Karate Champion Antonio Diaz Shares His Kata Secrets

Can you become Olympic Karate gold medalist at 40 years old? World kata champion Antonio Diaz (Venezuela) shares his competition kata training tips for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in this interview with Jesse "The Karate Nerd" Enkamp. Visit www.karatebyjesse.com to learn more.

[@EmanuelsWorkbench]

I am 50 and I just got my black belt. December will be my first competition as a black belt. (I've won medals as an underbelt, but black belt level is a whole other world!) You are never too old! The roadblock is not your physical age -- it is your mindset.

[@sulav389]

Emanuel de Matos wow congratulations 🤘🏻

[@seleneaquino2120]

True there a this women in my karatee she 67 and she does Karate

[@kentbyron7608]

Agreed! All one has to do is look up karate videos of the old masters. The proof of good health is just looking at them! They practice. The whole gymnasium and equipment are simply the laws of nature and one’s body. “The world is your dojo”. I once read that in the history of karate, to standardize the teaching of it, was in part to help people age well and grow old in good health.

[@EmanuelsWorkbench]

@@kbanghart Before I started karate, I did nothing. I couldn't even do 10 pushups. My dojo is very strong on conditioning and improving physical fitness. I can do 40 pushups now, 50 if I force myself hard.

[@kamiingtv]

At what age did you star ? im 35 and its been 1 week i started in the Kyokushin style And in what are you competing Katas or Kumite Thanks !!! OSU

[@patriciawright4599]

Yes it is possible. I became WKF World Champion at 40 in 2016, 2018 I won Silver at 42.... I am also 3x PanAmerican Champion. I love what I do and do what I love KARATE...

[@soitra]

A very humble karateka. No ego.

[@angelicadoors]

Antonio Díaz, Venezuelan proud 🇻🇪 🥋🙋🏻‍♀️

[@Veneavenger]

I know what is that feeling!! I´m 51 years old and I'm still making Kumite and Kata just looking for be part of a National Team but not for my age but for inner rules in my country I was rejected, but that does not slip me, it gives me more strength to show that I can still compete with the youngest! The best feeling, the best family, the best honor is to be part of the Karate family! Osu!!

[@carnevaliandres2497]

ANTONIO, I had the chance to compete versus one of your favorite sensei Tsuguo SAKAMOTO in Cairo 88 World Championship. He beat everyone by far, including surging sensei AIHARA and Marchini (future World Champions). He was 41 or 40 by then... His presence and self-confidence played a decisive role. Everything is inside you. Hard training and BELIEVING is all you need. No doubt YOU CAN MAKE IT. Let's GOLD!!

[@patriciaolekszyk5628]

I enjoyed this very much. I'm 65 and still compete and I hope you both are still competing at 65😉 great insight! Thanks

[@XXXSakuchihaXXX]

Seeing Antonio in one of your videos is so amazing. Every time I see him on the mat on tv or YT I feel happy to see how he can overcome everything and set high our flag. Greetings from Venezuela

[@cocovasquez1]

Diaz has been my motivation for kata competition since day 1. Thank you Karate Nerd for this great video.

[@TN-lw5dt]

Antonio: I want to retire in 2020 after competing in the 2020 Olympic Games that will definitely be happening because there's no way the Olympics get cancelled 2020: are you sure about that

[@rnany1]

Gracias Sensei Antonio por ser de gran inspiración para los practicantes de Artes Marciales en Venezuela y en el mundo y gracias Jesse Enkamp por ésta magnífica entrevista.

[@agustinbruno9648]

"Be aware of your body". That's what my Sensei always says

[@LuisJoseYY1]

Whaaaaaaat?!? My two favorite *karatecas* in one video!... saludos desde venezuela!! :D

[@TheGrafton12]

If anything, I would think Advancing Age wouldnt limit Kata performance as much as Kumite or Combat.

[@vampnico]

This is how you do it! You have to make excuses so you can continue instead of making excuses so you can just give up.

[@ritabratagoswami839]

My favorite karate star!!!! Jesse Sir thank u very much osss

[@karategirl41]

I'm 52. I start when I was 29 year old. This are great advices. Thank you!❤

[@nurbaiti_hikaru]

Inspiring. Thank you for this interview.

[@pablogastao]

preciosa entrevista...

[@murraycampbell4043]

Total Champion! Buena suerte Antonio!

[@brycekeeney4995]

Very inspirational, I am in my mid thirties and the national team here is all early 20' so I thought there was an age cut off. This gives me motivation to keep competing.

