My dad got some new photography equipment and we decided to do a proper home studio shoot together. Just me, a white backdrop, and my World Championship medals from Brazil. It felt a bit weird at first but also really cool.
We started with some casual shots. Just normal clothes, trying to look relaxed. Its funny because I spend so much time in a gi that wearing regular stuff for photos feels almost strange now. But dad wanted to capture both sides of who I am. The kid from Abingdon and the athlete.
Putting the Gi Back On
Then I put my gi on and it just felt right. Standing there with two gold medals around my neck still does not feel real sometimes. World Champion in Individual Kata. Gold in Team Kumite. Those words still sound mad when I say them out loud.
Dad had me try different poses. Some in fighting stance, some more relaxed. The one where I am sat down looking at the medals is probably my favourite. It captures what it actually feels like right now. Just quietly trying to process everything that happened in Brazil.
A few months ago I was training every day, nervous about whether I would be good enough, wondering if all the sacrifice would be worth it. Now I am holding the medals in a makeshift studio in our house. Life is weird sometimes.
Still Just a Kid From Abingdon
The thing is, nothing has really changed. I still go to school. I still train. I still get tired and sore and have to balance homework with karate. But something has shifted too. I know now what is possible when you really commit to something.
These photos are not professional magazine shots. They are just my dad experimenting with new kit. But I think that is what makes them special. Real family, real journey, real results. No fancy studio needed.
Massive thanks to Motion Mender, Pink Coco London, and PartMax for their continued support. None of this happens without people believing in the journey.
Want to be part of the story? You can support my journey here: https://gofund.me/1727dc4e6
Follow along on TikTok: @jakob.de.brum and YouTube: youtube.com/@victorfredericodebrum2365/shorts
