08/01/2026
๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐: ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ฒ๐
๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐น๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ
In the arena of Philippines sports, there exists a trinity that enjoys massive engagement as it is deeply rooted in the community: basketball, boxing, and volleyball. Despite gaining such popularity, Filipinos, especially Golden Paddlers, tend to also excel in other fields of sports that call for a spotlight.
Beyond the hurrahs for the favorites lie a quieter discipline. A martial art placed on a pedestal, unfamiliar to many and practiced by only a dedicated few who truly understand its depth and true powerโno other than Karatedo.
Defined by the Japan Karate Do Hakuakai, Karate-Do is โan empty-handed art of self-defense in which the arms and legs are systematically trained.โ Through disciplined training, a karateka masters and develops various parts of the body into effective tools of defense. To become a victor, they must accomplish the necessary quality to haveโthe self control, where one must overcome his own self.
This fact is true to Eiger Kyle Daua, a third-year student-athlete of BS Agriculture Major in Horticulture from the College of Agriculture at Caraga State University, as his heart beats passionately for Karatedo.
Daua recently represented CSU and captured the gold medal in the Karatedo Individual Kumite (โ60 kg) event in the recently held Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) 2025 at Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.
Before the glory comes great hardships. The champ started his journey when he was in sixth grade. At first, Daua had no idea or intention of doing Karatedo, as he was only looking for something to do during the summer. Yet eventually, upon discovery, he continued walking the path as an athlete and his fire for it ignited brighter.
โKaratedo teaches mental focus, patience, and personal growth. I was drawn to the idea of improving myself step by step, not just winning matches,โ said Daua, stressing the reason behind choosing Karatedo.
It is a way of life that has taught him prosperously. These values have enabled him to stay calm under pressure and show respect to others, both inside and outside the dojo. Such lessons go for anyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability.
โOne common misconception among others about Karatedo is that it is only about fighting or violence, when in reality, it emphasizes discipline, self-control, respect, and personal development,โ Daua stated.
With Karatedo designed to build confidence, discipline, and physical fitness graduallyโwhich also highlights consistency and patience over raw talent. Daua encouraged fellow CSUans to delve into this sport despite hesitation or uncertainty.
โTaking the first step, staying patient, and being open to learning are far more important than talent or experience,โ he said.
Centered on its values, Karatedo goes beyond self-defense and competition. It shapes character, strengthens discipline, and nurtures inner resilience that influences daily life.
Marking a new era for martial arts, Karatedo will be eliminated from the roster of games to be competed in the next edition of MASTS for there will be a dedicated tournament in the works. An initiative symbolizes the steady rise in acceptance and popularity of the discipline, creating opportunities to cater to a wider audience discovering their passion in the dojo.
It is about time to widen the lens on the countryโs interest in sports, more than balls and gloves. Indeed, lots of gains can be done, even for a stunt in empty hands.
Reference
https://www.hakuakaikarate.org/en.karatedo.html
https://malayaph.com/sports/top-10-popular-sports-in-philippines/
Article by Sophija Bentulan
