The UAE made a notable impression at the prestigious 16th Funakoshi Gishin World Karate Championship held from October 25 to 27, 2024, in Takasaki Arena, Japan. With participation from 130 countries, this prestigious quadrennial event brings together the world’s top karate practitioners. Representing the UAE, a 20-member team led by coaches Leanne Nicole Siano, a student at Bath Spa University, and John Carantes, along with Chief Instructor Sensei Jay Gil, demonstrated remarkable skill, discipline, and camaraderie, culminating in a bronze medal in the 12-year-old division.
Siano, originally one of the athletes, made the selfless decision to step back from competition to support her team as a coach. Noticing her team’s concern at the airport with only one coach, Siano chose to focus on her role as a mentor.
“When you are teaching, you become selfless. You always think about what is beneficial to your team,” Siano shared with The Global Filipino Magazine, expressing pride in her role at Fitness First Dojos in Deira City Centre and Burjuman, where she works under Sensei Jay Luague. Her commitment underlines the spirit of karate, transcending personal ambition to uplift the team.
As a young coach, Siano encountered skepticism due to her age and gender. However, her performance silenced critics, proving her capability to lead.
“People always doubted me because I’m still young and I’m a woman,” she said. “But this competition proves that I can lead effectively, regardless of what other people say. I may be young, but I am capable.”
Guiding the UAE team through such a high-level competition presented its challenges, yet both coaches were driven by the desire to inspire and nurture their athletes. Siano emphasized the importance of enjoying the championship experience over the pressure to win, fostering a positive approach within the team. “The most rewarding aspect of this coaching experience was seeing our team perform well,” she noted. “They are all sports, especially in kumite, where they are there to play and not to hurt anyone.”
The highlight for Siano was witnessing the mutual support among her athletes. “They were looking out for each other, just like I wanted them to. While waiting for their matches, they watched their juniors, offering guidance, tips, and encouragement. These kids are born and shaped to lead, and that’s something I can be proud of.”
The UAE team’s bronze medal victory was a significant accomplishment, led by 12-year-old Bethany Hannah J. Dela Fuente, a Grade 8 student enrolled in the Lighthouse Christian Academy-Homeschool Program, who excelled in the kumite category. Her outstanding performance was a testament to the rigorous training and discipline instilled by the coaching team. Another standout from the UAE squad, 13-year-old Marcellus Riley H. De Guzman, a Grade 8 student at The Philippine School (TPS) Dubai, demonstrated resilience and skill, securing sixth place in the kata division and holding his ground impressively among the strong Japanese competitors in the category.
Speaking on the team’s achievements, Coach Carantes remarked, “This bronze medal is a milestone, but it’s only the beginning. The UAE team showed not just skill but also heart and sportsmanship. These young athletes, with their determination and unity, have set the stage for the future of UAE karate on the world platform.”
UAE’s aspirations in global karate
With this championship marking a significant experience for the team, the coaches have set their sights on further international competitions. Siano and Carantes expressed their commitment to continuing UAE’s presence on the global karate stage, with the North American tournament in Las Vegas being a primary goal. As Siano noted, “Our Chief Instructor Sensei Jay will have the final say on our future goals, but we are ready to fully support our players in every way we can.”
Coach Siano expressed confidence in the future, determined to make each competition a learning experience and a stepping stone. “This is not the last time. We will come back stronger. The UAE team will compete again, but next time, with even stronger heart and determination,” she said.
