French Karate legend Christophe Pinna on Sunday, September 3, ended his second Karate technical seminar in Rwanda, noting that he was impressed by the young “eager to learn and hardworking” talent in the country. The multi-time World Champion was imparting his vast knowledge and skills in Kumite. Kumite, a fighting discipline in which athletes compete against each other using punching and kicking techniques performed on permitted parts of the body, is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. In Kumite, a person trains against an adversary. READ ALSO: Karate: French legend Pinna conducts second seminar in Kigali “Rwanda has players with good physicality and young players who are willing to work; they put their heart into what they are doing. What they need is help to improve in terms of technique, mind preparation and game tactics together with competition experience,” Pinna told reporters on Sunday. “In this seminar we learned how to react to the opponent, to understand and do what can cause problems for the opponent. In short, we learned what is called 'speed in the fight', to know when to yell at the opponent.” “I was happy to train with young people who are ready to learn. It is a pleasure to share a little of my experience with people who are eager and willing to learn.” READ ALSO: Christophe Pinna, the legend of European and World Karate inspiring Rwanda's future stars Pinna also graced the inaugural Grand Prix competition held after the final training session on Sunday morning. Fiston Ntwali was crowned champion of the first ever Grand Prix. He took home a cash prize of Rwf 300,000 while first and second runner-ups Halifa Niyitanga and Maic Shyaka Ndutiye received Rwf 200,000 and Rwf 100,000, respectively. “I have learned a lot in these three days with Pinna. Learning from a world champion like him is among the factors that helped me win this competition,” said Ntwali. “I like Kumite (fighting) competitions and that is what he (Pinna) did best during his time. I think what we learned from him will help us in continental and international competitions.” Guy Rurangayire, the JKA-Rwanda president, said that the impact of Pinna’s presence was visible during the Grand Prix. “Everyone who attended improved his or her fighting skills and techniques,” said Rurangayire. “We agreed with him to have this seminar every year. We want more and we are planning to discuss and see if he can come here twice a year.” Pinna said it is always good to share his experience with people who are eager to learn. He said: “The first time I came to Rwanda I trained with these three players who finished top in today’s Grand Prix. At the time, it was new for them. “This time we trained with them again. They improved a lot and they are taking things in very quickly.”
