Training with Oliver Sensei at JKS Abingdon has been one of the most important parts of my karate journey. He is the head coach at my dojo and he has put so many extra hours into helping me prepare for the JKS World Championships. I wanted to write this post to say thank you properly because I really do not think I would be where I am now without him.

The Extra Sessions That Made the Difference

Before Brazil, Sensei spent so much time with me working on the details. The small things that you do not always notice but that the judges definitely do. We went over my kata again and again. He pushed me when I was tired. He corrected things I did not even know were wrong. Sometimes I felt like I could not do another rep but he believed I could.

That is the thing about having a coach who really cares. They see what you are capable of even when you cannot see it yourself.

Standing Together at the Dojo

These photos mean a lot to me. Just me and Sensei at the dojo where it all happens. That blue wall has seen so much work. So much sweat. So many moments where I wanted to stop but kept going because he was right there with me.

When I stood on that mat in Brazil and performed my kata in the final, part of me felt like Sensei was there too. Everything he taught me was in those movements.

And when they called my name as World Champion, honestly that medal belongs to both of us.

A Gold Medal Dedicated to My Coach

I came home from the JKS World Championships with gold in Individual Kata and gold in Team Kumite. Those medals are some of the biggest achievements of my life so far. But I want everyone to know that my gold medal is also dedicated to Oliver Sensei.

Without his patience and his knowledge and his belief in me, I would not have been ready. He gave me the tools. He gave me the confidence. He gave me his time when he did not have to.

Thank you Sensei. For everything.

Be Part of This Journey

If you want to support me as I keep training and building towards what comes next, it really does help. Every bit of support means my family can keep giving me these opportunities. You can be part of my story here: https://gofund.me/1727dc4e6

Follow my journey on TikTok: @jakob.de.brum