HELP ASPIRING FILIPINO WOMEN TO COMPETE FOR THE 12TH WORLD OPEN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN JAPAN

How it all started?

The fear of being bullied – Cases of school bullying were making headlines almost anywhere and have become worrisome to most parents. This couldn’t go on, our parents won’t be always around, We should liberate ourselves and prove that we could be left alone, lest they wouldn’t even allow us anywhere We wanted. Even walking along with our friends around our neighborhood and this is insane. To feel boxed up in situations, We could not be entrusted to handle ourselves independently.

One time, there was this martial arts demonstration at school that got our attention. Those skinny girls our age amazes us. They look unassumingly tough, they punch, hard and can handle guys twice their size, impressive! Then one day – together with our classmates, who somehow really feel awkward growing larger instead of longer every day. We decided to inquire and see for ourselves this martial arts gym in town. There were various discipline, aside from “Karate, Tae kwon do, and Arnis (an indigenous form of stick fighting and self-defense).

We went to this dojo of Kyokushin Karate – at that time we don’t knowanything about this kind of martial arts organization, we taught they were all the same as synonymous to Tae Kwon do which is hugely popular among schools having a team that compete elsewhere as a recognize sport.And as it went by, We’ve been regularly training. Juggling our way to train and attend school for our studies. We participated on most of the kids’ tournament we had in our locality during most of our high school days.

Eventually we were invited to compete in the Friendship Tournament in Japan for juniors division. It was fun, We made a lot of friends in this martial arts community. This friendship has evolve into a tighter bond between Karate-ka’s. We sweat together, fight and struggle to defeat each other and this gave us a sense of camaraderie. Unique that We can say; “only those who pass this hall understand where it will lead you through”. True enough, We gained a lot of positive outcome from the rigors of daily concentration, meditation and its physical regimen. Now, We can plausibly say the reason behind being diligent in studies or in our works it is one of its positive outcome. Our focus and deliberate concentration on anything we set our mind to, is unyielding for whatever difficulties we might bump into. The concept of our martial arts motto of “never give up” is ingrained in us that it has become part of our philosophy. We’ve evolve to become a passionate practitioner of the sports. We’re a big fan of strong, yet gentle and humble assassin of evils, sound great! – like if we only have the means to correct all this wayward and cantankerous people. We’ll chop them off, but oft! This is exactly the reason why We love the sports, savage but it makes you humble and forgiving. Kudos to all martial arts practitioner.

However, this sports organization – We have gotten into is not sanctioned by the Philippine Sports Commission and other international sports organizing committee. As this kind of combat sports which is full contact (no head guard, body armor and bare knuckle) except that no frontal punches to the face. Is considered a health hazard and extremely dangerous and could cause fatal injury from accidental strike to vital body organs. The sole organizing committee is IKO (International Karate Organization- KyokushinkaiKan). Having worldwide and regional representation – In Asia, we participated the previous 17^th and lately 18^th all Asia championship tournament. We are one of those selected to represent the Philippine to the upcoming 12th World Open Karate Championships Tournament in Japan this November 22^nd-24th 2019. This prestigious event happens once every four years and is held in Japan. Tough men and women fighters from around the globe will clash in this “Kumite” and only one from each division will emerged as the world champion of the toughest martial arts. And as a competitor who loves to challenge themselves and achieve goals. This is the culmination of our daily grind in the gym. Just to participate is already a chance of lifetime for us. This opportunity to compete might be only in your youth. There is no other time, there will be a lot of world tournament but our gift of immortality happens only once in our prime. Countdown begins and our physical and mental preparation is on track. However, like most athletes of impoverish origin, we provided for ourselves, but this one is huge. We need your massive support, massive in a sense that a drop of penny can move a distance to achieve our goal. We need your generous support – GoGetFunding can make our dreams come in to fruition.

Sincerely – Angelica Joy Estor and Karen Joy Arguelles.

Angelica Joy M. Estor
22 years old
8 years Karate Practitioner/Fighter

2014 Kyokushin Philippines Womens National – 2^nd Place
2014 Japan International Friendship Karate Tournament Delegate
2018 17^th All Asia Womens Open Weight Category – 2^nd Place
2019 18^th All Asia Weight Category Karate Championships – 3^rd Place

Karen Joy M. Arguelles
22 years old
10 years Karate Practitioner/Fighter

2014 Kyokushin Philippines Womens National – 1^st Place
2014 Japan International Friendship Karate Tournament Delegate
2015 Kyokushin Philippines Womens National – 3^rd Place
2016 Philippines 1^st All Asia Weight Category Championships – 1^st Place
2018 17^th All Asia Womens Open Weight Category – 1^st Place
2019 18^th All Asia Weight Category Karate Championships – 2^nd Place

You may also donate directly through Paypal: Click Here