by Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Iloilo Tinagan School of Martial Arts Inc. (ITSMAI) won the 11th RNKA Karate Championship held on April 6, 2024 at City Mall, Mandalagan, Bacolod City.
At the end of a day packed with action-packed events at the prestigious tournament, the talented Ilonggo Karate athletes won a total of 18 medals, including seven gold, six silver and five bronze medals.
The Ilonggo representatives were guided and supervised by Mr. Gerald Tinagan, a veteran leader and one of the pillars of ITSMAI.
Leading the ITSMAI gold medalists was Summer Dawn Tinagan, who reigned supreme in the 6-7 year old Kumite (girls) category.
Meanwhile, Ameira Victoria, representing ITSMAI in the 16-17 years-48kg class (female), caused a stir, scoring a perfect round and bringing ITSMAI's second gold medal.
The list of ITSMAI gold medalists includes Saadi Benez, Adrian Gabriel Solas, Pio Jomary Giudilla, Brian Burt Bankolo Jr., and Arkeil Monton.
The silver medalists were Sean Daniel Acero, Dionamae Beleza, Jakob Christoph Argenal, Lucien Kawi Austria, Bancolo Jr. and Solas.
Closing ITSMAI's glorious journey in Bacolod City was the important performance of Rogem Pelaez, Tinagan, Argenal, Monton, and Bancolo Jr., who reached the podium at the end.
Exactly one month ago, ITSMAI was thrust into the spotlight at the 5th Karate Pilipinas National Championship held at Tagaytay Combat Sports in Tagaytay City.
Rongo Karate athletes won six gold medals, one silver medal, and three bronze medals after three days of intense competition.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian, Mr. Tinagan said, “I would like to thank Master Richard Lim, President of the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, for giving this great opportunity to the Tinagan Karatedo Athletes (TKA). I would also like to thank the parents of TKA.” .