[@captainaaron22]

Exactly the same here, Diaz is my inspiration to continuing competing at 33 years old

[@DMKleinArts]

And dont forget in many competitions there are even agr 55+ brackets!

[@kgrameshss]

Down to earth type. That's the greatest thing I see in champions.

[@cinziazullian]

Con Antonio Díaz!!!! Ahhhh muero! Me encanta, fui a varios seminarios con el

[@XxKiraxX2009]

Endgame: I'm the most ambitious crossover of all time... Jesse:

[@antonioprimo9213]

Parabens Jesse. importante mostrar pessoas determinadas como o Antonio, motiva outros a sempre melhorar.

[@davemartin7674]

Great interview! Viva Venezuela!!!

[@leodaido]

Great interview! Thanks for sharing!

[@lisacohenhuff3278]

Thank you for that great interview with Antonio Diaz, Jesse-san! He is truly inspirational!

[@Librocubicularists]

This interview adds huge value to my life, so thank you for sharing it with us! I have some thoughts about people who do not compete: I think the best goal one can set is "I will be better than myself form yesterday". That's what my sensei always says to new students. It is not a goal you can actually see, but trying to do your best in dojo, trying to have better kime, better timing in kata, better stances etc than yesterday gives you motivation and courage. You can focus on the thing you want to improve and work with it as long as you feel satisfied. It gives you deadline - next training. And it gives you knowledge about you body, your muscles and you MIND. Competing with your mind is - to me - the hardest thing ever. Becoming black belt is one thing, but becoming a Master is whole new level :) Also you can always try to compete with you friends in the dojo :D

[@myshadowkungfu]

Mr. Enkamp, great questions.

[@newzealander6232]

I feel as you get older , your karate, kata becomes stronger, more powerful & effortless. Not to say its not easy, but I was blessed to do lots Kihon with my 1st karate style ( & do it 100% correct) this has made me the Martial artist I am today. I stopped for 11 years & have come back stronger in my later years. Like a fine 'Wine that gets better with Age ' I hope to go back to competition kata on a stronger level than before , even better than when I won the New Zealand Karate Champs 20 years ago. Antonia Diaz is my favorite Kata person to watch. He is incredible & I feel blessed to see someone this good, doing kata this well. He is very deserving.

[@creed7349]

Another quality video sensei, keep them coming Osu!

[@davidnjathi4792]

Thanks for the interview Jesse.Very strong & in depth advice.Had a chance to take a photo with Antonio back in 2012 world championship in Barcy stadium in France and I concur with many on comments about his humbleness.

[@anushabenny8586]

very helpful! I've been stuck on my Kumite goals for months and I was literally on the edge of giving up when watching this video. this motivation is exactly what I needed. thanks, Jesse!!!

[@ancientgamer3645]

A real doer. Does it because he loves the art, not for the love of others. Appreciates what others have done for him. Reasonable expectations of results, and the heart to seek improvement. High praise from my corner. Thanks for another great video.

[@ecologiaenlacultura]

Like always, Sensei Enkamp, you are the best journalist of Karate.

[@jimducroiset1628]

I am 49, testing for cho Dan in 2 weeks, multiple medals as underbelt as well. Also in line for black in kobudo in June of 2020. Keep going! Let your failures drive your successes and just keep showing up at the dojo.

[@jamesmondragon526]

You guys are both my idolllllll!! Suparimpei🤩🤩

[@colinmacrae3959]

Great interview and inspiration to us over 40's. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it, and improve body and mind. Think I'll go train right now

[@tomdavies1556]

Amazing interview sensei , such motivation for not only karate but for life as well !🥋

[@BKCUQChannel]

He is our Idol ... His very good speed and powerful ..

[@surgeeo1406]

As a 40 year old "for health" person, this is very useful information, the mental side was surprising, he got to where he is because he figured out some things... Thanks for sharing!

[@NikhilYadav-hn6oz]

Loving these talks

[@hiyangchichand5005]

Thank you so much for such a motivational vdo

[@DrFrankLondon]

Fantastic interview Jesse San, with a legend within the Karate world. A message to Antonio San: Los mejores deseos para Tokyo 2020, eres una leyenda en el Karate e igual que he practicado Kuyokshin toda mi vida, he utilizado vídeos tuyos en mi Dojo para enseñar equilibrio y precisión. To both of you, lots of respect and train hard. 🙏🥋

[@FelipeFigueiredodeCampos]

Keeping goin! Respects and congrats from Brazil. We are same age. Keep going!

[@theartiswar4286]

Wow Antonio....motivational video....Sensei next video with Rafael aghayev..

