Shemael Murillo Carries Philippine Hopes at the 16th Funakoshi Gichin Cup in Japan

TAKASAKI, Japan — October 2024 — Filipino karateka Shemael Murillo proudly represented JKA Philippines at the 16th Funakoshi Gichin Cup Karate World Championship Tournament, bringing Philippine determination and fighting spirit to one of the world’s most prestigious traditional karate competitions.

Held in Takasaki, Japan, the international tournament gathered highly trained karate athletes from different countries to compete under the standards and traditions of the Japan Karate Association.

For Murillo, participating in the championship was both an honor and a tremendous responsibility. Wearing the Philippine colors, he stepped onto the international stage carrying not only his personal ambitions but also the confidence of his instructors, fellow karateka and supporters back home.

Guided by Shihan Lito Luague

Murillo competed under the guidance of Shihan Gilietto “Lito” Luague, Chairman of JKA Philippines, who personally coached him throughout the championship.

Shihan Luague’s presence provided the Filipino athlete with technical direction, strategic preparation and encouragement while facing the pressure of world-class competition.

The partnership between coach and athlete reflected one of karate’s most enduring traditions: the bond between a teacher who passes on knowledge and a student who carries those teachings into the arena.

Murillo’s participation demonstrated the growing determination of JKA Philippines to develop disciplined competitors capable of standing alongside some of the finest karate athletes in the world.

Philippine Delegation Welcomed by JKA Leadership

Shemael Murillo joined the JKA Philippines delegation together with Liany Murillo and Trux Dilag.

The delegation also shared a memorable moment with Koichiro Okuma, Shihan, Chief of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Japan Karate Association, who joined the Philippine team for official photographs.

His presence underscored the strong relationship between the Philippine delegation and the international JKA community. It also gave the Filipino representatives an opportunity to stand alongside one of the organization’s respected international officials at the birthplace of karate tradition.

More Than a Competition

The journey to Japan offered the Philippine delegation more than an opportunity to compete. It allowed its members to experience the discipline, culture and remarkable modernity of the country where the Japan Karate Association was founded.

Following their activities in Takasaki, Liany Murillo, Shemael Murillo and Trux Dilag traveled aboard Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo.

The group visited Shibuya, one of the capital’s most energetic and recognizable districts, and stopped at the celebrated Hachikō Memorial Statue.

Hachikō’s story of unwavering loyalty carried a fitting message for the visiting karateka. Loyalty, perseverance and devotion are also values deeply embedded in the practice of traditional karate.

The delegates’ journey between Takasaki and Tokyo provided an unforgettable contrast: from the controlled intensity of a world karate championship to the dazzling lights and constant movement of one of the world’s greatest cities.

A Proud Moment for Philippine Karate

Murillo’s appearance at the Funakoshi Gichin Cup placed him among international competitors who had devoted years to mastering the physical and mental demands of karate.

His participation was itself a significant achievement. Reaching the world-championship stage requires discipline, preparation and the courage to perform while carrying the name of one’s country.

For JKA Philippines, the delegation’s presence in Japan represented another step in strengthening the country’s participation in the international karate community.

Shemael Murillo returned from Japan with more than tournament experience. He came home carrying lessons from world-class competition, memories of Japanese culture and a renewed responsibility to inspire other young Filipino karateka.