JERRY Diaz came out on top of the WKO Shinkyokushinkai 2023 Guam Full Contact Karate Championship after defeating black belt Bernard Sacayan in the finals at the Ilearn Academy Gymnasium on Guam.
With no belt restrictions, blue belt Diaz’s first opponent was orange belt Jonathan Basto.
“It was important to be patient during the first match and not overact,” Diaz said. “When an opportunity presented itself, I reacted appropriately.”
Diaz dodged Basto’s double roundhouse kicks and retaliated with a few kicks of his own, forcing his opponent out of bounds. Diaz won the exchange with two flags raised.
In his match against black belt Bernard Sacayan, there was a more aggressive exchange between the two.
“I didn’t want to be overconfident and I approached the match with the same balance of aggression and patience,” Diaz said.
He came out victorious with three out of four flags raised in his favor.
Prior to the tournament, Diaz said he studied World Karate Organization rules on winning.
“I wanted to be the individual on the mat who was most recognized,” Diaz said.
Diaz has been training under the guidance of Sensei Danny Banez since September 2022.
“We had prepared rigorously. That included learning karate techniques with Kumite (hand to hand combat), counter reaction, and refining strikes and kicks in addition to learning the Ibuki breathing technique to shield the core from an opponent’s strikes,” Diaz said.
“As a first-time competitor of the sport, I thought the overall tournament was very organized by Sensei Chris Biolchino and his team. I also think I was immensely overprepared and this resulted in a dominating first-time performance against higher ranked martial artists.”
Diaz would like to thank his wife Rose Diaz and daughters Hana and Maja Diaz for supporting him throughout his karate journey.
“They were by my side every step of the way and my true inspiration. If you set your mind on anything, you can be successful,” he added.
He would also like to recognize Sensei Danny Banez for his tutelage.
“Bringing home the gold for Sensei validates his approach that a beginner like me can learn and compete at a high-level competition,” Diaz said.
Sensei Taishi Watanabe, for his part, has asked Diaz to participate in next year’s Japan Dream Festival Karate World Tournament.
A renowned Kyokushin and Shinkyokushinkai Professional Karate Sensei, Watanabe served as a tournament referee.
“He said I was one of the best fighters in the tournament,” Diaz said. “So now it’s time to return to the Dojo and prepare for the next tournament.”
He would like to thank Eric Atalig for his coaching and guidance during the tournament; Guam’s Lucy Baba and Ricky Baba for their hospitality and accommodations; Dennis Guo, a CNMI youth who topped his age division; Sensei Taishi Watanabe; Sensei Chris Biolchino for inviting Diaz to the Guam tournament; and Diaz’s worthy opponents, Jonathan Basto and Bernard Sacayan.
Diaz is also deeply grateful to his sponsors:
• May Cabrera and 670 Rocksteady Shop
• Li Li and Saipan Fresh Market
• Ate Amy and Family
•Arlene Palpallatoc-Domingo, Family and JC World Fit
• Michelle Igisomar and Family
• Island Apparel
• Guam Plaza and Lucy Baba
Jerry Diaz poses with his family and entourage after winning the WKO Shinkyokushinkai Guam Full Contact Karate Championship at the Ilearn Academy Gymnasium on Guam.
