Top karate instructor Peter Brandon believes the UAE can win a world medal within five years after being impressed by the country’s talent.
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The 69-year-old has more than 50 years of experience in Goju Kai karate and is no stranger to the sport in the UAE having attended the Al Ahli Dubai International Open Karate Championship earlier this year.
He was in awe of the Emirati talent on show in the competition, which attracted 1,200 competitors, and ahead of the world junior cadet and U-21 championship in Jakarta in November, predicts a bright future.
“To win a world karate championship is not easy as there is one competitor per category for each country and it’s a competition that has approximately 150 nations participating. If you lose game that’s it, you’re out,” said the South African, who launched his first Goju Kai karate Academy at Cover Drive in Dubai.
“But I think if they can win at least a bronze medal, it will be an unbelievable achievement. I wouldn’t be shocked to see them win one medal within five years.
“I believe the Al Ahli Dubai International Open Karate Championship is one of the best competitions in the world.
“I’ve seen world champions not win in Dubai and this is how strong the standard of the competition is in the Middle East.
“Those contenders are very good and when you’re talking of the UAE, they are starting to produce promising competitors – Emiratis and expats. I think the UAE has a bright future in karate if they follow a very clear vision in that all clubs are affiliated by the world governing body.”
The vice-president of the Goju-Kai Karate Federation, spoke glowingly of Dubai clubs Al Ahli and Al Nasr following their efforts in promoting the game.
“Both clubs have very good coaches and their kids travel abroad for tournaments and I think that is very important. They are not scared to send their competitors to France or Japan,” Brandon said.
“They are very passionate about their sport and take a real interest in the sport. I saw them compete at the Dubai Open and you could see the pride when they were on the mat.
"The key to succeed is good coaching and follow the true values of the game and they are certainly doing that.”
As karate continues to grow around the world, Brandon, who holds an eighth Dan Black Belt, is hopeful the sport will be included in the 2020 Olympic roster in Tokyo.
“I really hope that the IOC choo-ses the sport for Tokyo 2020. After all this work I’ve done, it would be one of my wishes for it to be included,” said the former South African head coach.
For more information on Brandon’s Goju Kai Karate Academy at Cover Drive, email cdriver@eim.ae.