An upland barangay is not only a famous tourists’ destination for its majestic rice terraces but is also noteworthy with its known inhabitants or whoever traces their roots back to the community involved in combat sports, particularly Karate. A village known to be a host of “Karatistas”.
Maligcong’s fame for this specific combat sport brought the likes of Julian Chees to Germany and Edgar Kapawen Sr to Baguio City, Edgar Kapawen Jr in Dubai, Franklin Kawaen in Korea and also JKA head in Mindoro, Heidel Chumanog in the Ilocos, and Dennis Mangatam in the province.
Others are unregistered but active in the sport.
Dennis Mangatam, 70 years old, was the winner of the KATA competition representing the Philippines in the FUNKOS FUNAKOSHI GICHIN CUP, 16th Karate World Championship Tournament in Takasaki Arena, Japan in October 26, 2024. He performed the Kata KANKU DAI.
Being 5th out of 13 competitors for the 70-74 years old category is a feat to recall. He was also a champion in the 55 years old and above category competition in Manila in November 10, 2024.
He is under the Japan Karate Association (JKA)-Philippines, Phase 2, an instructor for the province and the Cordillera Region. In effect, He is the provincial and regional head in the combat sports.
JKA Philippines has the most number of chapters in the province with Tocucan Chapter under Carlito Fagcayang, Capitol Chapter under Reynold Aracyang, Gonogon and Ridge Brooke Chapter under Dennis Mangatam, Bontoc Municipal Capitol under Leonardo Abbugao, Sagada-Besao Chapter under Fr. Charleston Buking, Mount Data Chapter under Gichin Mangatam, and Otucan Bauko Chapter under Joel Boniface Lacwasan.
Meanwhile, other groups in the province are the Mtn. Province Shotokan Karate Club, Nihon Karate Association, and the JKA-NKK (Nihon Karate Kukai).
He is calling for those in the other groups to unite and be with JKA as one. “Hopefully, this year 2025, the unification under JKA will happen”, he said.
His optimism is banked on the reported unification efforts with the other groups. Kim Torres from Batangas is with the NKA, Mayor Ruben Tindaan of Buguias and Edgar Kapawen Sr., both of NKK have signified willingness to unify. There is no feller yet for Shotokan under Atty. Alsannyster Patingan, et al.
Torres and Tindaan have reportedly recently joined JKA Philippines with the latter opting to give jurisdiction over Buguias to JKA and Mangatam to manage.
The ranks of the “Karatistas” are as follows: Julian Chees – 6th Dan; Franklin Kawaen and Dennis Mangatam – both 5th Dan; Buking, Abbugao, and Gichin Mangatam – 4th Dan; Aracyang – 3rd Dan; Fagcayang – 2nd Dan, and Lacwasan – 1st Dan.
For general information, Karate is claimed to be of defensive posture and the Karateka has the characteristics of being lowly, humble, and “never to strike the first blow”. These traits can be seen in the lives of the Karatekas or those who practice Karate.
The discipline in one’s life is exemplified by a life ruled by physical fitness, against indulging in vices, and the practice of DOJO KUN values which are perfection of character, being faithful, respectful of others, and refraining from violent behaviors, among others.
“For all these, Mangatam desires other people to practice Karate in their lifetimes; and the world will be better to live on”, he quipped.** Roger U. Sacyaten with Jessa Mae Tiw-an
