Three Martial Arts Icons Converge in Llanera’s #másGuerreras Event
Llanera, Spain — October 10, 2024 — The Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera will host its #másGuerreras event on Saturday, October 12, bringing together three of Spain’s most influential female martial artists: judoka Estrella LĂłpez, taekwondo Olympian Aintzane Aramburu, and kickboxing champion MarĂa Fernández. The event, organized to celebrate women’s leadership in combat sports, will feature demonstrations, panel discussions, and a Q&A session.
The gathering marks the first time these three athletes—each with Olympic and world championship pedigrees—will appear together in a public forum. According to Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera’s official schedule, the event will take place at the PabellĂłn PrĂncipe Felipe in Llanera, beginning at 6:00 PM local time (UTC+2). Tickets are available through the club’s website, with proceeds supporting youth martial arts programs.
Key Details: The #másGuerreras event on October 12 in Llanera, Spain, features judoka Estrella LĂłpez, taekwondo Olympian Aintzane Aramburu, and kickboxing champion MarĂa Fernández. The gathering highlights women’s leadership in combat sports through demonstrations, panel discussions, and a Q&A session at the PabellĂłn PrĂncipe Felipe. Tickets support youth programs.
Three Champions, Three Disciplines
The event’s headliners represent Spain’s strongest martial arts disciplines:
- Estrella López (Judo) — A two-time European champion and 2023 World Judo Team member, López has competed at the Olympic level since 2016. She currently trains at the Judo Castilla academy and is preparing for the 2025 European Games.
- Aintzane Aramburu (Taekwondo) — Aramburu won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the women’s 57kg category and holds three European Championship titles. She recently signed with World Taekwondo as an ambassador for youth development.
- MarĂa Fernández (Kickboxing) — A three-time WKF European champion, Fernández transitioned from amateur boxing to professional kickboxing in 2022. She is the first Spanish woman to win the WKF World Cup in the lightweight division.
According to EFE’s report, the event organizers emphasized the need for role models in martial arts, particularly for young athletes. “These women have broken barriers not just in competition but in visibility,” said Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera president Javier Moya. “Their stories inspire the next generation.”
Beyond the Spotlight: The Broader Impact
The #másGuerreras initiative is part of a growing movement to increase female representation in martial arts. According to a 2023 study by the Spanish Ministry of Sport, women make up only 32% of registered martial artists in Spain, despite comprising 48% of the country’s sports population. The event aims to address this gap by:
- Showcasing role models: All three athletes have publicly advocated for gender equality in sports, including LĂłpez’s 2022 interview with El PaĂs on women’s underrepresentation in judo leadership.
- Fundraising for youth programs: Proceeds will fund scholarships for girls aged 8–14 at the club’s Guerreras Academy, which has seen a 40% increase in female enrollment since 2022.
- Promoting cross-discipline collaboration: The event will feature a panel on “Uniting the Arts Martial” with coaches from judo, taekwondo, and kickboxing, addressing how athletes can transition between disciplines.
Comparison: Similar events like the Women’s Boxing Summit in London (2023) drew 12,000 attendees, but #másGuerreras organizers expect a smaller, more intimate crowd of 500–800 due to Llanera’s regional focus. “Our goal isn’t just numbers,” Moya said. “It’s creating a space where athletes can connect with fans on a personal level.”
Event Details: Date, Time, and How to Attend
When: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (UTC+2)
Where: PabellĂłn PrĂncipe Felipe, Calle de la ConstituciĂłn 1, Llanera, Asturias, Spain
Tickets: €15 general admission, €10 for students/seniors. Available at Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera’s website. A limited number of free passes are reserved for local youth athletes.
Streaming: The event will be live-streamed on Club Tai-Jitsu’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, with Spanish and English commentary.
— Aintzane Aramburu
“I’ve always believed that martial arts are about more than competition. They’re about resilience, community, and breaking down barriers. This event is a chance to show young girls that they belong in these spaces just as much as anyone else.”
What to Expect: The Event’s Agenda
| Time (UTC+2) | Activity | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Opening Ceremony & Welcome | Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera, local officials |
| 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM | Martial Arts Demonstrations | Estrella LĂłpez (Judo), Aintzane Aramburu (Taekwondo), MarĂa Fernández (Kickboxing) |
| 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM | Panel Discussion: “The Future of Women in Combat Sports” | All three athletes + coaches from each discipline |
| 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM | Q&A Session with the Audience | All three athletes |
| 8:45 PM – 9:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Fundraising Announcement | Javier Moya (Club President) |
Note: Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for autograph sessions and exclusive merchandise sales featuring the athletes’ signatures.
Why Llanera? The Local Connection
Llanera, a city of 38,000 in Asturias, has emerged as a hub for martial arts in northern Spain. The Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera, founded in 2005, now boasts over 1,200 members, with women comprising 45% of its ranks—a figure above the national average.
According to Asturias Regional Sports Federation data, the club’s youth programs have produced 15 national champions in the past five years, including two Olympic hopefuls. “Llanera is proof that grassroots initiatives can change the landscape of sports,” said Asturias Sports Director Ana RodrĂguez.
Looking Ahead: The Athletes’ 2025 Goals
The event coincides with a pivotal year for all three athletes:
- Estrella LĂłpez is targeting a podium finish at the 2025 European Games in Poland, where judo will make its debut.
- Aintzane Aramburu is preparing for the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships in Manila, where she aims to reclaim her world title.
- MarĂa Fernández has signed a three-fight deal with Kickboxing World Series and will defend her lightweight title in March 2025.
Key Takeaway: The #másGuerreras event is not just a one-time gathering but a launchpad for these athletes’ next chapters. “This is about legacy,” López said in a recent interview. “We’re not just competing—we’re building a movement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I attend if I’m not a martial artist?
A: Absolutely. The event is open to the public, and no prior martial arts experience is required. Organizers encourage families and fans to join.
Q: Will there be opportunities to meet the athletes?
A: Yes. Autograph sessions will be held before the event, and a meet-and-greet with all three athletes is scheduled for 5:00 PM on October 12 (included with ticket purchase).
Q: How can I support the Guerreras Academy?
A: In addition to ticket proceeds, donations can be made via Club Tai-Jitsu’s donation page. 100% of funds go toward scholarships and equipment for girls’ programs.
How to Follow the Event
For live updates, follow Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera on:
Next Steps: The Club Tai-Jitsu Llanera will announce a second #másGuerreras event in 2025, tentatively scheduled for April. Stay tuned for details.
Share your thoughts: Will you be attending? What questions do you have for the athletes? Comment below or tag @clubtaijitsu on social media.
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