Empowerment and Community in the Heart of Santa Cruz
FRIDAY, JULY 4 – At the “Nuestra Señora del Carmen” Community Integrating Center in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentinaa day full of emotion and pride was lived. Certificates were awarded to the students who completed the self-defense, mixed martial arts and Taekwondo ITF/ITA Patagonia workshops. These activities took place both at CIC Belén and at the community center, promoting physical, emotional and social development.
An Act of Recognition and Social Commitment
The ceremony was led by the Minister of Social Development, Equality and Integration Luisa Cárdenas, accompanied by Cecilia Cortés (Secretary of State for Local Development), Romina Contreras (Undersecretary of Territorial Approach), Damián Rueda (Undersecretary of Youth), and Ivana Álvarez (Director of CIC del Carmen). Their presence highlighted the importance of promoting training and inclusion spaces through sports.
Technique, Discipline and Values Demonstrations
During the event, the students performed live demonstrations, making clear the level of commitment and skills acquired. Minister Cardenas valued the role of the instructors, not only for their technical teaching, but also for instilling respect, responsibility and a sense of community.
“These spaces not only strengthen the body, they also build character and strengthen social ties,” Cardenas said.
CICs as Engines of Social Development
The Ministry emphasized the value of the CICs as strategic spaces for learning, sports and social containment. Beyond teaching self-defense, these workshops strengthen the community fabric and promote a safer and more cohesive society.
Argentina and Martial Arts: A Path to Growth
Martial arts are booming in Argentina. Since 1967, Taekwondo has taken root thanks to Korean masters Kim Han-Chang, Choi Nam-Sung and Chung Kwang-Duk. But the country offers a rich diversity:
- Esgrima Criolla, art of the gauchos, mixing European and indigenous influences.
- Lucha Criolla, a hybrid between dance and combat, highlights cultural creativity.
- MMA is growing with figures such as Marcelo Rojo, an international standout.
- In 2025, Buenos Aires will host the ITFU World Taekwon-Do Championship, according to the ITFUnion.
An Inspiring Legacy
Martial arts are already one of the most popular sports in the country, second only to soccer. And from Rio Gallegos, a new generation of talents with strength, discipline and a deep sense of community is being built.
