Photos: 2026 Bodhidharma Zenji Ryu Shiai

March 17, 2026 | 0 Comments

The 2026 Bodhidharma Zenji Ryu Shiai on March 15 highlighted Bermuda’s top karate talent, from young beginners to national team stars.

A spokesperson said, “The 2026 Bodhidharma Zenji Ryu Shiai, held on March 15 at the Whitney Institute Auditorium, delivered a thrilling day of karate competition, showcasing Bermuda’s emerging talent alongside some of the island’s most accomplished athletes. Hosted under the banner of the Bermuda Karate Federation, the Shiai once again proved to be a cornerstone event for the development of karate on the island.

“From seasoned national team members to first-time competitors, the tournament highlighted the depth of talent across Bermuda’s karate community.

“One of the most inspiring highlights of the event was the Foundation Division, designed specifically for newcomers aged 4 to 6 years old. This division provides young children with their very first competition experience in a supportive environment, introducing them to the discipline, confidence, and excitement of karate. Arthur White captured the gold medal in this division, with Abreilla Smith earning silver, demonstrating that the future of Bermuda karate is already taking shape.

National Team Athletes Lead the Field

“Several of Bermuda’s top competitors and national team members took to the floor, raising the standard of competition throughout the day. In the senior divisions, Tony Cabral delivered a powerful performance to win Gold in the Over 21 Advanced Male Kata, while Talia Fox claimed the Over 21 Advanced Female Kata title, showcasing the precision and technical mastery expected at the highest levels of the sport.

Rising Stars Make Their Mark

“The younger divisions were packed with exciting performances and tightly contested matches.

“In the Under 19 Advanced Male Kata division, Khwai Mendoza secured the gold medal ahead of Davonte Smith Richardson and Tobiah Goodchild, while Zecori Talbot took the top spot in Under 19 Intermediate Male Kata.

“In the Under 15 Advanced divisions, Seri Fisher claimed gold in the female category ahead of Amarriah Vaughans and Alessia Vianello, while Dash Bailey topped the Under 15 Advanced Male Kata division, with Odin Flanagan and Dylan Flanagan rounding out the podium.

“The Under 15 Intermediate Female Kata division featured strong performances from Zoe Talbot, who secured gold, followed by Talaya Sousa, Mia White, and Xela Hall.

“In the Under 15 Intermediate Male A division, Vincent Lightbourne captured gold with Miguel Bolarinho taking silver.

Youth Divisions Showcase the Next Generation

“The Under 10 divisions were another highlight of the event, with young athletes displaying impressive composure and technique.

“Inara Todd earned gold in Under 10 Intermediate Female Kata, while Giovanni Vianello won the Under 10 Intermediate Male Kata division, ahead of Chan Simons.

“In the novice divisions, Mateo Jones captured gold in Under 10 Novice Male A Kata, with Orion Maxwell earning silver.

“The sparring divisions also brought high energy to the competition floor, with Chan Simons winning gold in Under 10 Novice Male Kumite, followed by Orion Maxwell, Giovanni Vianello, and a strong fourth-place finish.

Combine Rounds Add Drama to the Competition

“One of the most exciting elements of the Shiai is the Kata Combine rounds, where division champions advance to compete head-to-head to determine the top overall male and female performers. These rounds provide an electrifying finale to the kata divisions, placing the very best athletes against each other in a direct showcase of technical excellence.

“In the Under 10 Intermediate Kata Combine, Inara Todd emerged victorious over Giovanni Vianello.

“The Under 15 Intermediate Kata Combine saw Zoe Talbot take gold ahead of Vincent Lightbourne, while Dash Bailey won the Under 15 Advanced Kata Combine, defeating Seri Fisher.

“In the senior division, Talia Fox claimed victory in the Advanced Kata Combine, finishing ahead of Tony Cabral.

Kobudo Champions Crowned

“Traditional weapons competition also featured prominently at the event. Talia Fox won the Advanced Kobudo Female Over 21 division, while Tony Cabral captured the Advanced Kobudo Male Over 21 title With home made custom bermuda cedar tonfa.

“In the Advanced Kobudo Combine, Cabral once again emerged victorious over Fox, while Seri Fisher secured gold in the Junior Kobudo division.”

A Celebration of Karate in Bermuda

Gladwin Roots Phillips said, “The Shiai continues to play a critical role in developing athletes and strengthening Bermuda’s karate community 26 years later.”

The spokesperson said, “This event brings together every level of the sport, from our youngest foundation athletes to national team competitors. It allows young karateka to gain experience, learn from the best, and see what is possible through dedication and training. The future of Bermuda karate is incredibly bright.

“With another successful Shiai completed, athletes, coaches, and spectators alike left the Whitney Institute energized and looking forward to the next chapter in Bermuda’s karate calendar.”

Bodhidharma Zenji Ryu Shiai:

Over 21 Advanced Male Kata