BY LISA PERKINS
TRAVERSE CITY -- Studying science, learning to play the saxophone and participating in karate tournaments number among 11-year-old Vincent Camacho's favorite activities.
The Grand Traverse Academy sixth-grader and son of two black belts is devoted to succeeding in each of his pursuits.
Camacho's performance at last weekend's Arnold's Martial Arts Classic, held in Columbus, Ohio, is proof that the 15 to 20 hours he spends practicing each week have paid dividends.
Earning a silver medal in kata, a detailed performance of choreographed movements, and a bronze medal in kumate, or sparring, Camacho was among the top performers in his age and skill level at the international tournament hosted by California Governor Arnold Swarzenegger.
"Originally, when I started taking karate, I just wanted to learn. But when I competed for the first time at a tournament I really liked it. Now it is my favorite thing to do," said Camacho, who earned a brown belt while studying at the Miladi Karate Academy in Yuba City, Calif., before moving to Traverse City in September.
Camacho placed fourth in last year's Junior Olympics, held in Las Vegas, and will compete in the USA National Karate Federation's regional qualifier in Temperance next weekend before heading to the U.S. Nationals, to be held in Greenville, S.C. in July.
Since moving to Traverse City, Camacho has begun training in tae kwon do as well.
"There is no sanctioned school in Michigan where he could train to compete so we put him in Sueng-ni, in tae kwon do, so he would be able to practice sparring with others his age," said his mother, Sharon, herself a black belt in tae kwon do.
While Camacho enjoys learning the differences in the two martial art forms, karate is where he hopes to continue his competitive career.
"I hope to compete in the Pan American games in two years, then the Worlds, then the Olympics in 2020," said Camacho, noting that the Olympic Committee will have to cooperate, since karate is not an Olympic sport. Karate lost to golf during the second round of voting this past November but will be up for consideration to be part of the 2020 Olympic games.
