By Edwin Rollon
Karate rising-star Raphael “Rapha” Herrera is quickly making his mark on the international karate stage, proving that discipline and passion can outweigh age and size.
Herrera, 12, a Grade 6 student at Abba’s Orchard, recently bagged a bronze medal in the 2nd Asian Youth Open Karate Championship & Training Camp (14-under) held August 12–16 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament, which attracted 235 athletes from 14 countries, is a high-level Asian tourney, and the young Filipino standout defeated a much taller rival from New Zealand to clinch a podium finish in the kata division.
“I love karate very much. I love to train and to compete,” said Herrera during his appearance at the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) Usapang Sports forum at the PSC Conference Room. “It’s a very tough match, but I told myself you need to win, and I used that to motivate myself. I’m very thankful to my parents, my teacher, and my coach for the support.”
Herrera’s journey has been guided by national coach Engene Dagohoy, who also serves as his sensei at The Grove Rockwell in Pasig City. Dagohoy praised the youngster’s mindset and work ethic.
Rapha demonstrates great discipline. He’s mentally prepared and focused. He’s the first athlete to arrive at training and the last to go home. He’s a promising athlete. I’ve only coached him for two years, but I see a lot of potential,” stressed Dagohoy in the forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, Pocari Sweat, and Lila Premium Healthy Coffee.
Before his Asian debut, Herrera dominated local circuits, winning the National Open in Cebu and several tournaments in Bacolod. Up next is the Batang Pinoy Games on October 24 to November 1 in General Santos City, where he will represent Quezon City.
“I’ll try my very best to win medals in Batang Pinoy,” said Herrera, who sees the grassroots event as another stepping stone toward international success.
According to Dagohoy, Batang Pinoy is part of Herrera’s buildup for the World Karate Federation Youth League, scheduled to be hosted in the Philippines next year. With his growing list of accolades, the young karateka has already secured a spot among the country’s top youth athletes for the global meet.
But for Herrera, the vision goes far beyond youth tournaments. “It’s my ultimate goal—to win a gold medal in the Olympics,” he said.