[@KARATEbyJesse]

That would be fun!

[@theartiswar4286]

😁

[@leelavathileela6844]

Yes sensei it would be fun and very use ful

[@BKCUQChannel]

We hope to sensei Jesse .

[@fjmaring]

Dios te bendiga Antonio.

[@garethburns934]

Totally agree competing can help in other areas. I am a kyu level in my early 40's and did my first 2 competitions this year. 1st one was like I was in my driving test again, the nerves were all in my legs and made me feel unstable. The 2nd time out I just relaxed and enjoyed the experience more, and my kata was much better as a result. It's really helped me to be less nervous and not overthink what I am doing more, and has really pushed my training up a notch. Thanks for the video Sensei's 🥋.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Great to hear! The journey never ends... 💪

[@brunodipietro7312]

I can’t like this vid enough so good

[@bniemann420]

The camera trembles out of respect for the wisdom presented by Sensei Jesse and Sensei Antonio.... :) It is very correct to not let age be a barrier to your training. After more than 25 years of neglecting my fitness, I started as a white belt just after my 49th birthday. I wasn't sure if I could make it beyond Yellow or Orange belt. Almost 2 years later, I've gone from 205 pounds down to below 160 and I am a Purple belt now. I'm beginning to feel that Black belt is attainable for me. How old will I be when that happens? Who cares, I'll find out when I get there!

[@mikoo9561]

This should be made into a podcast it would be awesome

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Close your eyes and it’s a podcast 😁

[@t.j.c1082]

@@KARATEbyJesse hahahaha that's a good one

[@tonyfenton9617]

Great advice.

[@krntiger81]

Respect!

[@lifeorliberty3086]

Congratulations brother. Your commitment is a inspiration to me. I studied for 8 years. Got married, had children and, life got a hold of me and I got out of martial arts. A year ago I got back into my local karate dojo. My body has went to trash. I have alot of muscular and skeletal problems now. I hurt all day everyday. Karate is killing me but I dont want to give up again. This has became a way of life to me. My sensei has saved my life and brought me out of a deep depression. God bless.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Awesome! Keep going, you’re on the right path 🔥🥋👍

[@guillermocen]

Wow excellent interview Mr. Jesse, Antonio Diaz is an example and an inspiration to all of us Venezuelans who are in the world of martial arts. It is beautiful and motivating to see people like you, like Antonio, who have the practice of their evil art as a way of life just like me. Mr. Jesse can you make a video explaining (or simply executing them) the kicking techniques applied in karate I would like to know, analyze and compare your kicking technique. Thank you very much and greetings from Venezuela from a fan of you and Wushu practitioner.

[@jac243]

You make venezuela grateful antonio

[@ShoshinMartialArts]

I had the opportunity to train twice under this gentleman in Dubai. It was an awesome experience however I have never seen such a wonderful human being in karate. May god bless him ❤

[@darinjames3313]

Champions keepin it real....Thank you Sensei Jesse. Competition is most certainly a great motivator for US ALL. A true competitor learns to compete only with Him or Herself first and foremost. I believe OUR Founders used KATA to acheive the state of MUSHIN originally. I suppose competition is a good place to start until the deeper understanding kicks in. You two Gentlemen are the best of the best. It shows in BODY-MIND- SPIRIT......The Planet is better off having you here.... I ve struggled with competition ALL of my life. Never have I been where you Gentlemen are.....You ve comitted and devoted your lives to your calling. Your at the top and draw closer and closer each day to becoming your greatest versions of yourselves.....What INSPIRATION you are for the rest of US....thank you Senseis.....For making OUR planet a better place.......Tootaloo fer now Sensei Jesse n Friends.....

[@rafaelcuevas3209]

Mis respetos sensei.

[@rubendariofonseca]

Great champion... 👍👍👍

[@pratapkumarnayak9717]

Antoni diaz sir oss Your kata is awesome

[@leekingcombe7028]

Class.

[@justarandomguyonyoutube5391]

great video

[@carnevaliandres2497]

ANTONIO como estas? un saludo caluroso desde Suiza. Andrés! Que bien que has hecho este video con JESSE, él ama mucho el deporte y los felicito a ambos!!

[@silentsamurai6622]

You make always cool Videos but this is the best.

