The AUK Karatekas celebrate during one of the tournaments the Cebu karatekas competed in before the pandemic struck. | Contributed photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The long training and preparations despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic have paid off for the AUK Karatekas in Cebu with a good showing in the recent Invitational Open Virtual Kata E-Tournament.
Rhodee Antoinette Saavedra, founder and chief instructor of AUK Karatekas, said that the team had been training since the pandemic started through virtual training sessions at home.
“We are very excited for the actual competitions. Face-to-face competitions, but the good thing is the virtual competitions gave us long time to prepare,” said Saavedra, who is also one of the head coaches of the Philippine national team.
She said that she tasked her karatekas to train three times a week and a very limited face-to-face training session where she would visit her karatekas’ homes for a one-on-one training.
Training, however, during this time of the pandemic has been very challenging for the members of the AUK Karatekas.
“What’s very challenging for (them) is that my players are kids and student athletes. They are also pressured with their studies at home. So, I just supported them both ways. I always tell them to prioritize their studies,” she said.
“Also, the poor internet connection added a challenge to us. We always have bad connections during training, and it’s very hard for all of us to work properly because of this. But, we always persevere and strive,” she said.
And their hard work and perseverance in training bore fruit.
Medal haul
During last March 13 and 14 at the inaugural Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” G. Lazatin Jr. Invitational Open Virtual Kata E-Tournament, the AUK Karatekas hauled 8 gold medals, 6 silver medals, 7 bronze medals.
Karatedo teams from Tagum City and Bacolod City vied in the e-tournament, but the Cebuano karatekas emerged the most dominant among them.
Leading the Cebuano gold medal haul in the tournament was Gerald Augustin Baclaan, who topped the 18-above boys’ open belt event and Felix Calipusan Jr 18-above boys advance kata, and Enzo Nirel Hipulan, who lorded in the 15-years old boys open belt.
The rest of the gold medalists were Roshenne Maira Silva (under-15 girls intermediate), Alexis Nicole Villacarlos (under-12 girls intermediate), Guilliane Aliafhaye Roque (under-12 girls novice), Rik Simon Macaya (under-15 boys intermediate), and Lance Raphael Ogoc (under-9 boys novice).
Villacarlos also won a silver medal in the under-12 girls’ open belt, while the rest of the silver medalists were Jeremy Laurence Nopre (2x silvers in 18-above boys advanced and boys open belt) Rheiane Annerie Luza, Febe Cabuenas, and Corine Benedict Sipalay.
Bronze medalists were Trixie Joy Ogoc (2x silvers in the u15 girls’ open belt and advanced), Jiel Cabuenas, Enzo Nirel Hipulan, Trisha Joy Ogoc, Rik Simon Macaya, and Rus Josua Macaya./dbs
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