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About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

Johnny Rendon

Johnny Rendon


Shihan
Goshin Jutsu Karate Do
Master
International Martial Arts
1970's

Johnny Rendon began his involvement in martial arts asa hobby in 1965. At the time, no Judo or Karate classes were taught in the Laredo area. In 1966, he began his actual study of karate at a small studio at Laredo's Air Force Base and received his first degree black belt in 1968. His Air Force instructor ended his tour of duty three months later and left town and entrusted the continuation of his school to Johnny. thus. began the tradition of karate instruction in Laredo. As an instructor. Rendon took this humble beginning and worked hard to maintain the standards of the art and became dedicated to his teachings. While maintaining a full-scale schedule of classes. he continued to study and prepared himself as a competitor. He competed for 9 years in tournaments throughout Texas and Mexico. At that time, tournaments were not held as often as today with only 4 or 5 tournaments held each year. The competition was stiff and he ably represented Laredo against such champions as A1 Francis and Dimitrus Havanis (The Golden Greek) who were on the top 10 in National Karate rankings and world champions respectively. Rendon consistently placed in the top 3 in competition and won numerous trophies and awards in Karate (Sparring) and Kala (Forms). He competed at a time when there was minimal use of protective gear and fought mostly barefisted and barefooted. He retired from active competition in 1977. however. he continued to study the art and now holds a Sixth Degree Black Belt making him the highest ranking instructor in Laredo A Tenth Degree is the highest level which is awarded after many years of involvement in the art. Rendon's expertise is consistently sought after in many tournaments throughout the state. He is the Director of the Laredo Karate Tournament. Founded in 1972. this tournament brings competitors from South Texas and Northern Mexico. In 1985. he was named Instructor of the Year by the United States Martials Arts Association in San Antonio, Texas for having the most winning students in A.M.A. competition. In 1986, he was accorded the honorary title "Shihan" (Head Instructor) by the local Goshin Jutsu Karate Do instructors. This title is given to one who is a role model and who has dedicated his life to Karate. In 1988, he was recognized as one of the pioneers of Karate in Texas and the Director of Deportes Chinos from Mexico City presented him a Certificate of Merit for his efforts in bringing together the two countries through friendly competition.