand Master and first vice president of ACAM, and Julio Lemus, head of the Council of Teachers, are actively involved in the planning process.

Did you know? – Cuba has a long and respected history in martial arts, particularly Judo and Taekwondo, but this World Cup marks the first time the nation will host a multi-discipline event of this scale.

Building Momentum with International Training

The upcoming World Cup is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Cuba’s martial arts infrastructure. Preparations are already underway with a series of international seminars and championships.

In May, Havana is slated to host the Pan American Kickboxing Championship, though organizers are also considering Camagüey and Las Tunas as potential host cities. Between February and March, five additional international seminars will be conducted, complemented by an academic conclave at the University of physical Culture and Sports Sciences. This academic component underscores cuba’s dedication to the scientific and training aspects of martial arts.

A recent seminar led by Russian teacher Serguey Dmitrev at the University of havana’s Valdés Daussá room served as a crucial step in this planning.

Pro tip – Focusing on both physical training and academic study of martial arts principles is a hallmark of the Cuban approach, aiming for well-rounded athletes.

Focus on Athlete Advancement

Dr. Bregado emphasized the importance of domestic competition in identifying top talent. “We have a lot of work. This year we will put emphasis on competitive events in the greatest number of schools, from which the athletes who will represent the country in the World Cup in December will emerge,” she stated.This strategic approach aims to ensure Cuba fields a strong and competitive team on home soil.

The upcoming events signal a renewed commitment to martial arts in Cuba, promising a dynamic year of training, competition, and international collaboration culminating in a historic World Cup this December.

Why is this happening? Cuba is hosting the inaugural Martial Arts World Cup to elevate martial arts practice on the island, foster international connections, and solidify its commitment to the sport. The event is a significant milestone in the country’s sporting history.

Who is involved? The event is spearheaded by the Cuban Association of Martial Arts (ACAM), led by Dr. Nubia Bregado Gutiérrez. Key figures include Dr.Iosif Sánchez Nodarse and julio Lemus. Athletes from around a dozen countries are expected to participate, along with international teachers like Serguey Dmitrev.

What is happening? Cuba is preparing to host its first-ever Martial Arts World Cup in December. This includes hosting the Pan American Kickboxing Championship in May, conducting five international seminars between February and March, and holding an academic conclave

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