Looking at this photo takes me right back to where this whole journey started. I was so young here, standing on that podium at the Central England Karate Championships with my first ever medal around my neck. I remember being so nervous I could barely breathe before my events.

Everything was new. The big sports hall, the banners everywhere, all these other kids who had been competing for ages. I had no idea what I was doing really. But something clicked that day. When I stepped onto that mat, all the nerves turned into focus.

I gave the thumbs up in this photo because I genuinely could not believe what had just happened. Me? A medal? At a proper competition with loads of talented kids? My dad was filming everything and I could hear him cheering from across the hall.

The Spark That Started Everything

That red belt feels like a lifetime ago now. I am a 2nd Dan Black Belt these days, competing for England internationally and training for the JKS World Championships in Brazil. But none of that would be happening without this moment right here.

This was when the passion properly started. Before this competition I liked karate. After this competition I loved it. I wanted more. I wanted to train harder, compete more, get better every single day.

The journey from that nervous kid with a red belt to representing England has been mad. Loads of early mornings, tired legs, moments where I wondered if I was good enough. But my family believed in me even when I did not believe in myself.

Thank You to Everyone Supporting the Journey

Massive thanks to Motion Mender for the ongoing support with massages that keep me going. Thanks to PinK Coco London and PartMax for believing in what we are building here. This journey is not cheap and every bit of support means the world.

If you want to help me get to Brazil for the World Championships, please check out my GoFundMe at gofund.me/jakobdebrum. Every donation helps my family give me this opportunity. Follow the journey on TikTok at @jakob.de.brum and subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all the behind the scenes moments. Drop a comment and let me know where your journey started too.

For a full guide, see Jakob’s Hard Work, Determination, and Growth.