Young Filipino karate enthusiasts came together in mid-December to polish their skills and demonstrate their capabilities in martial arts in the second friendship tournament organized by the United Karate-do in Emirates (UKE).
The one-day tournament was participated by several tournament clubs from all over UAE including the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation Philippines (OFW Chapter), International Shotokan Karatedo Center (Abu Dhabi), International Shotokan Karatedo Center (Dubai), Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate Union Philippine chapter in UAE, Japan Karate-do Association NKK and the Shitokai Karatedo Society.
Zigomar Cruz 3rd Dan, head sensei and official member of UKE underscored the need for students to maintain healthy physical conditions especially after going through a year of distance learning and movement restrictions. The organization also aims to promote camaraderie and better mental health by providing support for students in need.
“The aim of the event is to motivate more of our students to attend their karate classes to stay fit and healthy physically, mentally and emotionally amidst the COVID-19 situation. During their preparation, they were very excited and we have seen how they foster the spirit of both individual and team effort,” said Cruz.
All of the participating students’ parents conveyed their appreciation for the organization and its members for showcasing the importance of sportsmanship and engaging the youth to be more outgoing and social, instead of being glued on their gadgets.
“We appreciate and proud po kami sa mga supportive parents, at ine-encourage din po namin ang mga ibang parents na mas magandang pasalihin ang kanilang mga anak sa karate to live life normally as the program would help them grow physically, mentally, and emotionally beyond the pandemic. Makakatulong din ito para ma-minimize ang paggamit ng gadget ng mga bata,” explained Cruz.
“The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants,” he added.
Shotokan Karate-do International Federation Philippines was hailed as the overall champion. Japan Karate Association – Nihon Karate Kyokai• UAE and the International Shotokan Karate-do Center Abu Dhabi came as first and second runners up, respectively.
