There is something about these quiet moments that people do not always see. The crowd is buzzing somewhere behind you. Your heart is still racing from the last fight. And then your coach pulls you aside.

This is where the real work happens.

I caught this shot of Jakob listening intently to his coach during a recent competition. Look at his face. That is not a kid just nodding along. That is an athlete absorbing every word, processing feedback, preparing to go again.

These conversations are gold. They are the difference between repeating mistakes and growing stronger. Between a good performance and a great one.

Coaching is everything in this sport. You can train for hours alone but without someone who sees what you cannot see, who knows your strengths and your weaknesses better than you do yourself, progress only goes so far.

Jakob has been blessed with incredible coaches throughout his journey. From his early days through to competing for England internationally, each one has shaped him. Pushed him. Believed in him even when things got tough.

As a dad watching from the sidelines, these moments make me proud in a different way than medals do. Because I know the hours of work that went into earning this level of trust and communication with a coach. The early mornings. The tiredness. The times he wanted to give up but kept going.

Massive thanks as always to Motion Mender for keeping Jakob’s body in top shape with ongoing massage support. To Pink Coco London for their continued belief in this journey. And to PartMax for the ongoing support that means so much to our family.

We are still raising funds to get Jakob to the JKS World Championships in Brazil. Every contribution helps us get closer to making this dream a reality. If you can spare anything please visit his GoFundMe at gofund.me/jakobkarate and share with anyone who might want to support a young athlete chasing something incredible.

Follow Jakob’s journey on TikTok @jakob.de.brum and subscribe to our YouTube channel for training videos and competition highlights. Your comments and engagement mean the world to us.

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

For a full guide, see Medicine Ball Slams Build Explosive Power for Karate.