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Interview with Cesar Castano , gold medalist in the -65 kg Kumite category of the XVIII World Karate Senior Championship held in Tampere.

Interview shortly after the final against the Venezuelan Luis Plumacher.

Cesar Castaño is a WKF Karate Community member

1. How do you feel?

I'm very happy, it's a dream come true. Without a doubt I'm very satisfied with the results.

2. How did you see yourself in the final?

The final was very difficult, the Venezuelan was the favorite and a fine opponent.

3. What do you think was the key to victory?

I believe that the key to victory has been the total confidence in my technique. I would also like to mention the support that my coach, Jose Maria Martin gave me.

4. What were you thinking before entering the tatami?

I only thought of winning, solely and exclusively of winning.

5. Who do you dedicate this medal to?

I dedicate this to my life-time professor Tony and of course to my parents. I would also like to dedicate this to Antonio, the instructor. Let me take this opportunity to thank my officemates for allowing me to take some time off to participate in Championships.

6. How did you find the level of sportsmanship in this Championship?

In spite of the fact that the level of this championship has been very high, I would like to say that the European Championship held in Norway was superior.

7. Did you see anything in the Championship that surprised you?

Winning was a great surprise to me.

8. When and why did you start karate?

I started karate at a very young age when my parents initiated me into this world which is now my life. Without karate, I wouldn't be me. My girlfriend is also a karateka, so....

9. When did you decide to practice kata before a kumite? What were the reasons that led to this decision?

Simply because I discovered I wasn't very good at Kata when I joined some Championships in the Children category.

10. How many hours do you train weekly?

I train a total of 12 hours a week.

11. Who helped you most in your sports career?

Those who have helped me most were my professor Tony, my companions in the Asturian selection (a region north of Spain) and the national coach Jose Maria Martin.

12. In your opinion, in what way can the practice of karate as a sport be promoted?

This is a rather difficult question to answer. I think the best way is to show the world the many qualities karate possesses which are not only good but also healthy.

13. Do you think that helmets should be used during Championships?

In junior categories I think this is a good precaution as it would protect them from possible blows, thus avoiding risk to their physical integrity. However, in senior categories taking into consideration that karate is control, I believe this isn't such a good idea.

That is all Cesar and thank you for receiving the WKF Karate Community.