New mascot of the men's kata, Kazumasa Moto failed to reach the final today. Defeated by his compatriot Issei Shimbaba (4-1) in the quarter-finals, the young Japanese tells us about his performance.

By Florian Fournier in Berlin / Photo: Kphotos

What is your feeling at the exit of the tatami?

I have some regrets. I felt good and, in this quarterfinal, I make a slight imbalance on the last pivot of my Gankaku. It costs me my place in the semifinals. I blame myself but it's karate.

Sunday, you will find Damian Quintero for the bronze medal. How do you approach this match ?

I must not neglect it. I beat him twice last season but it's still a great karateka. He works well and is one of the best in the world so I'll have to concentrate and get the best out of myself to beat him.

What are your chances of going to the Olympics ?

The same as everyone. The race will be long and we will have to be regular and take the most points possible. Kiyuna is ahead but nothing is ever played in advance. I will fight to the end.

You did the Sansai kata style Genseiryu today, it's part of your program now?

Yes, it is a kata that we learned in training with our national coach (Tosa Sensei, the son of the school founder) and we integrated it into our program because it is a kata that is close to the Shotokan style. The positions are similar and this allows us to have a good kata.

What is your next competition ?

I'll be in Chile next week.