World champion in 2012 in Paris with Soma and Sugino, Koji Arimoto is back to win an another gold medal in team kata. With the Moto brothers, the Japanese team will be the favorite fot the World championships in Dubaï. Prepared by Kagawa Shihan, The dean of the team is confident.
By Florian Fournier / Photo : D.R
You are back at a World championships after 2012 and 2014, what’s your feeling ?
I'm so excited. It’s a very good things for me and for my career. It’s always an honor to represent Japan and the Japan team in the world during a competition. But this is not an accident. This is fate. We work hard with my team for a long time to achieve this goal, to participate to this world championships.
You won the title in 2012 with an execptional final. Do you think it possible to do better this year with the Moto brothers ?
Yes. It’s always possible to make a better performance. Karate is never perfect, we always look for being close to perfection. But this year, I think our Kata is better. I hope you'll enjoy it.
What are the differences between your team with Soma and Sugino and your current team with the Moto brothers ?
The Soma and Sugino team was so passionate. It was my university team when I was student in Teikyo university so it’s different than today. I’m older, I have more experience but my new team is cool and hardworking. The Moto brothers have lot of talents and it’s a pleasure to practice karate with them.
How was made the selection between your team and the Shito-ryu team ? Why the Japan Staff choose yours ?
There have been qualifying trials for the World Championship in September with WKF Judges and we got a big point lead. This selection was made fairly. The best team has been selected.
How was your preparation ? Was it hard ? Are you ready to win the world championships ?
We are ready to win. We learned a lot from Kagawa shihan. Like in 2012, Kagawa Shihan prepared us to win this competition. It was so hard. It’s always hard with Kagawa Shihan but it’s always good for us to be trained by him. He is the best sensei in the world, so I’m proud to be his student.
On the paper, you are the best team, What can stop you from winning the title ?
Nothing. We will get a gold.
