TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO performs at the U12 | U14 | Cadet | Junior XXXV Pan American Karate Championships

Trinidad and Tobago was represented by a contingent of seven (7) young karate athletes at the U12 | U14 | Cadet | Junior XXXV Pan American Karate (PKF) Championships in Costa Rica 24-30 August 2026, where they competed in kata and kumite against athletes from across the Pan-American region. The entire TTO delegation comprised 20 people – 7 athletes, 2 coaches and 11 supporters who were primarily family members.

The championships attracted 1,074 entrants representing 27 National Federations, providing Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes with the opportunity to compete at one of the region’s major youth karate events.

Team's uniform was generously sponsored by Dr. Robin Seemongal-Dass, Managing Director of Eye Net Limited and Myopia.
Team’s uniform was generously sponsored by Dr. Robin Seemongal-Dass, Managing Director of Eye Net Limited and Myopia.
Meditating in pre-tournament training session at Gold’s Gym
Anuradha in kumite warm up area
TTO in the opening ceremony
Sensei Shim trying to psych out his opponent
Xavier Millette Junior Male Kata warm up area
Zacckarie Rampersad- Kata Cadet male

Overall Team Performance and Delegation Cohesion

The Trinidad and Tobago athletes competed across U12, Cadet and Junior divisions against competitors from Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Panama, the United States and Canada. In kata, Giovanni Brown, Zacckarie Rampersad, Landon Batson and Xavier Millette each secured a judge’s flag in their respective contests. In kumite, Landon Batson recorded a 5–0 victory over Jesus Sanchez of Panama, advancing to his next bout, where he narrowly lost 2–1 to Juan Pulida of Venezuela. Samira Ablack and Zacckarie Rampersad both managed to score one (1) point against their opponent in their respective kumite matches.

The team of seven (7) athletes represented Trinidad and Tobago with excellent discipline. Although they did not secure medals at this championship, the tournament provided the athletes with direct exposure to the level of competition across the Pan-American region and valuable experience that can contribute to their continued development and future international preparation.

What also stood out on this trip was the incredible cohesion of the group. There was a wonderful, unified team with absolutely no segregation of dojos or clubs. The parents were incredibly cooperative and exemplary in supporting not only their children’s interests, but that of the team. At a time when the direction of our sport seems scattered, the integration and enthusiasm of this group was truly motivating. This unity is exactly the glue we need to pull things together and give our National Federation a lift.

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