Dojo dominators – the University of Batangas (UB) Grade Schoolers, Dean Caleb A. Montalbo from Grade 6 – Palma and Ryu M. Garcia from Grade 3 – Newton, brought home multiple medals from various karate tournaments held nationwide between August 19 and October 11, 2025.
Both student-athletes clinched several medals at the Mandaluyong Battle of the Champions Open Karate Championship held at Mandaluyong City College on October 11, 2025.
Montalbo earned Gold and Bronze Medals in the 12-13 years old Open Kata and Intermediate Kata categories, while Garcia secured three Bronze Medals in the 8-9 years old Advanced Kata, Open Kata, and Open Kumite divisions.
The winning streak continued at the 3rd EKA Karate Championship on September 14, 2025, at South Central Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Montalbo took home a Silver Medal in the 10-11 years old Intermediate Kata and a Bronze Medal in the 10-11 years old Open Kata categories. Garcia, meanwhile, achieved Gold and Silver Medals in the 8-9 years old Advanced Kata and Open Kumite Divisions.
Earlier, at the 6th Manuel Veguillas International Open Karate Championships 2025 and Kumite Training Camp, held at Tagaytay CT Velodrome on August 19 – 24, 2025, Montalbo earned two Silver Medals in the Advanced Kata and Kumite categories, while Garcia gained a Bronze Medal in the Advanced Kata category.
Behind their victories stand dedicated mentors Coach Kristofer Garcia, Senior Coach Cesar Parole, and Head Coach German Lopez, who have 25, 38, and 50 years of karate coaching experience, respectively.
“These achievements show that the school supports students not only in academics but also in sports,” said Coach Garcia. “This also inspires other students to follow their dreams and work hard.”
Coach Garcia shared that their training involved conditioning, basics, and game planning with the athletes practicing six times a week. He also noted that Montalbo has been training for more than three years, continuously improving his form and focus.
For Montalbo, the experience was both challenging and fulfilling. “Competing in local, national, and international tournaments has taught me discipline, hard work, and balance between school and training,” he shared. “Every competition is a chance to grow – not just in karate, but as a person.”
Garcia, on the other hand, displayed youthful confidence and courage, saying, “I don’t get scared in competitions – just enjoy it, just be brave.”
As they continue to hone their skills, both student-athletes are set to compete at Batang Pinoy 2025 this October and are preparing for the World Karate Federation Youth Championships in May 2026, proudly representing the University of Batangas on the national and international stage.