Over 200 karatekas take part in the six-nation first Sison Family International Karate-do Championships slated Oct. 25-27 at the Mandaluyong City gymnasium.
Organizer Charlie Lachica, a certified international karate umpire and sansei, said karate masters from the US, Mexico, Sweden, Australia and Japan are competing in the event.
The tournament, sactioned by the Philippine Karate-do Federation (PKF), aims to promote camaraderie among karate practitioners under the Sison International Karate Club and affiliated organizations worldwide and provides a venue for talented karatekas.
“Karate is one of few sports Filipinos have potential to excel in. This tournament is part of our effort to raise the level of standard of the sport in the Philippines,” said Lim Sison, a US-based Filipino karate master and chairman of the Sison International Karate Club.
“Our very own karatekas are very talented and, given proper exposure and support from the government, will be a force to reckon with in international tournaments,” added Sison.
Sison arrived over the weekend to conduct seminars and clinics prior to the tournament. He was joined by his family, including son Gary, a shanhai, and some American students.