[@xxjohnnyboyxx69]

Another great video in the books Jesse but it would be cool if you could also set up a interview with Sandra Sanchez

[@DennisG65]

We cannot not think, but we can choose what to focus on

[@amanih2734]

YOUR QUESTIONS ARE RIGHT ON POINT👌👌👌👌, excellent interview very informative🙏🙏🙏 THANK YOU VERY MUCH 🙏🙏🙏

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Makes me happy to hear! Thanks 😄👍

[@urichlau1975]

looking forward to next year when Olympics with karate, return to Tokyo

[@heshamelhaeis7314]

Such karate-ka has karate-do in blood,. Walk, move, eat and sleep karate. The spirit and mind are unified and the heart pushing them only forward🎖

[@drei3246]

Wow I'm a big fan of Antonio diaz😁 More power to karate nerds like me😁😄

[@edwardfrazier4320]

You learn from mistakes as well as winning. Iife keeps going.

[@brycekeeney4995]

I would like to hear about his dietary habits as well.

[@jarinorvanto4301]

Lots of uke for breakfast.

[@Vadlor]

@@Jiyukan He is from Venezuela. That's South American as you can be.

[@tarkajedi3331]

Jesse interviews a true living master in this video. Diaz is a man that does Kata at such a sublime level it shows the power, beauty and spirit of Karate. Watching his Kata gives me chills. Anyone lucky enough to work with Antonio is getting taught by a real master. Jesse could gain huge improvements by just a few training sessions with him! Jesse has a very strong knowledge and skill. I am sure he knows how amazing this chance is.

[@KARATEbyJesse]

We’ve practiced many times 😄👍

[@tarkajedi3331]

@@KARATEbyJesse Amazing))) What was the biggest thing you learnt from him? Cheers from Australia!!!!

[@shanaazshaik1966]

Hi ..u are an inspiration. I am 38 and currently in red. We need motivation to push forward at this age . Thanks

[@boussahadjamel854]

Very good

[@whildreth52]

70 yrs and still learning that was amazing thank you ! What age ha ha ha !

[@kieranmakenji8922]

Great video, would definitely like to hear his exact workout schedule and his diet

[@geoffreysables4885]

Jesse I love your casual conversational technique in interviews. You are talking with a real luminary of our sport but you re still comfortable enough to use language like "shitty" :) Love it

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Just being my casual yet curious self 😄

[@unchocoenchina568]

nice video!

[@yosafatsurya1082]

Man i always watched his Tournament especially his Rivalry with "Kiyuna" he is 40 Years Old & i cant believe that🤣🤣🤣

[@jakehardyjat5017]

Antonio Díaz, the best karate fighter of all time.

[@mindbender6417]

As for me, kata competion performance reminds me more like the kobuki theater performance rather than a real fight - the only thing which is important and all others watching you must see that in your performance.

[@myshadowkungfu]

Kata possibilities and combinations are infinite.

[@novak713]

love ❤

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Thanks 🌟

[@shanavasshayan3125]

Hi Sensai I wdlike to know about how breath kata doing time. How to do kata doing in the bout

[@HECTORARTUROA]

He is venezuelan like me 😎.

[@juancarlossabater269]

Saludos desde Alemania un Venezolano 2 kyu.

[@hanlarhancelaleddin3990]

OMG my idol :D

[@snapdragon1968]

Never give up.

[@daedo1497]

Jesse san Im struggling to buy the seishin gi do you have any promo codes you can give to help me out

[@milanmagar3672]

1st❤😁and love your videos❤🌷

[@KARATEbyJesse]

Thank you! 🙏

[@mirimikuchan6107]

Loved😇👍oss🐯😇👊

[@carlosespinozas.7310]

Substitulos en español? Cuando?

[@bmaxleo7866]

Last three piece of advise :- which I take it on my way… 1. Don’t forget the kihon = it means who am I ? Once you know yourself then you know others too. 2. Know your body & Mind = It means to know the time or situations “ Karate ni-sante nisei” 3. Smile & Relax or enjoy life = It means, Karate is a Life time Study. “Learn & Share” as Jesse is doing here.. Be a gud listener, never imitate anyone. Bcoz , it didn’t fits you. Always think everyone is unique … Follow the teaching but not teacher. Advancing Age is beautiful gift of time & becoming the Guardian of the free world. so, accept it & grow gracefully. There is no time to fight ……..love all hate none ..

[@nevans3]

He’s definitely got skill and is bad ass! I still can’t help wondering what all the hurrah is about fighting ghosts... I’m personally struggling with the value

[@rohank342]

Jesse's reading a lot of psychology I guess😛😅😁 a lot of questions about flow state, peak preformance etc😁

[@parmanand1654]

Sir please make video with luca veladesi

[@ignis3272]

Which karate style are you practice?