PHILIPPINES – Nine‑year‑old Romeo Viktor Enriquez made a stunning international debut at the 3rd Asian Karate Youth Open Championship in Hangzhou, China, capturing gold in the Under‑10 Male Kumite (+40 kg) division. The young martial artist from Fight Alliance Sports Team (FAST)‑ISKF delivered a dominant performance that instantly marked him as a rising star in Philippine karate.
A Golden Debut
Enriquez entered the tournament with no international track record and left it as a champion. He overpowered heavier and more experienced opponents in the kumite category, using speed and precise strikes to control each bout. His gold medal was the culmination of months of disciplined training under a seasoned mentor.
The nine‑year‑old also impressed in the kata event, finishing in the Top 5 of the Under‑10 Male Kata. Competing in both forms and sparring at such a young age is a demanding feat, and Enriquez handled the pressure with remarkable composure. His double‑event showing demonstrated a versatility that coaches rarely see in athletes so early in their development.
Coach Engene Dagohoy, a former national team captain and SEA Games medalist, described Enriquez as a focused and coachable athlete. He credited the young karateka’s work ethic and the strong support system of FAST‑ISKF for the breakthrough. The camp in Hangzhou provided valuable exposure to high‑level competition, and Enriquez seized the moment.
A Strong Philippine Delegation
Enriquez was not the only Filipino to reach the podium. Wifredo Apelledo, an 11‑year‑old from AAKR Karatedo, successfully defended his Under‑12 Male Kata title, securing back‑to‑back gold medals. Apelledo also added a silver medal in the Under‑12 Kumite (-45 kg) division, underlining his all‑around skill.
Thirteen‑year‑old Raphael Mariano Herrera continued his consistent run on the Asian stage by capturing bronze in the Under‑14 Male Kata. It was his second consecutive bronze medal at the championship, proving his reliability and technical excellence. Ripley Borromeo, aged ten, also delivered a strong performance with Top 5 and Top 7 finishes in the Under‑12 Female Kata events.
The Philippine contingent also included Ellis Canoza (11) and Colin Paolo (10) from FAST‑ISKF, as well as Ysabella Arwen Varias from AAKR Karatedo. Every member of the delegation gained invaluable experience competing against some of the best young martial artists in Asia. The collective showing signaled the depth of talent emerging from the country’s developmental karate clubs.
Coaching and Support Behind the Medals
At the heart of the team’s success is Sensei Engene Dagohoy, who founded FAST‑ISKF to create a pipeline for future national athletes. His hands‑on coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, technical precision, and mental toughness. Dagohoy’s own international experience, including representing the Philippines at the SEA Games, allows him to prepare his students for the unique pressures of high‑stakes tournaments.
The trip to Hangzhou was made possible through partnerships with private sponsors, including Hello Money, Toby’s Sports, Homeschool Global Philippines, and several individual patrons. For AAKR Karatedo, support came from Lightwater and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, among others. This blend of private and public backing ensures that talented young Filipinos can chase their dreams on the international stage regardless of financial constraints.
