By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
15 Ilonggo Karatedo athletes recently made waves during the 5th Karate Pilipinas National Championships held at the Tagaytay Combat Sports in Tagaytay City.
Honed by the Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts Inc. (ITSMAI), these prized Ilonggo combat sports athletes delivered six gold medals, one silver, and three bronze medals after three days of intense competition.
The talented Ilonggo representatives were coached and supervised by veteran mentor and one of the pillars of ITSMAI, Mr. Gerald Tinagan.
“I would like to thank Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc. President Shihan Richard Lim for this great opportunity to our Tinagan Karatedo Athletes (TKA) and also to our very supportive TKA Parents,” said Mr. Tinagan during an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.
Leading the pack of the gold medalists for ITSMAI is Jan Michael Lozada who ruled the juniors-55kg kumite boys category.
Meanwhile, Thirdy Bañes replicated Lozada’s feat after winning the juniors-61kg kumite boys while Hurst Lennor Saul turned heads in the juniors-68kg kumite boys.
Wrapping up the group of champions for ITSMAI are Pio Joemarie Judilla, Patricia Claire Judilla, and Diona Mae Belleza.
The lone silver medalist for the Ilonggo squad is EA Benedict Posadas who managed to have a podium finish in the Under-21 75kg kumite boys category.
Zydrix John Sipe, Bryan Bert Bancolo Jr., and Archail Monton then delivered the last-minute bronze medals for ITSMAI.
Special mentions during the tournament are Adrian Gabriel Solas, Izyllaine Snow Alsol, Michaela Andrea Jade Lozada, Vince Carriel Collado, and Merald Enojado who became tournament qualifiers.
“Our next journey is the South East Asian Karatedo Federation Championship and will be held in Thailand. AIM HIGH, ITSMAI! Added Mr. Tinagan.
