Mula sa pangarap niya bilang isang World Champion sa ONE Championship at ang pag-uuwi ng gold medal sa darating na Southeast Asian Games, masasabing sobrang abala na tao si Rene “The Challenger” Catalan.

Pero hindi ito naging hadlang upang makatulong siya sa kanyang komunidad.

Ang 40 anyos na si Catalan ay kamakailang nagdaos ng isang martial arts tournament na tinatawag na Philippine Encuentro Championship: Search for Philippine Heroes noong Sabado, Mayo 25 sa Catalan Fighting Systems Gym sa Makati.

Umaasa si Ctalan na makdiskubre ng mga bagong atleta na gusto ring makagawa ng pangalan sa larangan ng mixed martial arts at sa pamamagitan ng tournament na ito ay kampante siyang magagawa nila iyon.

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“Our mission is to help our Filipino athletes to improve there martial arts skills and scout for new talent in different sports,” sabi ni Catalan.

“There are so many talented athletes here but the problem is there are few opportunities for exposure, that’s why I opened this tournament. This is a way for them to start their careers.”

Naging matagumpay ang event para kay Catalan nang magdagsaan ang mga aspiring martial artists sa kanyang gym.

“It was a success. I am so happy that there are a lot of people who came and supported. This is just a proof that the sport of martial arts continues to grow in the country,” bahagi ni Catalan.

“We received good feedback and we’re looking forward to more events.”

Huling nakipaglaban si Catalan sa ONE Circle sa ONE: REIGN OF VALOR nang matalo niya ang World Champion na si Yoshitaka “Nobita Naito at ibinahagi niya na hindi lang siya basta naghahanap upang bumuo ng skills kung hindi ay umaasa din siyang bumuo ng character.

“It’s important for athletes to know that careers aren’t the only thing that’s built by joining these kinds of tournament. It also helps shape their attitude and determination,” sabi ni Catalan.

“We would like to this every two months. My next target date will be on July 27 then may be two more events before we end 2019,” bahagi niya.

“This is one of the ways where I can give back to the fans and to the people who’ve been supporting me since day one,” dagdag ni Catalan. “I want to help them. I want to raise their level and push them to reach their dreams in martial arts."