CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Led by seven-year-old Yhona L. Cosin, athletes from the Mindanao Mixed Martial Arts Academy, Inc. (MMAAI) brought home 18 medals from the 1st Bukidnon Invitational Karate Tournament held at Robinsons Valencia on Oct. 10.

The MMAAI delegation finished with 10 gold, 3 silver, and seven bronze medals across the novice, intermediate, and advanced divisions under head instructor Sensei Dino Asiñero and instructors Jimmy Asiñero and Jessa Zamarro.

Yhona Cosin earned gold medals in four events within the 6-to-7 age division: Novice Kata, Novice Kumite, Intermediate Kata, and Advanced Kumite.

"Winning four gold medals in all four events was such a wonderful blessing for our family," said her mother, Michelle Lao Cosin. "At first, she was very happy and excited. For us, it’s not just about the medals, but also about seeing her hard work, confidence, and love for karate grow."

Her brothers Zhion and Xhian Cosin also placed in their respective divisions. Zhion won gold in both Advanced Kata and Advanced Kumite in the 14-to-15 age group, while Xhian secured gold in 12-to-13 Advanced Kumite and bronze in Advanced Kata.

The tournament served as preparation for the three siblings, who qualified to represent Cagayan de Oro at the Batang Pinoy games scheduled for December 2026 in Bacolod City.

"As a mom, I feel incredibly proud, happy, and grateful that all three of my children qualified to represent us in Batang Pinoy 2026," Michelle said. "Seeing all of them work hard, train together, and support one another makes this achievement even more special. Of course, managing their time, training, studies, and other responsibilities is a challenge, but we are thankful for the opportunity."

MMAAI earned four additional gold medals during the tournament: Arthe Lao in 10-to-11 Novice Kata, Jia Chen Jadman in 12-to-13 Novice Kata, and Ethan Elijah Suarez in 14-to-15 Intermediate Kata.

Silver medals were won by Francine Cosin in 10-to-11 Novice Kata, and Arren Liam Aque in 6-to-7 Novice Kata.

Bronze medalists included Arthe Lao and Francine Cosin in 10-to-11 Novice Kumite, Lliana Aque in 9-to-10 Novice Kata, Jia Chen Jadman in 12-to-13 Novice Kumite, Aljhor Erana in 12-to-13 Intermediate Kata, Ethan Elijah Suarez in 14-to-15 Advanced Kumite, and Niño Ermac in 14-to-15 Intermediate Kata.

Ahead of the Bacolod meet, the Cosin family is focusing on training and character development.

"As parents, we will continue to guide, encourage, and support them," Michelle said. "We always remind them to stay humble, disciplined, and respectful, and to give their best in every competition."