• NIDA A. BUENAFE
The winning tradition for the young karatekas of Bacolod City-based Karate Fighting System – Phil. Shotokan Karate Institute (KFS-PSKI) continues as they hauled medals from the Okazaki Cup 2024 tournament to the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) competition.
Trained by Sensei Elan Delfin and Sensei Randy Mengullo, the team collected nine gold, 15 silver, and 14 bronze medals from their venture in the Okazaki Cup in Manila, where they pitted talents against their contemporaries from different karate clubs in the country, then followed it up with a dominant performance in NOPSSCEA karatedo event.
In the Okazaki Cup, the KFS-PSKI, won two gold medals in the Shubo Ippon (traditional competition) courtesy of Janessa Merliah Gerafil and Aereon Julius Padios, and nine golds in WKF rules (sports karate) after outstanding performances from double-gold winner Flint Dave Pahilanga, Zaine Spenser Tonedo, Maria Cein Angeles, Josh Nigel Perlas, Justine Mark Germo, and Timothy Ledesma.
Adding to the haul was the silver medal won by team captain Adah Keira Gorriceta in 16-17 years old girls’ advance kata, and the silver and bronze medals captured Marianita Feliza Tacdoro and Alexandrine Gorriceta in their respective event.
Also coming home with medals were Carl Joseph Mampang, Paarnam Singh, Gurkirat Singh, Khasdeep Kaur Sekhon, and Balpreet Kaur in the boys’ category.
It’s an answered prayer for all of us.
“Our karatekas did their best as they faced the high-caliber players of NCR with more than 500 entries nationwide. Although others fall short, the experience was priceless,” said Sensei Mengullo.
“My heartfelt gratitude goes to all our karate parents in this amazing sporting journey with all its ups, downs and funny moments along the way.
I couldn’t ask for more, but to acknowledge this significant milestone made possible because of God’s guidance and blessings as we give back all the glory to Him,” he added.
A national competition that drew participation from among the best karatekas in the country, the Okazaki Cup was hosted and organized by the International Shotokan Karate Federation – Philippines and was held in Green Hills Mall in San Juan, Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, representing their respective schools, the KFS-PSKI karatekas prevailed over their rivals in this year’s NOPSSCEA tournament.
Carlo Barias, Eevgheniy Agsam, and Baron Medina, who honed their skills under the tutelage of Mengullo and Delfin, bannered the champion St. Joseph School – La Salle boys’ cadet team synchronized data, while Cessna Medina, Ashlie Siscar, Zue Panisales and Denisse Martina Atesora, duplicated the feat for SJS-LS in the same event in high school girls’ department.
Other medalists in NOPSSCEA karatedo were Zhian Magbanua, Merry Austria,
Zue Panisales, Genesis Paula Austria, Amaia Togonon, Ashley Dignos, Xiana Tuazon, Paulaine Miyu Kalaw, Francis Zohann Kalaw, Marianita Felisa Tacdoro, Klein Abdiel Torres, Parnaam Singh, Janezza Merliah Gerafil, Atrialine Marie Batilo, Ardel Kent Batilo, Timothy Ledesma, and Carl Joseph Mampang.
In the college category, University of St. La Salle team captain Ferlie Mae Lall finished with a gold and silver medals in women’s team kata and individual kata; and Shifra Medina, gold and silver in women’s team kumite and individual kumite.
Other KFS-PSKI karatekas who also made their mark in this year’s NOPSSCEA competition were Keira Gorriceta, who won the gold and bronze in 16-17 years old girls’ kumite and juniors advance kata; Azhanna Gorriceta, gold in 12-13 years old novice kata and kumite; and Alexandrine Gorriceta, gold and bronze in 10-11 years old novice kata and kumite.
Adding power to the coaching staff of the KSF-PSKI is Senpai Gerrine Kaye Perez. | NAB
