CAGAYAN de Oro City — A 12-year-old Deaf karateka from Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, brought home two gold medals and a silver from the 1st Butuan Karatedo Open Championship 2026, proving that hearing loss does not limit her ability to compete.

Jia Chen Jadman, representing Villanueva National High School and Modernized Martial Arts Academy Incorporated, was the tournament's sole Deaf competitor during the Oct. 25 competition at Robinsons Place Butuan.

Competing in the 12–13 age division, Jadman won gold in Foundation Kata and Beginner Kata before taking silver in Beginner Kumite.

Her latest medal haul followed another successful outing at the 1st Bukidnon Invitational Karatedo in Valencia City, where she won gold in Novice Kata and bronze in Novice Kumite.

Focus beyond the medals

Jadman said she approaches every competition with the goal of performing at her best, learning from each experience and improving as an athlete.

"In every tournament I’ve competed in, even back when I was still in swimming, I always focus on one goal: to perform at my absolute best, learn from every experience, and become a better version of myself," she said.

Her mother, Jai Jadman, reminds her that winning is only a bonus and that feeling nervous before a competition is normal.

The young karateka said she relies on precision, strength and sharp facial expressions to deliver her kata routines.

In kumite, where athletes spar against opponents, she watches their eyes and movements to anticipate attacks and protect her space without relying on sound or referee whistles.

"In kumite, I've learned how critical speed is, alongside using the right techniques," she said.

Coaching through visual cues

Jadman trains under Sensei Segundino A. Asiñero, alongside Sensei Jimmy N. Asiñero and Sensei Jessa N. Zamarro at the Modernized Martial Arts Academy Incorporated.

Her coaches use hand signals, visual demonstrations and eye contact to communicate instructions and help her understand timing and strategy.

"As her coach, I use hand signals, visual demonstrations, and eye contact to communicate instructions effectively," Segundino Asiñero said.

He described Jadman as a fast learner and said her training is designed to develop her skills like those of any other athlete.

Asiñero sees potential for her to compete at higher national and international levels as she gains more experience.

A mother's support

Jai Jadman said her daughter's achievements make her proud not only of the medals she wins but also of the person she is becoming.

"Every time she wins, I feel incredibly proud, not just of her achievements, but of the beautiful soul I am raising: a child with so many dreams," she said.

She said her role is to support her daughter in sports, art and sign language competitions, while reminding her that being Deaf or having a disability should not prevent her from pursuing her dreams.

"I always remind [her] that being deaf or having any disability is never a hindrance to achieving greatness and excellence," she said.

"Her greatest victory is not just winning, but believing that she can," she added, hoping their experience would inspire other mothers raising children with special needs.

Next stop: Davao City

Beyond karate, Jadman continues to train in grassroots swimming and has qualified for Batang Pinoy 2026.

She is also set to compete in the KPSFI-sanctioned Interschool Karatedo Championship in Davao City on Nov. 14.

The upcoming competition will give the young athlete another opportunity to test her skills against other karatekas as she works toward higher-level competitions.