By John Lourence L. Santos
In celebration of International Women’s Month, stories of courage and perseverance take center stage–one of them belonging to a young Meranaw karateka from Marawi City.
For Princess Juhanifa Minalang, karate is more than just a sport–it is a discipline that
shaped her journey from a curious young student into a competitor representing her
community on the Southeast Asian stage.
The 12th Southeast Asia Karate Federation Championships held in June 2025, at Negara Brunei Darussalam brought together athletes from nine Southeast Asian nations to showcase their martial arts prowess. The sound of bare feet gliding across the mat echoed through the arena, as competitors stepped forward with quiet focus and a shared hunger for victory.
Along with the supportive crowd, on the mat stood trained karatekas from across Southeast Asia, each carrying long-standing disciplines and proudly representing the colors of their nations.
But among them stood someone who carried something far heavier than a flag.
Princess Juhanifa Minalang, a 19-year-old Meranaw from Marawi City in Mindanao, stepped onto the mat, with her hijab on–not only as an athlete but as another history carved in motion. Competing in the tournament allowed her to represent the Bangsamoro community on the Southeast Asian karate stage, marking a meaningful milestone not only for Philippine karate but also for Moro representation in international sports competitions.
It was an indelible moment for her to excel in a space where few like her had ever stood.
During her childhood, martial arts was never something she seriously planned to pursue. At first, it was simply fun—an exciting activity that sparked her curiosity.
“I used to think that people, like my idol, Jackie Chan, who know self-defense are really cool, and I thought, why not try learning it myself? That’s when I was introduced to the sport, and I became fascinated by its discipline and techniques,” she said.
But the journey to that moment was far from easy. Long before stepping onto the international stage, Minalang had to navigate a difficult path especially during her early years in karate as a 12-year-old beginner.
“As a beginner, I experienced several hardships such as physical exhaustion, self-doubt, and experiences of being compared to others,” she noted.
Still, quitting was never an option.
“There were times when I felt discouraged, but I overcame these challenges by staying consistent in training, trusting the process, and reminding myself why I started,” she added.
During the competition, she finished fifth place, a result that reflected both the challenges and achievements of competing at such a high level.
Minalang felt a deep sense of gratitude for the people who supported her throughout the
journey.
“As a first timer in this level of competition, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. It reflected all the hard work, sacrifices, and support I received throughout my journey,” she said.
“My coach, Shihan Hanifi, played a major role in encouraging me to persist, along with my family who continuously supported and motivated me to keep going despite the difficulties.”
On a mat where familiar feet had stepped before, Minalang arrived as something new.
Her achievement was more than just a competition, but a statement that plants hope for communities that are often overlooked and rarely seen on the international stage.
In a month that celebrates the strength and journeys of women around the world, her story becomes a reminder that barriers can be broken, paths can be forged, and the future can be woven.
“With dedication and courage, you can break barriers and prove that you belong in any field you choose,” she affirmed.
With her hijab and unfaltering discipline, she brought the pride of Marawi City, proving history is not only remembered—it is also made.
