Representing Governor David Monreal Ávila, Secretary of Tourism Le Roy Barragán Ocampo stated that the event is taking place from August 14 to 16, demonstrating the state administration’s commitment to promoting sporting events that, in addition to their competitive nature, generate economic activity and boost tourism in Zacatecas.
He noted that the Mexican Open Karate tournament is the result of interinstitutional coordination, in this case with the Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), and emphasized that events of this kind strengthen the state’s position as a destination with the infrastructure and conditions necessary to host competitions of national significance.
Barragán Ocampo referred to the visit by Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, who toured the Historic Center and witnessed the number of visitors in the area. He said this supports the continuation of promotional efforts to position Zacatecas among the country’s leading tourist destinations.
Rolando Sias Navarrete, president of the National Federation of Japanese Martial Arts, recognized the facilities and support provided by the Government of Zacatecas for the event and proposed the possibility of the state being considered as an annual host for professional and qualifying competitions.
Montserrat Becerra Palos, instructor with the UAZ Representative Karate Team and organizer of the event, highlighted that Zacatecas provides a demanding setting for participants and emphasized the level maintained by the state in this discipline.
The 2026 Mexican Open Karate is organized by the National Federation of Japanese Martial Arts and includes kata and kumite competitions, with athletes from Nuevo León, Coahuila, Yucatán, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, Durango, Chihuahua, Baja California, Mexico City, Puebla, and Zacatecas.
The program began on August 13 with the arrival of delegations and the Board of Directors. On August 14, registration, the welcome ceremony, and seminars for referees, coaches, and Kobudo are being held.
On Saturday, August 15, competitions begin for the women’s and men’s categories in kata and kumite, covering all belt levels for athletes up to 13 years old, as well as Kobudo events and the 14- and 15-year-old, cadet, junior, senior, and veteran categories.
The official opening ceremony will also take place that day. As part of the program, the Government of Zacatecas will host a callejoneada for the participating delegations.
On August 16, the tournament will conclude with black-belt competitions for athletes aged 14 and older in kata, kumite, and team events, as well as Kobudo competitions.
Source: zacatecas.gob
