On the job in Los Alamos Tuesday is Professor Kevin Bankens who received his master’s degree in Shotokan Karate 5th degree black belt. Gathered with Bankens Tuesday, front from left, Sensei Nickolas Wilson and Sensei Raymond Mott and back row from left, Evelyn Bankens, Kevin ‘Conan’ Bankens, O’Sensei Rod Prejean, Master Rhuel Luttrell, Jeff Corwon and Frances Anchondo. Bankens began his lifelong journey in martial arts at 8 years old in 1978. He studied at Lake Charles Karate School under O’sensei Rod Prejean in the art of Shotokan karate. Bankens rose through the ranks and began to fight in the karate circuit at 14 years old. He also holds a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Master Todd Nathanson and Master Edmund Alves of Brazil and a 3rd degree brown belt in Judo. Bankens was the silver medal winner in the Heavyweight Judo Championship finals of 2015. ‘My martial arts journey has been a tough road however extremely rewarding. I wouldn’t change it for the world,’ he said. Bankens owns and teaches at Bankens Mountain Martial Arts Academy at 172 Central Park Square. Classes include adult and kids Jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and fitness classes. For information, visit bankensmma.com or call 505.490.0491. #worklosalamos #wherediscoveriesaremade. Photo by Jenn Bartram/ladailypost.com
