EVEN far away from home, Philippine karate is alive and kicking.

Two-time Southeast Asian Games silver medallist Arianne Isabel Brito made the country proud anew in the Karate 1 Youth League held Dec. 7-10 in Venice, Italy.

Brito, the pride and joy of Dagupan City, fought her way to fifth place overall in the female 21 years old and under kumite 68+ kg in the prestigious four-day competition in the beautiful northeastern city in Italy known as the “City of Canals.”

Brito, who is best remembered for pocketing two silver medals in individual and team 68+ kg kumite during the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, demonstrated her prowess by completing five rounds and securing an impressive Top 5 position.

Brito, who learned karate when she was only eight years old, finished behind Malak Abo Elfath of Egypt, Amelie Lucke of Germany, Zala Maria Zibret of Slovenia and Anna Motalo of Ukraine.

It was another impressive showing for Brito, who defeated Hyeyoung Jun of Korea, 3-0, to reach the semifinals of the women’s kumite +68kg category before losing to Joud Aldrous of Jordan in the bronze-medal match.

Another Filipino campaigner, Kirk Zamayla, also did well in the men’s 60 kg weight class.

Zamayla showcased extraordinary resilience in engaging three rounds (round 16). Notably, he emerged victorious against a formidable opponent from Azerbaijan, presently ranked seventh in the world.

Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation president Richard Lim lauded the Filipinos’ strong showing in Venice.

“On behalf of Karate Pilipinas and the respective governing bodies, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our outstanding Karate Pilipinas Youth Team members for their remarkable performance at the recently concluded Karate 1 Youth League in Venice, Italy where over 4200 youth participants from 81 countries were present,” said Lim in a statement.

“The stellar performances of our young Karate Pilipinas athletes at this international event undeniably signals a promising future for our martial arts community. To our dedicated athletes, your achievements have not only brought honor to yourselves but have also made our country proud,” added Lim.

In a report by Alona Cochon from Venice, the Youth League Venice 2023 entered the Guinness Book of Records this year and brought together over 4,200 from 72 different nation in the city of Jesolo on the weekend of the Immaculate Conception.

The sporting event is organized by Multisport Veneto, a leading company in Europe.