We are happy to bring you an interview with the absolute champion of Kyokushin Karate Zahari Damyanov who also is the coach of the Bulgarian Kyokushin Karate Team. We met him right after the end of National Kyokushin Karate and “Vereya” Cup competition in Stara Zagora.
Boec.BG: You just saw the National Kyokushin Karate Competition for men, women and juniors in Stara Zagora. What is your opinion on the contestants?
sensei Damyanov: Hello! I think that there were excellent matchups in every age group, which is indicative of competitors’ great preparation. I can safely say that, compared to last year, this year we achieved higher level in every aspect, which was our goal! I would like to express my gratitude to the Bulgarian Kyokushin Karate Federation and the host dojo “Aksen” giving us all the chance to participate in this fabulous tournament!
Boec.BG: Did you spot any new fighters to watch closely as they have good chances of making it into the national team?
sensei Damyanov: I was quite impressed by several contestants in junior age group that I had not noticed before. Naturally they will be invited to join one of the next training camps.
Boec.BG: This contest is pretty much a qualification for the National Team to represent Bulgaria in the upcoming tournament in Japan. Did you manage to see what you wanted and is it enough?
sensei Damyanov: Yes, the best men, women and junior contestants will participate in the upcoming Japan Open.
Boec.BG: On the second day you were a referee for the “Vereya” cup for children. What is your opinion on their performance and what advice would you give them?
sensei Damyanov: During this competition we did a slight change to the rules in order to encourage children to rely more on technique rather than on brute force and I dare to say that our actions made for a very good and elegant competition.
Boec.BG: What is next for you in professional perspective? You recently attended a seminar in Australia. Would you like to comment how it went?
sensei Damyanov: On the 23rd and the 24th of February I was invited by the President of the Australian Federation of Kyokushin to hold a two day seminar in Sydney, Australia. It turns out that Kyokushin Karate is not that popular of a sport in Australia but everybody who is involved has great desire and it was a pleasure for me to train with them. I am about to attend a another seminar in Toronto, Canada on the 14-15th of April and after that me and a part of the team go to Japan for the tournament.
Boec.BG: What would you like to say to the readers of Boec.BG?
sensei Damyanov: I would like to whish the readers of Boec.BG most of all to be healthy and happy Easter, as well as to always have some time to spare on sports! OSU!
Source: Boec.bg
