Sofia (Da Pinay) Agquiz 

2025 National Champion | Elite Athlete

The Standard:

"Earn the rank; don’t expect it to be given. Be humble in victory, but be gracious in defeat."

About Sofia: Hi, I’m Sofia! Known at the circuit as "Da Pinay," I began my martial arts journey at age five. My father taught me early on that a belt only holds up your pants—it’s the work behind it that defines the artist. I am a hybrid competitor, balancing the deep, meditative power of Okinawan tradition with the high-octane speed of the national open circuit.

Traditional & Main Core

• Main Sensei: Ramon Vera, 8th Dan (President, Pan-America OGKK)

• Traditional Kata: Refinement through Sensei Ramon Vera, Sensei Hisao Osaka (OGKK), Sensei Clarissa DeHoyos (Kaizen Elite) and her father.

The Performance Pillar (Extreme & Creative)

• Sensei Marco Villanueva (Team Tiger - McAllen, TX): Pivotal in Sofia’s development of Creative and Extreme (CMX) Kata. Sensei Marco provides the elite coaching required for the high-level difficulty and performance flair seen on the National stage.

The Combat Pillar (Kumite)

• Kumite Strategy: Guided by Sensei Joey DeHoyos (Kaizen Elite), Adam Bondoc, and Sensei Hisao Osaka.

The Speed & Open Circuit Pillar (Point Sparring)

• Bears Karate International (Est. 1973): Through the expertise of Sensei Briana "Chopstick" Sanchez, Sofia implements the "quick and fast" style of Laredo’s premier martial arts institution.

The Agquiz Technical Core (Father’s Instruction)

Enrique "Rick" Agquiz provides the specialized technical bridge that makes Sofia a dangerous competitor at any range:

• Long-Range Mastery: Applying the Superfoot System for lead-leg speed and deceptive kicking.

• Technical Standard: Utilizing USANKF criteria to ensure scoring precision.

• The "Inside Game": Integrating Close-Quarters Combat from FMA and Silat. This allows Sofia to maintain composure and technical superiority when an opponent closes the distance or the match becomes a high-pressure exchange.

Top Achievements:

• 2026 USA Karate: US Open / Junior International Cup 

  • • Gold Medalist (US Open) Kata and Kumite

    • Gold and Bronze Medalist (Junior International Cup) Kata and Kumite

• 2025 ProMac National Champion

• Multi-Title Grand Champion (Southwest Regional Open Circuit)

• Multi-Title 1st Place Champion in Kata & Kumite (Traditional WKF/USANKF Circuit)