Third at the Paris Open mast January, Kenji Grillon has come back to his best level at the best moment. With the third Premier League of the year coming up, the Rotterdam Open (March 16^th-18^th), he wishes to win his first competition of 2018.

 By Fournier Florian

World champion in 2012, European champion and winner of the World Combat Games in 2013, Kenji Grillon is like a survivor. Fortunately, his injuries to his knees belong to the past. At 28 years old, less than two years from the Tokyo Olympics, the Frenchman is in great shape. 3rd at the last World Championships in 2016, he hopes to win his fourth Karate 1 of his career. Why not this week-end in Rotterdam?

How do you feel?

Everything is fine, my shape is good. Physically, I have no problem and it's nice. Now, it's more about the mental aspect where I'm not satisfied. As a competitor, being 3rd at the Paris Open and losing in the quarter-finals in Dubai is not enough for me. I am determined to get a success in Rotterdam.

What did you miss to meet success in the first two Premier League tournaments (Paris and Dubai)?

I wanted to do my best and I put myself under pressure. If we look at it closely, the fights were each one very tight. I lost because of some little details. I will have to more show to the referees that I am determined to win. That way, the decisions will be more on my behalf. Karate changes all the time and I have to adapt myself. Anyway, I know that I have to be more relaxed to make a big performance.

The Egyptian Ahmed Elmasry, the 2017 U21 World champion, beat you twice in Paris and Dubai. He will not be in Rotterdam. Are you frustrated or relieved?

I never look who is present or absent. I am informed but I’d prefer believe in myself. No matter who iss on my way, I have to beat him. The turnover in our category is normal this year, do not worry about the performance of the champions. When the ranking will start, I guarantee you that Araga will be registered. But I am disappointed that Elmasry is not in Rotterdam. I would have liked to meet him a third time because that it is necessary to work on him as soon as nowadays.

Physically speaking, are you scheduled to be at your top for the European Championships (May 10^th-13rd in Novi Sad, Serbia) ?

First, with the national coaches and the physical trainers, we had targeted the Paris Open but, truthly speaking, we have such a heavy schedule nowadays that we must be in shape all the time. But, of course, the European Championships are my main coming goal. I want to be European champion. This title would give me confidence before serious things begin for the Olympics. And, above all, being European champion is a nice line to add to a record.

What have you learnt through the training with the Japanese national team for almost two months at the French National training Center ?

In competition, besides Araga, I am almost never opposed to a Japanese fighter. So, sharing training with them for two months helped me a lot. They have a karate style different than ours. In their skipping, their reflex, their technique and their way of moving, it’s different. So, I have learned a lot by observing them. It will be useful for my karate and to prepare me when they will face me.