THOMASIAN karateka Juby Bernadette Ruiz continued her brilliant performance, winning two silver medals in the 1st All Traditional Invitational Karate Tournament last May 4 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ruiz followed up her third-place finish in the women’s individual kumite (sparring) competitions in the 1st University Karate Cup at the De La Salle Sports Complex last March 15.
Ruiz, an incoming second-year Philosophy student from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, placed second in the women’s individual kata (forms) and kumite events of the 16-17 age group. She represented the UST Athletic Karate Alliance.
Despite her opponent’s obvious height disadvantage, Ruiz easily dispatched School of the Holy Spirit’s Alma Cabasal to advance to the kumite finals. She first connected on a gyakuzuki (reverse punch) then followed up with a chokuzuki (straight punch) to score two ippons (full point), sealing the victory.
However, Ruiz’s height drawback took its toll in the finals as her taller opponent, Filipino-American Charlene Murphy, scored on two straight gyakuzukis. Earlier, Ruiz settled for the silver in the kata competition after she was narrowly edged by Ateneo de Manila’s Loida de Jesus.
Another Thomasian who saw action in the tournament was College of Education’s Anna Lopez. Unfortunately, Lopez made an early exit after her opponent scored a geri (kick) in the extra time to break the tie.
Kata is a set of planned techniques against imaginary, opponents. A development exercise, it serves as an incremental procedure toward initiating correct form and physical stimulation.
On the other hand, the kumite exhibits the free combination of karate techniques. It is made up of two categories, that of the contest between three to five member teams and that between two individuals. The latter was used in the competition. Points are scored when a player connects on prescribed targets on an opponent’s body while displaying good form and proper timing.
