The Japan Karate Association Rwanda (JKA-Rwanda) is holding a three-day Seminar at the Lycée de Kigali, Sensei Christophe Pinna, the multi-time World Champion in Karate is imparting his vast knowledge and skills in Kumite; a part of karate in which a person trains against an adversary.
On the occasion of the launch of a three-day event, JKA-Rwanda chairman and chief instructor, Guy Didier Rurangayire stated that it is an immense privilege and honour for them, especially for youths, to train and learn from the worldwide champions.
“For youth, seeing, training, and learning from a world champion is an unequalled chance for their careers; we want to bring in more champions to inspire our kids in our academies, allowing them to learn by doing. These workshops also have an impact on the way we teach Karate.” Said Rurangayire.
He added: “This is the core basis for our affiliation with the World Union Karate Federation. Our kids competed in the tournament in our first year, and they all made it past the first round.”
Noel Nkuranyabahizi, the National Karate Team’s coach, is one of the participants in this seminar. He stated that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rwandan players, and he complimented JKA-Rwanda for the decision to bring Christophe Pinna again.
He said: “Having a sensei like Christophe Pinna is of great value; we used to watch him on videos and learn from him when we were young, but he is now in the country for the second time thanks to the collaboration of JKA Rwanda and their partners.”
“It’s an amazing opportunity to learn from someone who has won both at the European and World levels,” He continued.
Christophe Pinna, a French national and Shotokan 7dan holder, is one of his generation’s fiercest Karate Kumite competitors.
Following his tremendous performance in France and around Europe, Pinna helped France retain their team Kumite championship at the 1996 World Championships in Sun City, South Africa, by beating Great Britain in the final. Two years later, in Rio de Janeiro, he helped France win their third consecutive world team title, defeating England in the final.
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