In the quiet municipality of Tolosa, Leyte, Melanie Perez is a name synonymous with karate.
Perez is a former national team member with an impressive record—ASEAN bronze medalist (2005, Macau), International Karate silver medalist (2009, Hong Kong), and four-time national gold medalist (2006-2009).
As the only female member of the Philippine team from Tolosa, she carved a path that few dared to try, proving that with grit and perseverance, even athletes from small towns can shine on the international stage.
Today, she imparts her knowledge and skills to the next generation, teaching karate to kids in her hometown.
Never again!
Melanie's karate journey began in 2002, sparked by a jarring incident.
"It was night time, and I was just outside our house when two guys on a motorcycle came up to me and punched me in the face. I was just 16 years old," she recounts.
"From then, I said to myself, 'you won't be able to get back at me,’” she recalls with a laugh.
What started as an act of violence ignited a fire in Melanie, pushing her to seek a means of self-defense and empowerment.
Yet, it wasn’t until she was in college that she truly found her way into the sport. She was a Computer Science student at the time when she saw a tarpaulin ad for the Association of Shotokan Karate (ASK). "It said that if you enroll in the Criminology course, you can join the said association.
Seizing the opportunity, she made a bold decision. "When my mother gave me the tuition fee, I immediately enrolled for the second semester in Criminology instead," she recalls.
This pivotal decision marked the official start of her journey into the world of martial arts. From then on, she became one of the few active female karate athletes in the region.
The journey of an athlete From local tournaments like Mayor’s Cups in Cebu to competitions in Boracay, Melanie steadily made her mark in the sport.
Champion of Champions
Her dedication and hard work paid off with numerous achievements, including what she considers her most memorable competition: the Champion of Champions in Laguna in 2006, where she won gold in the minus 48 kg category.
"I have around 20 golds," she estimates, reflecting on her successful career. However, these victories weren't without challenges. Melanie often relied on personal funds for her travels, with support also coming from overseas blackbelts within her association.
Despite the limitations, she noted how karate is not simply a hobby as it is a big part of an athlete’s life, even in unexpected situations.
She recounts an incident where she was robbed while using her cellphone, and another where she subtly disarmed a snatcher in a jeepney. "It's one of the perks," she says with a knowing smile.
Heartbreaking reality
The turning point in Melanie's career came in 2009 when she was preparing for the SEA Games. "I was supposed to be in the SEA Games, and then they replaced me," she recounts, her voice tinged with emotion.
The reason given was a bitter pill to swallow: "Because you know how it is when you're from the province." The switch happened at the last minute, with her head coach, who was from Manila, allegedly replacing her with someone from his own circle. "That's why I went home," Melanie says.
After this heartbreak, Melanie took a break from karate and focused on her studies, earning a degree in Criminology. She taught at Visayas State University (VSU) and was even called for a position at NAPOLCOM in Manila.
However, life had other plans. "I went there, but my husband followed me, so I went home again," she laughs. She then embraced the role of a housewife, occasionally teaching karate to children, but her pregnancies often led to interruptions.
Her legacy
Despite stepping back from competition, Melanie's passion for karate never waned. Encouraged by many in her community to return to the sport, she decided to start teaching karate in her neighborhood in 2018, before the pandemic, and later at the municipality.
Her students range from teens to kids as young as four years old through the ASK--- Advocacy For Strengthening of Karate-do ---that was founded by renowned athlete Ramon Franco.
While she doesn't currently have plans to coach athletes for higher-level competitions, she remains open to the idea.
"If that time comes, sure, why not? It would also help promote karate."
Limitations
Melanie acknowledges that karate isn't as popular as other sports due to a shortage of instructors. "There are only a few blackbelts here.
If there are any, they don't teach because they are too busy with their respective jobs. However, she emphasizes the advantages of karate, such as scholarship opportunities at universities.
Having experienced bias and injustice, Melanie has a message for aspiring athletes from the province.
"Those who are strong-minded, keep going." She adds, "and it's sad but they should also be ready financially, actually, if you have money, they won't put you down, right? It's the sad reality.”
For aspiring karate athletes, Melanie advises them to "work hard, just like what we did. They need to be determined in whatever sports they take.”
She highlights the benefits of sports, including focus, self-confidence, and camaraderie. As a mother, Melanie is fully supportive of her children's interests.
"As a mother, all the support should be given. Wherever we can afford. Even if they go to another country, I'm okay with it." Looking back, Melanie is content with what she has achieved.
She encourages girls who are hesitant to try karate, saying, "What men can do, women can do. Karate isn't just for men—it's for anyone.
Melanie hopes that in the future, athletes will be given a fair chance, regardless of their background.
From national champion to local mentor, Melanie Perez's journey is a testament to her resilience, passion, and dedication to karate.
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