He is the « Great Ancient » of the category ! He who inspires respect. World champion in 2010 and 2014 (3rd in 2008, 2nd in 2012), four-time Panam’s winner, Brazil’s Douglas Brose (-60 kg), it is 4 podiums in 5 competitions in 2018, before his... knee injury last May. 5 months of real pain, of forced and fastened rehabilitation to be on time, to be at the World championships in Madrid (November 6-11).
5 months later, he fought back at the Tokyo K1 (October 12-14). ½ final ! Let’s meet and discover a champion who swears only by victory...
By Ludovic Mauchien / Photos : K-Photos
Douglas Brose is a monument ! He showed up on the international scene in 2006. From his 1st Worlds in Tampere, he has quickly learnt. In the following edition, in 2008, he won the 1st of his 4 World medals in a row. It was bronze. In 2009, he won the World Games (he will be 2nd in 2013). In 2010, he won for the 1st time the World championships in Belgrad. 2nd in 2012 in Paris, he won the World Combat Games in 2013 in St Petersburg.
He then won 4 Pan American championship titles in a row from 2014 to 2017, after 3 bronzes in 2007, 2011 and 2013. In 2014, he won his 2nd World title. On the Karate 1 circuit, he has 12 podiums including 4 successes. Only in 2018, he won 4 podiums, including 1 success (Guadalajara).
Stopped by a knee injury last May, Douglas Brose comes back just on time for the World championships in Madrid (November 6-11). 5th in Tokyo where he beat Italy’s Crescenzo (1-0) before being trapped in ½ final by Turkey’s Samdan (4-0), then by Italy’s Pampaloni (1-1) in repechage, he showed that, at 32, he was always present, always valiant…
Ready for the World championships ? What is your ambition ?
Yes, I am ready ! My goal is to be World Champion for the 3rd times. I am always thinking bigger.
How do you feel since your knee injury ?
I am feeling very good. I lived some very difficult months after my injury 5 months ago. But now, I am OK. I had focused on my recovery all summer long.
How were your sensations in the K1 Tokyo ?
It was a good preparation for me. It was my first competition since almost 5 months and I could see some good things and some bad ones that I will fix for the Worlds.
« 4 PHYSICAL TRAININGS, 8 TECHNICAL AND 1 MENTAL PER WEEK »
What is your planning of the last week before the Worlds ?
I am very focused on my technical training and I study my opponents.
How is your training ? How was scheduled your preparation ?
Usually, it’s 2 trainings a day, 5 or 6 days per week, which means around 4 physical trainings and 8 technical ones per week, plus 1 weekly mental training.
Is physical conditioning an important part of your training as you majored in it ?
Especially speed training.
What do you especially like in Karate ? What is your vibe ?
I like the competition fight, and the way that you can win your opponent without knocking him down.
You finished 3rd in Rotterdam and Rabat, 2nd in Paris. According to you, what did you miss to win ?
Maybe some details in my strategy. But, at my last 5 WKF events -K1 and Series A- before my injury, I did 4 podiums. This is very important.
« TOKYO 2020 ?… ME ON THE PODIUM »
Who is your most dangerous opponent ? Yourself ?
Yes, all my opponents are very tough but the most one is myself.
In the future, what category are you going to compete in : -60 kg or 67 kg ?
The same than today : -60 kg.
If Karate has not become Olympic, would you keep doing competitions ?
I don’t know. My goal is now the Olympic Games. This is my big motivation !!! That’s where I find motivation, in the Olympics !
If I say Tokyo 2020, what comes to your mind ?
Me on the podium.
You majored in physical conditioning. Do you feel like having a teaching soul ?
I don’t know. I like teaching but more for high level athletes, like special seminars. Maybe, it can be a way to follow.
Who are your models, your favorite champions ?
I dont wan’t to be arrogant, but my model is myself when I don’t make any mistakes.
What does represent the Machida Karate for you ? Do you know the family, or Lyoto ?
They have done a good contribution for Brazilian Karate. I know Lyoto and his brother. I met their father but it was a long time ago.
« THE MACHIDA HAVE DONE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION FOR BRAZILIAN KARATE »
If you have an advice to give to a teenager who dreams to be a champion, what would it be ?
Stay on the right way, don’t lose your focus, be disciplined, smart and don’t wait for anybody. Run for your dreams if nobody wants to run with you. Run alone and you will find some people who want to run with you.
What do you like to do besides Karate ?
I like to travel and to practice other sports. But, for the last 10 years of my life, it was only Karate. Besides Karate, I did… Karate once more (he laughs).
Are you a football fan ? What team do you support ?
Not too much. My team is Brazil. This is the only one for which I stop and I watch.
What can we wish you ?
Health.
