San Luis Potosí, Mexico — The global expansion of Kombat Taekwondo continues at full pace with the official launch of its Mexican franchise, now under the presidency of Lic. Salvador Pérez, widely known in the martial arts world as “Chava.”
The historic announcement took place at the CAR La Loma High Performance Center during an international training camp led by renowned coach Ireno Fargas. The event brought together prominent figures of the organization, including Kombat Taekwondo founder Rick Shin, Argentina’s Claudio Aranda and Gabriel Taraburelli, Guatemala’s Gabriela Echeverría, and El Salvador franchise owners Josué and Kelly Flores.
Salvador Pérez also introduced the newest addition to the leadership team in Mexico: Boris Carrillo, who will head the referee department, reinforcing the franchise’s commitment to professional integrity and operational excellence.
Rick Shin, visionary founder and global president of Kombat Taekwondo, expressed unwavering confidence in the future of the sport in Mexico. “There is no doubt Mexico will become a powerhouse in Professional Taekwondo. Without a professional league, it’s nearly impossible to create real stars—and that’s exactly what our sport needs.”
With approximately one million active practitioners and a rich martial arts tradition, Mexico represents the largest Taekwondo market in the Americas. Kombat Taekwondo’s entry into this arena is not only timely but strategic.
Lic. Salvador “Chava” Pérez is a former member of Mexico’s national Taekwondo team with over a decade of international experience. A bronze medalist at the 2007 and 2009 World University Games in Thailand and Serbia, he also holds a degree in International Trade. After retiring from competitive sport, Pérez transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a prominent voice for Kombat Taekwondo on ESPN.
“Returning to Taekwondo through Kombat has felt like rediscovering a part of myself I had tried to leave behind,” Pérez shared. “Now, with this new role, I’m not just returning—I’m helping to build the future.”
One of the most significant announcements during the launch was a strategic alliance with La Loma High Performance Centers in San Luis Potosí and Querétaro. “This partnership is foundational,” said Pérez. “La Loma shaped my career. Seeing it now supporting Kombat Taekwondo gives this project a powerful sense of continuity and legitimacy.”
Notable athletes who have passed through La Loma include Olympic and World-level competitors such as María Espinoza, Edna Díaz, Abel Mendoza, and many more. The institution has been a cradle of elite talent, and its alignment with Kombat Taekwondo is set to elevate the sport’s profile in the country.
Unifying the Martial Arts Community
Claudio Aranda, Vice President of Kombat Taekwondo Global, emphasized that the arrival of this professional league is not about division, but unification. “We’re offering an ecosystem where athletes don’t need to abandon Taekwondo in search of better opportunities in other combat sports. Kombat Taekwondo is that next step.”
The organization welcomes practitioners from all backgrounds—WT, ITF, Moo Duk Kwan, and even other martial arts—without distinction. It is also open to both federated and independent athletes, aiming to break down political and institutional barriers that have long limited collaboration and growth.
Looking Ahead
With global acceptance and a rapidly expanding presence, Kombat Taekwondo represents the professional evolution that the community has been waiting for. For Pérez, the future is clear: “Mexico is ready to become a global reference. Those who join now will lead the next generation of Taekwondo stars.”