Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, Dec. 28. - The Cuban Martial Arts Association (ACAM, by its acronym in Spanish) has established itself as a vital force in this dynamic field and stands as a bastion of fundamental values ??such as discipline, respect and perseverance.
Dr. C. Nubia Bregado Gutiérrez, president of ACAM, spoke with JIT about the achievements and challenges of this organization that brings together more than 40 thousand members in around a hundred styles.
How were the beginnings of ACAM and its legalization process?
ACAM began as a management group in 2014 and since then we have worked hard to legalize it. During the years 2014 to 2022 we implemented three national stations to present what legalization allowed us before the Ministry of Justice.
Finally, on December 13, 2022, resolution 12 was signed, legally authorizing Acam, and on December 26, 2022, we officially signed and established Acam, approving our statutes at the national level.
What have been some of Acam's most notable achievements in 2024?
There were several important milestones. We signed an agreement with the University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences (UCCFD, by its acronym in Spanish) to bring martial arts closer to sports sciences and their development, the Inder Branch School, and with the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana, known as Cujae.
We celebrated Inder's anniversary in February and organized activities on April 4. We also legalized teachers who visited the Island for seminars in various martial arts and affiliated 56 new national associations. In addition, we signed three letters of intent with Mexico and held the Summer Gala, among other events and courses.
How has the international community responded to Acam?
The response has been very positive. We have established relationships with martial artists and entities from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Spain, England, Germany, China, Pakistan, India, Russia and Japan.
We have also participated in international congresses and events, obtaining recognition and awards, which shows our strengthening at a global level.
What plans does Acam have for 2025?
We will continue with the martial arts analysis court and create the national and legal registry of martial arts. We will also work on Acam's accounts, make national competitions official and increase national seminars.
In addition, we will begin state exams for black belts and open our doors to international relations with several countries. We will organize the Children's Summer Gala and the second training base for Tai Yoza Ryu, and its world championship in October, in Havana, among other events.
Tai Yoza Ryu is a martial arts style that combines elements of Judo and Ju-Jutsu. It has evolved over time to adapt to modern needs and contexts, maintaining a scientific basis in its creation and development.
We also want to inaugurate the Acam Hall of Fame and have already elected more than twenty teachers for their Life's Work.
What message would you like to convey to Acam members?
I want to thank all members for their commitment and dedication. Together we have achieved a lot and we will continue working for the growth and development of Martial Arts in Cuba. I invite everyone to actively participate in our activities and contribute to the continued success of Acam, a work of the Revolution, our Revolution that is celebrating its 66th anniversary. (Text and photo: JIT)
