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Local Martial Arts Instructors Honored at Global Hall of Honor Ceremony in New Jersey
Two teachers from Rio Rancho's Minitrez Martial Arts recognized
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — From New Mexico to New Jersey, two local martial artists are putting Rio Rancho on the map.
At the prestigious Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honor — the largest gathering of martial arts icons in the world — Hank Minitrez and Hellen Hong were recognized for their significant contributions to self-defense education and the martial arts community.
A part of Minitrez Martial Arts, located at THE HUB Recreation Center in Rio Rancho, Minitrez and Wong have worked together to use their martial arts training to better the community.
Since partnering two years ago, Minitrez and Hong have focused their mission on women’s and youth self-defense. The duo has reached diverse groups across the state, including local Girl Scout troops, students at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, New Mexico Tech in Socorro and various private groups in Santa Fe and Rio Rancho.
"I became a 'girl-dad' and realized I needed to translate my martial arts knowledge into a practical system of protection for my daughter," said Minitrez. "That system grew into the curriculum we teach today, helping women and youth find their confidence and strength."
For Minitrez, a senior master seventh-degree black belt with 42 years of experience, this induction marks his 15th career Hall of Honor accolade. His journey began in his hometown of Socorro and includes two decades of teaching in northern Virginia before he returned home to New Mexico more than three years ago.
His teammate in the classroom, third-degree black belt Wong, began nearly a decade ago as a student in a women’s self-defense clinic. Two years ago, she became a student of Minitrez and has since become an integral part of his teaching staff.
Now, Hong’s journey has come full circle, earning her first Hall of Honor accolade via teaching where she once started.
“The statistics surrounding assault and sexual violence in the U.S. are staggering. They are even worse in New Mexico. If we can prevent even one assault from happening, if we can change even one life, all our work will have been worth it,” said Hong.
The two were inducted at the event, hosted this year at Atlantic City’s Tropicana Casino and Resort from Jan. 30 through Feb. 1.
