Philippine karatekas begin training at Baguio bubble

MANILA, Philippines – Southeast Asian Games karate gold medalist Jamie Lim and members of the national team have started their bubble training in Baguio City over the weekend in preparation for the two international events, including the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand early next year.

Lim is with 10 national teammates and four coaches, including Turkish mentor Okay Arpa as they gear up for the 6th World Championship slated in the second week of November this year in Dubai and the AIMAG set March 10-20.

Karate Pilipinas president Richard Lim said he hopes Fil-Jap Junna Tsukii and Fil-Am Joanb Orbon could join them soon.

“Depends on quarantine if we will be allowed to shorten the period and go directly to Baguio,” said Lim. “But if not, they will just continue training where they are under supervision of the coaches.

“At least they have sparring partners there,” he added.

The karate chief said Tsukii, who is in Japan, has the best chance of snaring a gold in the AIMAG since she is the highest ranked in the -50-kilogram division in Asia.

He also said Tsukii is a shoe in to the team while the rest will have to prove themselves worthy of the spot in the World Championship.