Raphael “Rapha”Herrera is quickly making his mark as one of the up-and-coming prodigy in the Philippine karate.
A 12-year-old Grade 6 student at Abba’s Orchard, Herrera turned heads after bagging a bronze medal in the 2nd Asian Youth Open Karate Championship & Training Camp (14-under) held August 12–16 in Hangzhou, China.
The young karateka defeated a taller rival from China and New Zealand to clinch a podium finish in the kata division of the tournament that was attended by 235 athletes from 14 countries.
“I love karate very much. I love to train and to compete,” said Herrera in a media interview.
“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 is very disciplined; every coach aspires to be coached. He’s mentally prepared and focused. He’s the first athlete to arrive in 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.
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.
According to Dagohoy, Batang Pinoy is part of Herrera’s buildup for the World Karate Federation Youth League which will be held 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.
