Smart Karate Kids tilt on today

CEBU, Philippines - Close to 300 promising karatekas from Visayas and Mindanao will showcase their wares in the 2010 Smart Karate Kids Tournament, which will kick off today at Parkmall in Mandaue City.

Aside from gunning for the glittering gold medals, the participants also vie for possible slots to the RP junior karatedo team, said Philippine Karatedo Federation secretary-general Raymund Lee Reyes during a press conference yesterday at Chikaan-Parkmall branch.

Initially, Reyes said there will be only two legs for this event this year with the hope of coming up with a formidable lineup for the 2012 Asian Karatedo Federation Cadet and Juniors Championships to be hosted by the Philippines.

The biennial event features kids 12 to 21-under competing in kata (forms) and kumite (sparring).

With that, the event organizers are holding this Smart Karate Kids to head-hunt for potential representatives to the international action.

The first leg of the 2010 edition attracted close to 500 entries. It was held at the Sta.Lucia East Grand Mall in Marikina.

More talents are expected to show up today especially from Cebu since Cebuanos are noted to be good in this kind of martial arts.

The best RP has produced so far in the AKF battle was a silver finish from Cebuana Rhodee Ann Saavedra.

RP head coach David Lay, who is also the chairman and country director of the International Shotokan Karate Federation, said the other purpose in holding the Smart-sponsored event is for the traditional and modern karate to given balance.

This as Lay observed that youngsters today are practicing mainly the modern type of karate, which is being done under the World Karate Federation format, and have neglected the traditional Shobu-Ippon.

Meanwhile, the PKF will initiate a referees course, staff orientation and coaches accreditation also today. (THE FREEMAN)