More money must be injected into Karate but the martial arts sport also “needs people determined to make a difference,” says a Russian Karate expert who has trained the national team for the past four years.
More money must be injected into Karate but the martial arts sport also "needs people determined to make a difference,” says a Russian Karate expert who has trained the national team for the past four years.
Ruslan Adamov left the country last Tuesday after a "fulfilling” stint, leaving a treasured legacy for those who will step into his shoes.
A day before, he told Times Sport that "money is not everything” since countries such as Kenya and South Africa have more money than Rwanda but face challenges.
He said, "Good spirit and concentration is also vital. The desire to win is paramount,” Adamov said, noting that the Government needs to give the current young generation of promising Karatekas more attention when it comes to basic financial support.
"They (Government) give financial support a few months before a team goes to competitions but that support should continue after competitions. Small stipends are important.
"The players need transport to the Dōjō [training facility]; could do with appropriate meals; and other small but important things because a certain level of motivation is also essential.”
"But even then, Rwanda is different and better than many countries. During last year’s games in Senegal, Kenya arrived a day after the competition started and it was a big stress for players. Rwanda arrived on time.”
During the 15th Senior African Karate Championship in Senegal last August, Solange Gashagaza Ingabire, now 21, won a bronze medal.
Adamov, a veteran of Russia’s senior national team, guided Rwanda to numerous triumphs.
During the August-September 2013 Seventh Cadets, Junior and Under-21 years African Championships, in Tunisia, four members of his then under-20 squad – Jeanne d’Arc Umumararungu, Alphani Nsabimana, Aisha Umuhoza, and Ingabire, each won bronze at the El Menzah Sports palace, the Olympic city in Tunis.
In September 2012, during the 14th African Championships for senior Karatekas, held in Morocco, Sylvestre Twajamahoro and Rehema Kabera, won bronze, each.
When Adamov arrived, four years ago, Rwanda was not ranked in Africa but he leaves when it is ranked tenth. Worldwide, it is ranked 85th with Kenya, the only East African country coming closer, ranked 102nd in the world, and 16th in Africa.
"In my four years, students made progress and I am so happy. For the future, the team must work and study harder because all sports evolve, all the time,” Adamov stated.
Fond memories
As he returns to his native Krasnoyarsk, the third largest city in Siberia, Adamov carries fond memories, especially of his first and last days of training.
At the end of his very first training session at Lycee de Kigali (LDK), four years ago, a student "took my Karate-Gi [Japanese name for the karate training uniform] and properly folded and packed it” for me.
"For Karatekas, it is a huge show of respect. I was moved.”
His last official training session at Amahoro National Stadium, on February 5, was another emotional episode. Some of his students cried after working out with him.
"I was compelled to remain professional but it took some effort to keep tears away.”
As he prepared to return home, the professional physical sports coach was optimistic that the country’s young generation of Karatekas will bring more medals from the various events this year.
He is convinced Rwanda will also appear at medal podiums at the September All African Games in Congo-Brazzaville.
Adamov appreciated
Emery Craig Ntungane, 21, one of Adamov’s rising protégés was in Kampala when his tutor boarded a flight out of Kigali Tuesday night but the former posted: "Thanks Sensei [Japanese for teacher] for what you taught us .God bless you a lot. Safe journey!”
Ntungane, a first-year Public Administration student at Kampala International University (KIU), in Uganda, thanks to a Karate scholarship, later, told Times Sport that: "He worked hard to raise Karate in our country.
He visited different clubs to share his knowledge. Personally, he encouraged me a lot, saying everything in Karate is possible and, he taught me techniques and tactics that helped me get to a better standard in this game.”
"Sensei Ruslan has contributed much to Rwanda Karate. He helped the national team win medals in different African tournaments.”
Vanily Ngarambe, 21, the national team vice captain said: "He gave me the important basics of karate, the right physical condition. He helped me so much because I often trained with him in the morning,” Ngarambe said.
"I requested for supplementary training hours during holidays and he gladly accepted.” What did Ngarambe like most about Adamov as a coach?, "His peaceful attitude towards athletes and hard work ethics.”
According to Rwanda Karate Federation (Ferwaka) technical director, Guy Didier Rurangayire, right from the start, Adamov’s mission was two-fold: to put Rwanda Karate’s standards at a higher level by teaching basics along with training trainers countrywide.
"All this was achieved. He was able to go to Rubavu, Musanze, Gicumbi, Ngoma and other places, at least once a month, when not busy with the national team. We are happy about his work. We have players at a higher level that can compete wherever they go.”