The 2024 PKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil, saw an exciting day of competition on Thursday, with young karatekas showcasing their skills in the U14 and Cadet Kumite categories, along with the highly anticipated Kata divisions. Here’s a detailed look at the standout performances in each category.

U14 Kata Male: Edmond Zhuo of the United States

 

In the U14 Kata Male division, Edmond Zhuo of the United States emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Venezuela’s Suarez Abel with a score of 39.00 to 38.20. Zhuo’s precise movements and powerful execution earned him the top spot on the podium.

 

U14 Kata Female: Lily Rashidi of the United States

 

The U14 Kata Female division saw another American triumph as Lily Rashidi secured the gold medal. Rashidi delivered a flawless performance, scoring 39.50 to best Valeria Elizabeth Flores of Mexico, who scored 36.90.

 

Cadet Kata Male: Gustavo Liborio of Brazil

 

Brazil’s Gustavo Liborio thrilled the home crowd by clinching the gold in the Cadet Kata Male category. Liborio edged out Canada’s Quinton Damian with a score of 39.00 to 38.80.

 

Cadet Kata Female-Isabella Sanchez of the United States

 

Isabella Sanchez of the United States dominated the Cadet Kata Female division, defeating Mexico’s Danna Valeria Soto with a score of 39.70 to 38.50. Sanchez’s strong performance reinforced the U.S. team's success in the Kata categories.

 

Junior Kata Male- Matthew Gruitia of Canada

 

In the Junior Kata Male division, Canada’s Matthew Gruitia claimed the top prize, scoring 39.40 to surpass Mateo Nacu of the United States, who earned 38.60.

 

Junior Kata Female- Diana Oligino of Venezuela

 

Diana Oligino of Venezuela secured the gold in the Junior Kata Female category, defeating Brazil’s Yasmin Henrique with a score of 39.30 to 38.40.

 

U21 Kata Male- Heriberto De Castro of the Dominican Republic

 

The U21 Kata Male division saw Heriberto De Castro of the Dominican Republic outshine his competitors, beating Mexico’s Carlos Santiago Vega with a score of 39.20 to 38.30.

 

U21 Kata Female- Daniela Garcia of Venezuela

 

Daniela Garcia of Venezuela took the gold in the U21 Kata Female division, narrowly defeating Isidora Gallo of Chile with a score of 39.10 to 38.20.

 

U14 Kumite Male -40 kg- Isaac Pardo of Colombia

 

Colombia’s Isaac Pardo emerged victorious in the U14 Kumite Male -40 kg category, defeating Diego Pinto of Venezuela 4-1. Pardo’s tactical prowess and quick strikes led him to a decisive win.

 

U14 Kumite Female -42 kg- Naomi Vieira of Venezuela

 

Naomi Vieira of Venezuela claimed the gold in the U14 Kumite Female -42 kg division. Vieira edged out Anais Mora of Ecuador in a close 1-1 match, winning by senshu (first point advantage).

 

U14 Kumite Male -45 kg- Rafael Souza Pinto of Brazil

 

Brazil’s Rafael Souza Pinto thrilled local fans by winning the U14 Kumite Male -45 kg category, defeating Chile’s Rafael Riveros 2-0.

 

U14 Kumite Female +52 kg- Isabella Gutierrez of Venezuela

 

Isabella Gutierrez of Venezuela dominated the U14 Kumite Female +52 kg category, defeating Mackenzie Mendonca of the United States with a convincing 5-1 score.

 

U14 Kumite Female -47 kg- Kayla Fernandes of Brazil

 

Kayla Fernandes of Brazil clinched the gold in the U14 Kumite Female -47 kg division by defeating Ivonne Alegria of Chile 1-0. Fernandes’ precise tactics earned her the narrow victory.

 

U14 Kumite Male +55 kg- Ousmane Niang of the United States

 

In the U14 Kumite Male +55 kg division, Ousmane Niang of the United States secured the gold by defeating Pedro Henrique Oshiro of Brazil 2-2, winning on senshu.

 

U14 Kumite Male -50 kg- Abraham Mercado of Mexico

 

Abraham Mercado of Mexico triumphed in the U14 Kumite Male -50 kg category, defeating Parker Hill of the United States with a 5-2 score. Mercado’s sharp techniques were decisive in his win.

 

U14 Kumite Male -55 kg- Emilio Vera of Chile

 

Emilio Vera of Chile won the U14 Kumite Male -55 kg division, narrowly beating Alexander Shaurov of the United States 1-0. Vera’s strategic approach helped him secure the gold.

 

U14 Kumite Female -52 kg- Mihaela Arcalean of the United States

 

Mihaela Arcalean of the United States delivered a commanding performance in the U14 Kumite Female -52 kg category, defeating Esther Luna of Bolivia 9-0.

 

Cadet Kumite Female -47 kg- Isabella Sanchez of the United States

 

Isabella Sanchez of the United States secured another gold in the Cadet Kumite Female -47 kg division, defeating Kamila Yulissa Guadalupe of Peru 2-0. Sanchez’s tactical brilliance shone through in her victory.

 

Cadet Kumite Male -52 kg- Marco Antonio Almeida of Mexico

 

Marco Antonio Almeida of Mexico claimed the top spot in the Cadet Kumite Male -52 kg category, defeating Juan Esteban Barreto of Colombia 2-0.

 

Cadet Kumite Female -54 kg- Alexa Moncada of Ecuador

 

Ecuador’s Alexa Moncada took gold in the Cadet Kumite Female -54 kg division, beating Angelina Andreevski of the United States 3-0.

 

Cadet Kumite Male -70 kg- Nicolas Bonilla of Costa Rica

 

Costa Rica’s Nicolas Bonilla triumphed in the Cadet Kumite Male -70 kg division, defeating Logan Mendonca of the United States 2-2 on senshu.

 

Cadet Kumite Male -57 kg- Pedro Kuroda of Brazil

 

Pedro Kuroda of Brazil delighted the home crowd by winning the Cadet Kumite Male -57 kg category, defeating Joaquin Vega of Ecuador 6-2.  

 

Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg- Mariana Guerrero of Canada

 

Mariana Guerrero of Canada secured the gold in the Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg category by defeating Valeria Linett Juarez of Mexico 10-3.  

 

Cadet Kumite Female -61 kg- Antonella Reveco of Chile

 

Chile’s Antonella Reveco clinched the gold in the Cadet Kumite Female -61 kg division, defeating Katherin Perea of Ecuador 1-0. Reveco’s precision and control led her to victory.

 

Cadet Kumite Male 70+ kg- Jose Colmenares of Venezuela

 

Jose Colmenares of Venezuela emerged victorious in the Cadet Kumite Male 70+ kg category, defeating Brazil’s Hyago Antunes Rodrigues 1-0. Colmenares’ tactical discipline secured his win.

 

Cadet Kumite Male -63 kg- Jorge Damian Flores of Guatemala

 

In the Cadet Kumite Male -63 kg division, Jorge Damian Flores of Guatemala claimed the gold, defeating Guilherme Lima of Brazil 8-3.  

 

The 2024 PKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships continue to showcase the exceptional talent of young karatekas from across the Americas, promising even more thrilling action in the days ahead.

 

Picture: GASPAR PATIÑO KARATEMEX

 

2024 PKF CADET, JUNIOR & U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS