Davao Karate Team Gears Up for Historic World Youth Championships Hosted in Philippines
The Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming Karate World Youth Championships, scheduled for May 14–17, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time the Philippines hosts this prestigious international tournament, drawing attention from across the globe.
Team Composition and Training Regimen
Head coach Rommel C. Tan has confirmed that the team will send 10 athletes from Davao City to compete against an expected 3,000 participants from 96 countries. The young karatekas have been training rigorously on a daily basis, building on their recent performance at the National Karate Championships in Tagaytay City from March 6–8, where AAK Davao secured a respectable 10th place overall among 86 competing teams.
Coach Tan emphasized the team's focus on growth and improvement, stating, "In the youth league, the expectation is simple: do your best. Even if you lose, as long as you improve, that's what matters." This philosophy underscores the team's approach as they balance competitive aspirations with personal development.
Athlete Perspectives and Emotional Journey
The team includes notable national medalists such as Hannah Erika M. Señedo, who won gold, her twin sister Cloe Marie with a bronze, and Hailey Dominique H. So, also a bronze medalist. As they prepare for the world stage, these athletes have shared a mix of emotions, ranging from excitement to overwhelming pressure.
Cloe Marie expressed feeling burdened by expectations from coaches, teammates, and family, noting, "They are expecting something, as I've been competing since I was a kid." Hannah echoed this sentiment, describing how the pressure motivates her to push harder in training. She said, "It's really overwhelming because you have to really do your best in training if you really want that medal, you have to give your best, your all to get it."
In contrast, Hailey Dominique H. So reported feeling more excited and focused on enhancing her performance, highlighting a positive outlook as she approaches the competition.
Focus on Growth Over Medals
Despite the natural desire to win medals, the karatekas have emphasized that their primary goals revolve around personal progress and gaining valuable experience. Cloe Marie articulated this mindset, saying, "Expectation during the tournament is winning a medal, right? But for me, it's not really about the medal, but it's about the process or my progress as an athlete. I want to see improvements in my game. From past tournaments, I was a bit disappointed in my place, so I want to do better."
Hannah, who will be making her debut in the World Youth League, added, "I'm very nervous because of the pressure and expectations, and this is my first time to play for my country in the youth league." She views the tournament as a crucial learning opportunity and a chance for exposure on an international platform, while remaining hopeful for a successful outcome.
Mindset and Preparation Strategies
The athletes have highlighted the importance of mental fortitude and self-belief as they prepare to compete globally. Cloe Marie aims to maintain confidence by trusting in her years of training and focusing on giving her best without self-criticism. Hannah is treating the event as a valuable learning experience, keeping an open mind about potential victories. Meanwhile, Hailey plans to concentrate on performing to her fullest ability and enjoying the competition, free from excessive pressure.
As AAK Davao continues its intensive training schedule, the team is committed to delivering strong performances while embracing the unique experience of competing on the world stage in their home country. This historic event not only showcases their skills but also represents a proud moment for Philippine sports.
