Here we are ! It's the last straight line ! The one that leads to the World Open Tournament organized every 4 years. This year, the 12th edition will take place from November 6th to 12th. Before, there is one last big challenge : the prestigious New York Open this weekend (June 22-23).
Antonio Tusseau is in. 1st Frenchman on the podium in 2015 and winner in 2017, he has since made a break, taken 10 kg and changed category (from 80 to 90 kg). But his ambitions remained unchanged. The 2-times European champion tells us about his preparation :his jogging at 1am, his comeback to the highlights, his new karate, his appetite for KO...
By Ludovic Mauchien / Photos: LM
Antonio Tusseau, called "Tonio", is a character. First because he practices Kyokushin at high level but also by his approach to life. He is as warlike and intrepid on a tatami as he is carefree and jovial outside. His style ? To seek KO. He does not conceive of Kyokushinkai otherwise.
And it does it pretty well. At 28 (since May 19), he is 2-times European champion (2014, 2017), won the New York Open (2017) and many international medals.
But for Shihan Legree, as for the Sempaï of ACBB, where he gives classes, he remains a Kohai, a crazy-crazy kid, unpredictable, talented but so natural that it sometimes tricks him. “Could I read the article again before you publish it ? If you put everything, Shihan will get my clock cleaned !". It was a few days ago, before he took off for New York on Tuesday 18.
He fights next Saturday, the 22nd. But, from the night of Saturday to last Sunday, he put himself in New-York mode. Jogging at 1am, staggered meals and sleep... not to suffer too much jet lag.
He will fight in -90 kg, the category where he was European champion and won New York in 2017, beating Spain’s Navarro in the final ! He was aiming to win the All Japan but he lost in the first round. He then decided to make a break. "I was a little smashed... and disappointed," he says. "Actually, I was not very happy. It pissed me off. So, I kept this state of mind to change my style, to be more basic kyoku”.
He also trains in kick-boxing and has improved his punches and kicks. He mostly took weight and muscle. He came back to the All Japan last November. He loses against the World n°4 in the 3rd round. In May, Antonio Tusseau, 90 kg, ranked 3rd at the European championships. It augurs well ?
How are we preparing for a New York Open?
For once, it's a bit freestyle. For 2 years, I have no more coach and I train alone with my students. It affects my results. It is always codified but a bit more complicated. Otherwise, since I fight in heavyweight, I do more bodybuilding and I run a lot less.
"I CAN WADE INTO THEM INTO AS I WANT WITH 10 KG MORE"
What is different between 80 and 90 kg?
In Open category, I feel better. I'm no longer a little guy who fights with giants, who is forced to turn around them... I can wade into them as I want with these 10 kg more. It's more technical, it's more relaxed. I have less cardio. I cannot afford to be as crazy as I did before. Still... At the last European championships, I was a bit crazy...
I kick less to the head, but when I do, it hits. There is less moves management. For a -80 kg, I was tall but I missed a little power. So, now, I have the power. It changes everything.
In my fights, I try to put my opponent KO, from the second 0 to the second 120. I try to hit as strong as possible. I came back to a style where I'm really looking for KO.
The All Japan, in November 2018, was your first big competition in a year. What were your feelings?
I came back much stronger, with a new style. I arrived very sharp at 84 kg. Since I had not fought in 2018, I was no longer a top series. They put me two very heavy guys, a Japanese and a Brazilian of 107 kg in the 2nd round (he laughs) ! Then, I had to fight against the World n°4 (he laughs). I had left some energy and strenght against the Brazilian because my style is to get into it. Even though he weighes 107 kg, he was he who was backing away. But I was a little smashed the next day against the World n°4. I lost at to the decision.
Just a month ago, you finished 3rd of the European Championships. You are back…
I lose against the reigning World champion (Russia’s Luzin). Physically, he was better than me and his thrusts embarrassed me a lot. It was good to face the World champion. Like that, I fought the last two, Navarro (2013) and him (2017). Well... I stay in my place of 3rd, 2-times European champion but not world champion. I beat one but not the other.
The New York Open, what does it evoke to you?
New York, I love it! The first time, in 2015, I came back from my big injury (broken leg). I got stolen. People booed the decision and applauded me. It made me really happy.
The next year, something amazing happened to me. My Airbnb does not open me, I find myself on the street. I'm looking for a hotel, it's a hassle. I sit on a bench, I take the rain... It was pretty funny. And I ranked 3rd ! I lost against my eternal enemy, Zuborev.
And, in 2017, I win ! I had gained weight (85 kg), I felt good, I chained the victories. And I beat Navarro in the final! This year, he does not participate and may coach me. If Navarro is behind me, it'll be cool. In addition, he won last year. It will give me more strength.
"I AM NOW USED TO TRAIN AT NIGHT"
You optimize your approach by living at the US time one week before...
I am now used to train at night, staggering my meals, optimizing my sleep time... And I really see the difference, even if the jet lag is easy in this direction. For Japan, it's more complicated.
In 2016, I had a very, very bad experience. I could not get used to the jet lag, I did not sleep for 5 days ! It was difficult to fight afterwards. I was training with Romain (Anselmo). He trained me with the racket and I took them all in the head. I thought, "There's something wrong! " (he laughs). And I take a high kick in the head. It's rare that I get caught.
Do you already think about the World Weight Open category?
It's a goal, but I do not want to bother myself like in 2017 when I told everyone I was going to win. I am superstitious. I went to Japan 7 times, I never brought anything back. To win the World championships would be a dream. That's the goal. I will give everything for it but... This summer, I'm going to train in Russia and Japan to be 100% ready. A good place in New York would really help me to believe in me. I go there to please myself and test 2-3 tips. But I trust myself.
