CAGAYAN de Oro City — Young karatekas and senior fighters from the Kagay-an Martial Arts School (KMAS) showed their strength on the regional stage, bringing home 17 medals from the 2nd RMT Karate Tournament in Davao City on Aug. 22–23.
The Cagayan de Oro team collected four gold, seven silver and six bronze medals across youth, novice and advanced divisions in Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) at Felcris Centrale.
Seniors lead gold haul
KMAS instructor Marc Naguita delivered two of the team's gold medals, topping both the Masters Cup Kata and Masters Cup Kumite events.
Senior competitors Niros Inojales, in the -60kg category, and Dwight Esquierdo, in the -67kg category, also reached the podium with bronze medals in Advanced Kumite.
Young karatekas shine
The team's younger athletes also produced strong results.
Jhonax Real won gold in the 12–14 Novice Men's Kata before adding bronze in Novice Men's Kumite.
Feona Sabaysabay posted another standout performance, winning gold in Girls Open Kumite and silver medals in the 9–10 Women's Novice Kumite and Kata events.
KMAS also secured several silver medals through strong double-podium performances.
Johan Chan won silver in both the 7–9 Men's Novice Kata and Kumite, while Jelsea Belleza claimed silver in the 12–14 Women's Novice Kata and Kumite.
Asher Chan added silver in the 8–10 Men's Novice Kumite and bronze in the 9–11 Men's Novice Kata.
Meanwhile, Jeszia Belleza earned bronze in the 6–7 Women's Novice Kata, while Adelize Monsanto took bronze in the 8–9 Women's Novice Kumite.
Building young champions
KMAS team management credited the athletes for their progress and competitive performances throughout the two-day tournament.
The team also thanked parents and supporters whose backing helped the young karatekas compete in the regional event.
For Cagayan de Oro's developing karate athletes, the 17-medal haul provides another boost as they gain experience competing against fighters from across the region.
