Youth karate strength training is not for the faint hearted. Watching Jakob go through what they call the hurricane drill this week had me genuinely wincing from the sidelines. This is proper conditioning work and it does not mess about.

The hurricane is exactly what it sounds like. Explosive. Relentless. Exhausting. Jakob had that look of pure focus before it started. You know the one. Where he blocks everything else out and just locks in.

Then it begins.

Medicine ball slams. Over the head and down. Again. And again. The kind of movement that builds explosive power for those competition level techniques he needs in Brazil. His coaches at the dojo push him hard and he keeps coming back for more.

Building Power for World Championship Level

This is what people do not see. The glamour of competition day is one thing but these training sessions at the dojo are where the real work happens. Jakob trains multiple times a week and every session has purpose. Core strength. Speed. Explosive movement. Recovery.

Speaking of recovery, massive thanks to Motion Mender for the ongoing support with massages. When you are training this intensely your body needs proper care. Also big thanks to PinK Coco London and PartMax for their continued support on this journey.

Watching him hold that ball overhead at full extension. Proper form even when exhausted. That is discipline. That is what years of karate training builds in a young person.

The JKS World Championships in Brazil are getting closer. Every hurricane drill. Every early morning. Every sacrifice from the whole family. It all adds up.

Support Jakob’s Journey to Brazil

Getting a 13 year old athlete to compete at World Championship level is not cheap. Flights, accommodation, entry fees, ongoing training costs. We are doing everything we can as a family but if you would like to help Jakob reach his dream please consider supporting his GoFundMe at gofund.me/jakob. Every donation helps.

Follow Jakob’s journey on TikTok @jakob.de.brum and subscribe to our YouTube channel JDB Sports. Drop a comment and let him know you are cheering him on.

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.