Village Connect
The Philippines celebrated another milestone in youth sports as a new generation of karate athletes delivered an impressive performance at the 3rd Asian Karate Youth Open Championship and Training Camp held in Hangzhou, China, from July 22 to 26, 2026. Competing against some of Asia’s strongest young karatekas, the Filipino delegation returned home with medals and valuable international experience, highlighting the country’s growing strength in the sport.
Leading the campaign was nine-year-old Romeo Viktor Enriquez of Fight Alliance Sports Team (FAST)-ISKF, who captured the gold medal in the Under-10 Male Kumite (+40 kg) division during his first-ever international tournament. Trained by national coach and former Karate Pilipinas captain Engene Dagohoy, Enriquez displayed confidence and composure throughout the competition. Aside from his championship finish in kumite, the Grade 4 student from Ateneo de Manila Grade School also secured a Top 5 finish in the Under-10 Male Kata event.
Another standout performer was 13-year-old Raphael Mariano Herrera, who continued his consistent showing on the international stage after earning the bronze medal in the Under-14 Male Kata. The Grade 7 student from Abba’s Orchard successfully repeated his achievement from the previous Asian championship, proving his ability to remain competitive among the region’s best young martial artists.
Ten-year-old Ripley Borromeo likewise represented the country well by placing in the Top 5 of the Under-12 Female Kata and finishing in the Top 7 of the Under-12 Female Kumite. The Keys School Manila student demonstrated determination and skill against a highly competitive field. Completing the FAST-ISKF delegation were Ellis Cañoza, 11, and Colin Paolo, 10, who also gained valuable exposure in the prestigious tournament.
Coach Engene Dagohoy praised the young athletes for their dedication and discipline, emphasizing that their achievements reflected months of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. The SEA Games medalist expressed confidence that the country’s next generation of karatekas possesses the talent and mindset to compete successfully on the international stage and continue elevating Philippine karate in future competitions.
The championship brought together participants from China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Macau, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Uzbekistan, providing an important platform for young athletes to test their skills against Asia’s finest.
The Filipino campaign received valuable support from several organizations and individuals, including Hello Money, Toby’s Sports, Homeschool Global Philippines, Trainstation, Inc., Namayan Digital, Inc., the Office of Senator Chiz Escudero, and other private partners whose contributions helped make the team’s participation possible. Additional assistance also came from Lightwater, the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, and other supporters committed to youth sports development.
Adding to the country’s medal haul, 11-year-old Wifredo Apelledo of AAKR Karatedo successfully defended his Asian title by winning consecutive gold medals in the Under-12 Male Kata while also earning the silver medal in the Under-12 Male Kumite (-45 kg). He was joined by teammate Ysabella Arwen Varias in representing AAKR at the tournament.
The strong showing by both FAST-ISKF and AAKR Karatedo reflects the continued progress of Philippine youth karate, with young athletes proving they have the talent and determination to compete among Asia’s best while inspiring the next generation of Filipino martial artists.
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