Don’t ever make the mistake of going around saying girls and kids aren’t meant for physical exertion like martial arts. You’d be wrong - very wrong.

For the record, it seems that in most of the country, Basketball is the prevalent sport. I really don’t know why, but what I do know, is that I am here about the St. Paul College Pasig Karate club, which, although may be regarded less by the rest of the school, has only too much to boast about. One might say that the SPCP Karate club is more than just an organization. It’s a powerhouse of quick-thinking, smooth-moving, arse-kicking martial artists.

But of course, an action must be made before producing an equal and opposite reaction. The possibility of there ever being a karate team is credited to Sr. Corazon Querubin, spc, head of the St. Paul’s Cultural Arts and Traffic departments. Her eagle eyes never fail to keep the girls on par with their school environment.

Training the club to perfection is Sensei Juan Carlos “Chino” Veguillas, arguably one of the best in the business. Under his tutelage, the girls have learned so much in so little time. Taking the team under his wing has proven to be no mistake for Sir Chino, as his pupils eagerly display all the explosive moves they’ve learned in his care.

The club currently comprises of fifteen members, most of whom are graders and high schoolers in SPCP. The pack is led by Muriel Farinas, a Junior and First class brown belt. She is described as determined but generous, which shows in the majesty of her Kata. Then there are 3 second class brown belts, Jeremy Farinas, High school Freshman, Monique Farinas, sixth grader, and Rebecca “Ricca” Torres, fourth grader. At their early ages, all these girls have already taken numerous wins in their pockets – a feat not common to students so young. Jeremy is commonly known as the stern and serious one, Monique, the friendly, mellow one, and Ricca, the jester and acrobat.

Down the ladder are 4 fifth class purple belts. Three of them are Sophomores, Diane Agustin, Abbie Santos and Ana Tan, while April Batican is a fifth grader. Sisters Nina Rineth and Nauriz Rizel Zornosa, the former a Freshman and the latter a fifth grader, and Alyssa Batican, second grader, are all blue belts. All these girls have only recently tried their hand at tournaments and competitive sparring. Their say? No sweat. “It’s a colorful experience. Lots of black and blue…”

On the more vernal side are green belts Rebecca “Ces” Tan, third grader, and Wilhelm “Rex” Tan, first grader at La Salle Green Hills. Practically inseparable, these two give a new meaning to the word “hyperactive”. The newest additions to the group are Regina Torres, first grader and orange belt, and Lindel Sacmar, fifth grader, an orange belt..

Growth and maturation within the dojo is constant. The values and wisdom instilled in each member’s head helps her (and the eventual him) to develop in mind, body and spirit. It takes cautious steering to truly know one’s limitations, but in SPCP, it’s no problem. The growth process may not be as quick as the clock ticks, but it is definitely an edgy progression.

Camaraderie poses no problem either. In fact, this is the highlight of the team’s relationship. The Paulinians pride themselves with being some of the more amicable members of the AAK family. Assistance within the four walls of the dojo is given and received with wide-open arms among the students and teachers. After all, each person has his or her turn to teach and learn – temporal equality you might call it.

When it comes to tournaments, the Paulinians dominate the scene. Most members are already proud owners of glinting gold medals and trophies. Each one who steps into the mat is surely determined to show and be the best to his or her capabilities.

It seems the girls’ overwhelming firepower is subdued only by their own humility. Not only is impeccable potential being discovered right here and now, but future contenders and champions are being molded as we speak. Never forgetting to stay true to themselves, and with ceaseless support from their parents and families, this team is a surprising mix, but also a powerful force to be reckoned with in the sporting world. The brood is very determined – to conquer the world by storm that is, and to tell the story of real power emerging in the rapidly changing world.