University of Luzon Karate-Do Team Achieves Historic Sweep at 35th PRISAA Division Meet 2025

The University of Luzon (UL) community extends its profound congratulations to the UL Karate-Do Team for their unparalleled performance at the 35th PRISAA Division Meet, held from November 26 to 28, 2025, at the Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy (PAMMA) in a display of athletic dominance and disciplined skill. This victory marks a historic milestone for the institution, as the Luzonians secured the Gold Medalist title in all contested categories, reflecting a complete and comprehensive mastery of the sport’s diverse disciplines. This exceptional achievement is a testament to the rigorous training regimen and unwavering commitment demonstrated by every athlete, bringing immense honor and prestige to the University of Luzon’s athletic program.

The team’s success was absolute, sweeping the competition across both the technical discipline of Kata (forms) and the competitive discipline of Kumite (sparring). The foundation of this gold-medal haul was built upon outstanding individual performances. In the Individual Kata category, John Paulsen B. Singsing delivered a flawless performance to secure the Gold for the Men’s division, while Charisse T. Cabanganan demonstrated grace, power, and precision to claim Gold in the Women’s division. These athletes proved their versatility by replicating their success in the intense, strategic clashes of the Individual Kumite, where Singsing (-60kg) and Cabanganan (-55kg) once again earned Gold, alongside the powerful wins by Adrian B. Ignacio (+84kg) and Chrizel Ashley F. Manzano (-61kg).

The dominance continued in the synchronized power of the team events. The Men’s Team Kata Gold was secured by the coordinated efforts of Edison V. Jugo, Jan Jan G. Doot, and Kendrick C. Ignacio, demonstrating perfect timing and unity. Similarly, the Women’s Team Kata Gold was claimed by the formidable trio of Chrizel Ashley F. Manzano, Sun Shine B. Soriano, and the multi-medalist Charisse T. Cabanganan. In the higher-stakes arena of Team Kumite, both the Men’s and Women’s teams proved unbeatable. The victorious Men’s Team Kumite lineup included Edison V. Jugo, JanJan G. Doot, Kendrick C. Ignacio, Ruel Jr E. Bautista, Don Mark M. Solidor, Mark Joseph A. Soriano, and Adrian B. Ignacio, while the Women’s Team Kumite Gold was powerfully defended by Chrizel Ashley F. Manzano, Sun Shine B. Soriano, and Charisse T. Cabanganan.

Such high-level success is a direct result of dedicated leadership and coaching. The University of Luzon recognizes the instrumental roles played by the coaching staff: Head Coach and Sensei DR. Dante A. De Castro, Senseis Bong Ireneo Soriano Jr. and Danlei De Castro, and Coach Dan Joseph De Castro. Their strategic guidance, technical expertise, and cultivation of discipline and mental toughness were critical factors that enabled the team to achieve this golden sweep, further cementing the legacy of excellence within the UL Karate-Do program.

The success of the University of Luzon Karate-Do Team aligns strongly with the objectives of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting the physical training and healthy lifestyle inherent in martial arts, the program actively contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all Luzonians. Furthermore, the commitment required to achieve this level of competitive excellence fosters essential life skills, discipline, and non-academic proficiencies, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) by offering inclusive and holistic learning opportunities. Crucially, the achievement of gold medals across both Men’s and Women’s categories with equal dedication and recognition strongly reinforces SDG 5 (Gender Equality), showcasing the University’s commitment to empowering all students to participate and excel in sports without barrier.