CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Tong-Il Moo-Do Blazing Tigers from Davao del Norte emerged as overall champions of the 2026 Kadayawan Mindanao Invitational Kickboxing Tournament, bringing home 15 gold medals and three bronzes.
The team topped the overall standings during the Aug. 15 competition at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Davao, where martial artists from across Mindanao competed in point fighting, kick light and forms.
The championship run highlighted the team's strong showing across several divisions.
Among the medalists were Samal Senior High School student-athletes Bann Ford R. Quilaton, who won gold, and Tom Emmanuel S. Gonzales, who took silver in their respective divisions.
Held under the theme “One culture, one fight, one Mindanao,” the daylong tournament was organized by the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas and King’s Sword Martial Arts, in partnership with the Davao City Sports Development Division, LPU Davao and the City Government of Davao.
The competition was part of the annual Kadayawan Festival.
Team representatives said the medals reflected the athletes' commitment to training and the support of their families and teammates.
“Behind every medal is a story of sacrifice, courage, and determination,” the team said in a post-tournament statement.
The Blazing Tigers said the victory also underscored the values of teamwork, discipline and perseverance that continue to drive their athletes.
For the young fighters from Davao del Norte, the championship adds another milestone to their competitive journey and puts their team among the standout martial arts squads in the region.
