FUELED by unmatched grit and agility, the Bedan Taekwondo team stormed into the Lion’s Den as SBCA roared in the spotlight during the NCAA Season 26 Taekwondo Competition, bagging seven silver and three bronze medals.

Storming the Den

     With the crowd roaring in support, the Red Lions remained determined inside the Lion’s Den. Their commitment and teamwork led them to clinch 2nd Runner-up in the Junior Division and 3rd Runner-up in Men’s Kyorugi (sparring), standing out among nine competing schools. 

     From the opening match, the Junior Bedan Taekwondo team set the tone in the sparring division with strategic, sharp roundhouse and spinning kicks, advancing through rounds with smart counters and powerful offensive sequences. 

Red Lions’ Unyielding Spirit

     Silver Medalists Jamenel Isaac Sion, Carlos Ezekiel Aribon, Uriel Laroya, Maria Sophia Ombos, and Bronze Medalist Andrake Jiraiya Garsula, Dave Sebastian Hermino, and Gabriel Laroya translated the fierce spirit into an impressive medal haul. Each bout was more than just a match—it was their hard work, trust, and commitment.

     In the poomsae division, silver medalists Hyrish Faye Gambo, Dave Hermino, and John Daniel Fariola ranked high with a score of 6.53, excellently executing stances that paid homage to taekwondo’s traditional roots. Their precise forms and balanced stances reflected their tireless training and unmatched technical skill.

     Zameer Sultan Bashir (I-BSBA-MM) and Michael Angelo Rebollado (III-BSP) of the senior division started their rounds with powerful blows of spinning kicks and combination attacks despite facing tougher opponents. 

     Despite falling short in the early rounds, the players demonstrated their determination to sustain the team’s momentum. NCAA Season 26 marks a season of fierce battles, reigniting the hunger to dominate the field even more in the coming year.

     “It was a very fun experience, even though I lost. [The] SBCA team was very supportive and I will come back stronger next NCAA,” Bashir shared. For him, this experience fueled his resolve to return stronger next season by minimizing errors and further mastering the competition rules. Bashir also expressed his appreciation for the seniors who guided him throughout the journey and extended his hopes for the Junior Division, wishing them continued strength and determination as they aim for future victories. 

More Than Just a Sport

     As the team looks forward to tougher competitions, their experience from this season served as both a lesson and a stepping stone to greater success. “Taekwondo is not just about punching or kicking–it is a way of living,” Bashir added, encouraging the aspiring athletes to keep pursuing Taekwondo as it offers valuable life lessons beyond physical skill and classroom learning.

     The SBCA Taekwondo team is prepared to soar even higher in the upcoming seasons, carrying with them medals and a legacy of teamwork, excellence, and the Bedan Spirit.