Herrera steps gas on training for Karate One Youth League Challenge

From left: Actor RR Herrera, Raphael ‘Rapha’ Herrera and national coach Engene Dagohoy

TOPS

MANILA, Philippines — With the world’s top young karate athletes set to compete in the prestigious Karate One Youth League, rising Filipino star Raphael Herrera is stepping up his preparation as he eyes another breakthrough performance on the international stage.

National mentor Eugene Dagohoy said the tournament presents an enormous opportunity for Herrera and other Filipino qualifiers to showcase their talent against the best young fighters from around the globe. The League blasts off on May 14 and will run until May 17 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“The Karate One Youth League is very important because this is where athletes can earn ranking points for the world rankings,” said Dagohoy during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports Inc. (TOPS) “Usapang Sports” forum supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persian Cuisine and Pocari Sweat.

According to Dagohoy, collecting ranking points is crucial as it serves as one of the pathways toward Olympic qualification in the future.

Among the country’s brightest prospects is the 12-year-old Herrera, a graduating grade school student from Abba's Orchard School, who has been undergoing rigid training in preparation for the world-class event.

Herrera is Dagohoy’s student at the Fight Alliance Sports Team (FAST) karate club.

Dagohoy stated that Herrera has been concentrating on honing his kata routines, enhancing discipline and consistency in training, and boosting confidence before the competition, which will feature elite karate talents from various countries.

Herrera earned his spot in the Karate One Youth League after capturing the gold medal in the kata intermediate division during last month’s National Open in Tagaytay City.

The young karateka has steadily built an impressive resume at an early age. Last year, he bagged a bronze medal in the 2nd Asian Youth Open Karate Championships in China and also ruled the same event in the Batang Pinoy held in General Santos City.

”I watch videos of top karate players and I try to learn from them,” Herrera said. “Someday, I want to compete regularly in international tournaments and represent the Philippines in bigger competitions.”

His father, actor RR Herrera, said balancing academics and sports has become part of Rapha’s daily routine as the family continues to support his athletic dreams.

“Our support is vital for our child’s success. Of course, it can be expensive, but it is worth it once you see them happy and successful in the sport they love,” said Herrera. “To all parents, always be there for your children.” (Pool story)

Dagohoy revealed that Herrera’s preparation will not stop after the Karate One Youth League as they are already mapping out a busy international campaign for the young athlete.

Following the tournament, Herrera plans to compete in the Thailand Open in August, the Southeast Asia Championships, and the fourth leg of the Karate One Youth League in Italy in December.

Despite the tough road ahead, Dagohoy remains optimistic about the chances of Herrera and other Filipino athletes competing in the global event.

He also expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission and the karate federation for helping organize the tournament locally, giving Filipino athletes a rare chance to compete against world-class opponents without the burden of huge expenses abroad.

“Training and competing overseas requires a lot of resources. Now that the competition is being held here, it is a big advantage for our athletes because they no longer need to spend a huge amount,” Dagohoy said.