Sensei Kenneth Wentz and his wife Juanita Wentz recently took their 10 competitors to Laughlin and brought back 11 trophies and two medals. Wentz has 43 years of teaching experience, and has earned world championships, proving his method.
On July 29, Team Kick, the karate team from Wentz's Kenpo Karate School, participated in the Elaine Yamano’s Yukan Na Samurai karate tournament in Laughlin. The competition is held for adult black belt kumite, kata and junior grads kata. Kumite and kata are both part of the three core foundations of karate.
Juanita Wentz said, “We had four competitors with prior experience but the other six we brought with us were brand new first-timers who have never competed at all.” The group brought back five first place, five-second place, two third place trophies and two medals back from the tournament.
Kenneth Wentz is a five-time world champion who has competed and taught for over 43 years. Wentz told the Bugle, “I got my black belt in 1979 and we have traveled around the world, including to Ireland to compete at the Irish open which is the largest karate competition in the world. We are also California state champions, and on Aug. 9 that’s where we will be going to defend our title.”
The kids in the course gravitate to Kenneth Wentz who engages his students with a mix of commands and calm explanation. Juanita Wentz explained, “The kids are learning kata techniques, and they spar too. Some of these kids can kick right up to your head.”
Wentz’s Kenpo Karate School students attend a competition once a month on average. and will be attending the world championships in Reno on October 6 and 7. In 2015, Kenneth Wentz's team brought home five world championship rings, seven silver cup awards and six qualifier plaques.
The karate school classes are available for almost all ages, starting from five years old. Juanita Wentz said, “Right now he (Kenneth Wentz) is in competition mode but also does a tiny tots class for kids under the age of five occasionally.” The class is currently unavailable due to the competitions.
Prices for classes start at $50 a month to learn conditioning and karate techniques. Juanita Wentz explained, “He (Kenneth Wentz) wants to teach the kids so that they can become the teacher and spread the knowledge of karate in the future.” Kenneth Wentz's course helps prepare his students for the future with the hope that they will continue the tradition by spreading the knowledge of his craft.
