By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts Inc. (ITSMAI) represented Western Visayas and the Philippines well during the South East Asia Karate Federation (SEAKF), from April 24-26, 2024, at the Bangkok Youth Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
After three days of intense karate action, five karatekas from ITSMAI turned heads and impressed during the prestigious sporting event.
Headlining the ITSMAI pool of participants was Jan Michael Lozada, one of the most decorated students of the Iloilo-based martial arts organization.
Lozada delivered ITSMAI’s best finish in the international tournament after bagging the bronze medal in the juniors category.
The young athlete was one of the participants in the -55kg Male Kumite division and faced Indonesia, Malaysia, and Laos in his campaign.
Meanwhile, Patricia Claire Judilla, EA Benedict Posadas, Pio Joemarie Judilla, and Hurst Lennor Saul, capped off their international experience as qualifiers.
Before traveling to Thailand, ITSMAI already gained the confidence and experience they needed as they dominated several national and local tournaments during the past few months.
Last April 6, 2024, ITSMAI dominated the 11th RNKA Karatedo Championships at the City Mall in Mandalagan, Bacolod City.
After a day full of action-packed events in the prestigious tournament, the talented Ilonggo Karatedo athletes took home a total of 18 medals: seven golds, six silvers, and five bronze medals.
The Ilonggo representatives were coached and supervised by veteran mentor and one of the pillars of ITSMAI, Mr. Gerald Tinagan.
