Arturo Esparza Monsivaiz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Arturo (Art) Monsivaiz, 77, on January 16, 2025. He was a loving son, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, coach, sensi and professor who lived an extraordinary life filled with honor, respect, discipline and purpose will be deeply missed. 

Art is survived by his beloved children: daughter Sylvia Garcia (Liborio), son Joe Monsivaiz (Mary) and daughter Monica Monsivaiz (Anita). Art was a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and one great-great grandchild expected this year, 1 sister, 3 brothers and many nieces and nephews. 

Born on August 27, 1947, Art was raised in Las Cruces and was a life-long New Mexican. His early life was shared with his parents and siblings. He worked the fields alongside his father and brothers. On March 9, 1964 he married Dolores Reyna who he shared his life with for 53 years until her passing on February 7, 2017. 

Art worked in various fields to support his family, working as a cook, chef or manager of restaurants such as the Pancake Alley, Palms Hotel, Golden Dragon, and for the past 46 years, he dedicated his culinary career to The Spanish Kitchen. He also worked for several years with Mac's Meats as a meat cutter. He ventured into the construction business working alongside his son-in-law, Liborio Garcia, where he was proudly sporting his hard hat driving heavy equipment in the construction of the Best Western Hotel in Ruidoso, NM. Art in his later years enjoyed and worked in landscaping and prided himself in his manicured yards and lawns for family and friends. Art was truly a Jack-of-All Trades but a Master of his true passion, the Martial Arts. 

At the age of 19, Art began his Kenpo career under the instruction of Gilbert Zamarippa. While studying the Art of Ken po, he also found a passion for and began competing in boxing and kickboxing in which he participated in numerous amateur and professional fights. In 1973, while under the instruction of Gilbert Zamarippa, he earned his rank of Black Belt. Over the next ten years, he continued to train and compete in Las Cruces and El Paso, TX. In 197 4 Art founded Chinese Kenpo Karate of New Mexico and Monsivaiz Kickboxing which he operated, taught and trained students in the Martial Arts for which he had such a passion for until his retirement in December 2019. In 1984, Art promoted his very first point fighting, kickboxing and boxing tournament and in 1985 earned his 2nd degree Black Belt. Art trained his sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren making Chinese Kenpo and Monsivaiz Kickboxing a family affair. In 1993 Art earned the rank of 3rd degree Black Belt under the instruction of Mike Pick and in 2006 was promoted and recognized as a 5th degree Black Belt by many senior Black Belts, one being Ed Parker, Jr. When asked, "Why don't you advance in the system?" he responded, "There's no need to. I am not in it for the rank, I'm here because I enjoy and love it." In 2018, Art earned his 8th degree Black Belt and was bestowed upon him the title of Master of the Art. Art Monsivaiz was the first man to be awarded this rank and title within the American Institute of Kenpo, ever. 

During his career, Art produced many champions in Karate, kickboxing, and boxing, including state champions and world champions both in amateur and professional levels. It was the same passion, dedication and commitment to the Martial Arts that he had in starting his career that kept him dedicated and committed to teaching, training and promoting Championship Karate, kickboxing and boxing tournaments in the Southwest. When asked what sustained him, he replied, "The kids that I have here. Every time I see them progress, that's my reward." 

Art gave his entire life of service to the Martial Arts. He provided countless opportunities for kids to empower themselves and overcome life's challenges. Many colleagues and former students have sent their thoughts on the impact of his loss. One mentioned that "The real treasure is the fire he lit within the hearts and minds of those he taught and influenced. Those treasures never fade, tarnish or diminish in value. Each of those possessions are just a snapshot in time of his service and greatness." Another said "He goes down as an absolute legend." Another said, "He always had the door open." One said they will cherish the memories of the countless fights and events he made possible for so many. 

Art, you will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in the countless lives you touched. You were a pillar of life to the entire Martial Arts community. You stayed true to do whatever it took until the last day when you took your final bow. Rest in peace. 

Art was preceded in passing by his beloved wife, Dolores, his son, Arturo Santiago Monsivaiz, his parents, Elias and Alicia Monsivaiz, his great grandson, Raymond Arturo Flores, his brothers Manuel Monsivaiz and Wally Monsivaiz, his sister Gloria Monsivaiz, sisters-in-law Mildred Monsivaiz and Rosa Monsivaiz. 

Pallbearers include his grandsons Jesse Angel Monsivaiz and Joey Angel, great grandsons, Jesse Ezekiel Monsivaiz, Jaime Hernandez III, Orlando Reyes Lozoya, and nephew Rey "G" Ponce. Honorary pallbearers include grandson Efren Arturo Rodriguez, and nephews Richard (Rick) Monsivaiz and Robert Monsivaiz. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Art's favorite charity, St. Jude's Children Hospital, of which he was a strong supporter for many years. 

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday January 22, 2025 at Getz Funeral Home Chapel, 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM, with viewing at 10:00 am, funeral service at 11 :00 am, followed by the burial at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. The family invites everyone for fellowship to share their favorite memories of Art at a reception at the Elks Lodge #1119, 3000 Elks Dr., Las Cruces, NM following the burial.