Historic JKA Philippines International Competition Opens in Davao, City

August 27, 2026 - DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The international karate community turns its attention to Davao City today, August 27, as the 3rd Japan Karate Association of the Philippines (JKA Philippines) International Gasshuku and Tournament 2026 officially opens, bringing together karate masters, instructors, athletes, delegates, and representatives from different parts of the world.

The four-day gathering marks another historic milestone for JKA Philippines, strengthening the country's position as an emerging destination for major international traditional karate events and reinforcing the global spirit of discipline, respect, excellence, and friendship that defines the Japan Karate Association.

At the center of this international event is the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), which has extended its full support to the karate community by serving as host venue for the prestigious gathering.

The university's participation reflects the importance of sports, education, discipline, and international cooperation in developing young people and strengthening relationships among nations.

With foreign delegates, including dignitaries and distinguished karate masters, instructors, and lecturers from different parts of the globe and the Philippines  arriving in Davao City for the four-day event, security and safety measures have been heightened to help ensure the orderly movement and protection of participants, guests, officials, and spectators throughout the tournament.

The arrival of international delegations has created an atmosphere of excitement across the city as Davao prepares to welcome some of the most respected personalities in traditional Shotokan karate.

For the next four days, participants will take part in intensive Gasshuku training, technical instruction, lectures, demonstrations, and international competition, providing Filipino karate practitioners with a rare opportunity to train alongside and learn from highly experienced JKA masters and instructors.

The historic gathering, running from August 27 to 30, places Davao City at the center of the traditional Shotokan karate world as the Philippines welcomes leading personalities from the Japan Karate Association (JKA) Headquarters in Tokyo and representatives from different parts of the world.

Adding prestige to the international occasion, Consul General of Japan in Davao ONO Hirotaka is expected to attend the event.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go are likewise expected to grace the occasion, according to JKA Philippines Chief Executive Officer Emeliano P. Murillo.

The gathering is more than a tournament. It is a celebration of the philosophy and tradition of karate—where competition is matched by character, discipline, humility, respect, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

DAVAO CITY IN THE INTERNATIONAL KARATE SPOTLIGHT

The hosting of the international gathering places Davao City and the Philippines in the spotlight of the global karate community, demonstrating the country's capability to welcome international sporting delegations while promoting sports tourism, cultural exchange, and international friendship.

As the competition officially begins, all eyes in the karate world are on Davao City.

For JKA Philippines, the 3rd International Gasshuku and Tournament represents not only another major sporting event, but a continuing mission to strengthen traditional karate in the Philippines and connect Filipino practitioners with the wider international JKA family.

The spirit of Karate-Do is alive in Davao City—and for the next four days, the Philippines becomes one of the centers of the international karate world.

The historic international gathering is made possible with the support of its key institutional partners and sponsors, including the Kadayawan Festival, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). Their support reflects a shared commitment to sports development, international cooperation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of Davao City as a dynamic destination capable of hosting world-class sporting events.

Through their partnership with JKA Philippines, the 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku & Karate-Do Championship 2026 is strengthened not only as a major karate competition, but also as a celebration of culture, discipline, friendship, and Filipino hospitality.