Katy Brothers Compete to Represent USA in Taekwondo at the Olympic Games

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

December 29, 2019

By Natalie Cook Clark

In the next decade, Katy could have representatives at the Olympic Games. Three Katy brothers are gaining national attention through their accomplishments in Taekwondo. Two of them have earned spots to train with Olympic coaches and athletes this January putting them a step closer to their Olympic dreams.

Katy's Tae Kwon Do Brothers

Lorenzo “Kiel” Buenaventura, and his brothers Luke and Damian, train at Katy’s Rock Solid Martial Arts Academy, under the guidance and coaching of U.S.A Hall of Fame Inductee, Master Joseph Santarose.

Recently, Kiel, a 9th grader at Katy High School and Luke, a 6th grader at Katy Junior High participated in an ID camp where representatives from Team USA scouted potential athletes to represent Team USA at the 2024 and 2028 Olympics. The brothers both earned a spot to train with Olympic coaches and athletes at the National Center of Excellence in Colorado this January.

A Hopeful Olympian

Kiel made the Development Academy and will be trained for the US Olympic Team. To make that team, he will compete in qualifying tournaments where he must place in the top 32. The top 32 qualify to advance to the Olympics.

Kiel started Taekwondo when he was six and has been competing since he was eight years old.

“I was bullied when I was younger so my mom put me in Taekwondo so I could defend myself,” says Kiel. “I just kept going since then, it keeps me healthy and disciplined.”

Physical and Emotional Benefits

Luke was selected for the Depth Charge Developmental Camp. This camp develops athletes who are not quite ready for the Development Academy but they demonstrate great potential. Students in the Depth Charge Developmental Camp have another chance to be selected for the Development Academy.

Luke wants to be a World Champion and an Olympian.

“I love Taekwondo because it helps me not just physically but also emotionally and mentally,” says Luke. “I have to think and spar at the same time.”

Elementary Student Will Represent US at Pan Am Championships

The youngest Buenaventura brother, Damien, is a 4th grader at Katy Elementary. He will represent the US at the 2020 Pan Am Championships in Spokane, WA.

“I love Taekwondo because I’m good at it,” says Damien. “I really like to spar and I love to be in the ring and do my moves.”

The training in Colorado this January will bring Kiel and Luke one step closer to their Olympic dreams.

“I will do the best that I can and hopefully I get to represent the USA in the 2024 or 2028 Olympics,” says Kiel.

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