THOUGH only 5’4” tall, Thomasian martial artist Prince Andreen Zipagan stood out and topped all his events for the Philippines in the 2nd International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) World Shoto Cup Karate Championships last Nov. 8 to 11.
Zipagan powered the national team, which bagged 16 gold, 14 silver, and eight bronze medals in the international event.
The pint-sized Zipagan, a freshman from the AMV-College of Accountancy, took the limelight after taking home four gold medals in four categories.
He stomped his class in the 16-17 boys’ individual kata (form) after blanking a much taller Canadian opponent in Victor So, 2-0.
Zipagan shone anew in the kumite (sparring) category, and even defeated his foes from the powerhouse Argentina and United Statres squads in the team kata and kumite competitions.
“It was hard for me because you need to balance the sport and your academics especially in Accountancy,” Zipagan said. “I was happy that I didn’t fail all the people who supported me.”
At the age of seven, he was already learning the different techniques of the martial art. It has become a hobby for him since then. But his favorite pastime brought him to new heights.
“You need a lot of training before getting into the sport,” he said.
At 16, he already competed and won in various karate tournaments locally and internationally in Thailand and Singapore.
With the success, Zipagan aims to earn a spot in the karate national team, the Philippine Tycoon, and play in the South East Asian (SEA) Games in 2013.
