The Japan Karate Association (JKA-Rwanda) completed its three-day technical instruction seminar in Kumite and assessing competition on Sunday at Lycée de Kigali. Christophe Pinna was pleased by Rwandans’ enthusiasm for learning and diligent attitudes.

Over 200 Rwandan Karatekas learnt to put their newly acquired skills into practice under the instruction of Frenchman Christophe Pinna, focusing on techniques required in most sparring sessions, which specialize in one-on-one combat.

The closing ceremony comprised an acknowledgement to JKA-Rwanda’s partners, the club fraternity, and everyone else who made this event a success.

Speaking to Guy Didier Rurangayire, The CEO of JKA-Rwanda, He pointed out what such seminars offer to the participants and what they expect in terms of further success.

“The recently concluded workshop revealed that our athletes are progressing; even though we must do more to help them go to the next level. Pinna is here in that vein, and we agreed to do this seminar every year.” Rurangayire informed reporters

When addressing the media, the former World Champion and instructor of the seminar, Christophe Pinna emphasized his delight at being able to share his knowledge with folks who are open-minded and eager to learn.

“Rwanda has athletes with remarkable physical potential, as well as young people eager to work and put their hearts into it. However, they must improve in technical, psychological, strategic, and tactical realms. “Said the world champion

He added; “There’s also the competition experience to consider. We caught the three athletes today from the podium owing to the competition; we noticed their great physical traits through the competition; they certainly have outstanding physical attributes, and I believe they also work really hard. The progresses are evident.”

Throughout the Pinna’s inaugural seminar in 2022, the Karatekas learnt about moves and support. This time, they focused on the approach in regard to the opponent’s reactions, therefore understand, and put in place a strategy.

“We worked a lot on what we call the rhythm in combat to disrupt the opponent”

“You have to establish flaws in the opponent’s defences to know when to attack, and we spotted that even though it can’t be applied right away, I know they will work and be implemented in the next months.”

JKA-Rwanda’s three-day Kumite seminar brought together various Karate classes for both kids and adults, as well as a fascinating competition component. Fiston Ntwali was crowned Grand Prix winner.

As the competition winner, Ntwali won Rwf 300,000, while the first and second runners-up, Halifa Niyitanga and Shyaka Ndutiye, collected Rwf 200,000 and Rwf 100,000, respectively.

Here’s a closer look at the event.

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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