Floyd, Chlarson bag medals in 2024 Guam Full Contact Karate Champs

Martial artist Spencer Floyd bagged a gold medal in the senior men’s division of the World Karate Organization Shinkyokushinkai 2024 Guam Full Contact Karate Championship last Saturday at iLearn Academy Charter School in Dededo, Guam.

It’s back-to-back championships for Saipan’s karate studio Kyokushinkai Karate Watanabe Dojo owned by black-belt sensei Danny Banez, as last year, Jerry Diaz and Dennis Guo won gold.

Along with yellow belt Floyd in the competition was green belt Daniel Chlarson who bagged bronze in the adult men division.

Silver in the senior division went to Jonathan Basto, while bronze was Arthur Clark. In the adult men’s division, gold was won by Temuulen Bayarmagnai, and silver went to John Sacayan.

Both Chlarson and Floyd were coached by brown belt Eric Atalig, who flew with them to Guam.

Floyd said the competition was fierce. “Each of my opponents were tough and experienced in tournament style fighting. I was elated winning first place in my division. I’ve been practicing Kyokushin karate since July of last year and wanted to test myself in competition,” he said.

The 47-year-old air traffic controller at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport then thanked Banez, his coach Atalig, Diaz, Chlarson, and the rest of my dojo mates at the CNMI martial arts academy.

“They were instrumental in pushing me physically and mentally,” he said. “Even though I won first place in my division, I can’t wait until I return to the dojo to further hone my abilities and skills. Sensei Banez has so much to teach and I’m very eager to learn.”

For Chlarson’s part, he said it was a great experience to go head-to-head with people of a similar fighting style. “Getting third this year was due to the best of my abilities and I will sharpen my skills and further my practice,” said the 29-year-old.

Banez said of his competitors, “I’m very happy. It’s an honor for everyone who’s been working hard for this successful effort of their competition. They really did their job… as I said, we need to work harder here during training so that it’s easier to fight in the competition.”

As for back-to-back championships, Banez said “It’s not surprising because that was the plan.”

“I am so proud of the team that they did a good job in bringing the championship back here in Saipan. Thank you for your support,” said Banez.

The tournament drew karate practitioners from the CNMI, the Philippines, Mongolia, and four Guam-based gyms.

The next competition for CNMI martial artists is this July in Japan for the 2024 Japan International Dream Festival Karate Championship.