Karate Development Arts and Sports (KDA) brought home a total of 8 golds, 4 silvers and 13 bronzes to its home dojo at Shopwise Cubao, Quezon City after challenging other national participants in the 23rd Philippine Karatedo Federations (PKF) National Open and Age Group Competition at CSI Stadia, Dagupan City, Pangasinan last April 21-22, 2010.

The team’s most valuable player is Erica Samonte who soared to win triple gold after besting in the Women’s Senior Advance Kata (forms), -50kg Women’s Senior Kumite (sparring), and Women’s Open Weight Kumite. According to one of her instructors, coach Maricar Rimando, “All her efforts paid off. Ikaw ba naman ang maging adik,” referring to Samonte’s extensive training, including regular dojo training, road work, special kumite and kata classes. She also attended the KDA Karate programs designed for kids below her age.

Samonte, a KDA first dan blackbelt explained further her motivation. “When I’m on the mat, I’m not fighting for myself. I always put in mind that I’m fighting for KDA. Sa ensayo, anong karapatan ko na hindi ibigay ng buo ang sarili ko kung tinotodo ng coaches ko ang pag-train sa akin?” said the champion.

Another spectacular performance was brought in by Mabel Arevalo, 15 years old, who consistently took home two gold medals every annual PKF National Tournament for the past four years in her age group kata and kumite events. Coach Reiner de Leon of KDA said, “we’re confident we’d go for another double win next year so we can complete her 5-year national grand slam, maybe more.” Even before this year’s national competition, numerous foreign karate federations have offered her slots in their national team, all graciously turned down by Arevalo. Arevalo’s mother and KDA head coach David Lay believes that sending her abroad will limit her to her full potential emphasizing that KDA karate is at par, if not better than karate in other countries’.

Alexander Lay (10-11y/o Boys Advance Kata), Kiana Cardeno (11-12 y/o Girls Kumite), and Michelle Villamayor (-68 kg Women's individual kumite) also added to KDA pool of gold medals from the said competition. Fresh nursing graduate Kathryn Lagrata secured 2 silvers, placing 2nd in her age group after losing to a national team member. She also played in the Women’s Open Weight Category.

Gabrielle Anne Joaquin (8-9 y/o girls advance kata) and OJ delos Santos (Seniors Individual Kata) took home silver medals in their event. Chloe Villasis and Miguel Joaquin won double bronzes each. The following also placed third in different kata and kumite categories: Gabrielle Joaquin, Lalore Deang, Marvin Pinpin, Jaime Villegas, Prince Zipagan, Rodge Daenos, Godfrey Medrana, Rocky Sacdalan, and Michelle Villamayor.