Jesse Enkamp, 29, is « Karate Nerd », the most popular Karate blogger in the world. He is also the founder of the « Seishin International » brand. But, before all, he has a great passion for Karate, all styles of Karate. Student, he lived in Okinawa where he practiced with and without weapon, developed ground techniques, pressure points, joint locks, chokes…
In parallel, he participates to sports karate competition (kata). Born in Sweden, he will fight under the Finnish colors, his parents’ country, at the World championships in Madrid (November 6-11), his 2^nd ones after 2012.
For him, Karate is « fascinating ». He sees it as « a neverending journey » from which one must « enjoy it all » and, above all, be « Shoshin », or how to take life by the good end...

By Florian Fournier
Photos : D.R

Born and raised in the family dojo in Sweden. Jesse Enkamp has been surrounded by martial arts since he could walk. His parents were karate teachers and regularly invited other martial arts teachers to teach in their academy. This peripheral vision of martial arts aroused his curiosity and made him respect all these disciplines at a very young age. Nevertheless, he turned to karate as his way of life.
As a student, he moved to Okinawa to research the roots of this fascinating art. « I learned a lot while living in Japan. Since then, I have returned to Okinawa more than a dozen times to learn more ». He has devoted several episodes to his travels on his Youtube channel, « Karate Nerd in Okinawa ».
Back from Japan, he joined the Finnish national team after winning the national championship in 2011. This same year, he then ranked 5th at the European championships in Switzerland.
Afterwards, he traveled for several years to improve his skills, learn from different masters and teach at international seminars. At the same time, he decided to launch his blog which has become today the most popular karate blog in the world.

You are born in Sweden but you represent Finland on competitions. Could you explain us ?

My parents are immigrants from Finland. Genetically speaking, I am actually 94% finnish. I did a DNA test ! So, a few years back, I decided to compete in Finland. I had reached the highest level in Sweden and there were no more challenges. After winning the Finnish national championship, I was invited to their national team. Now I represent the country of my family. It’s a good feeling.

This is your 2^nd World championships after Paris in 2012. How do you feel before this new adventure ?

I was 23 years old at my first World championships. Physically, I was in good shape, but I didn’t have the experience and maturity required for peak performance in such a spectacular event. I still remember the sound of 15 000 people cheering in the finals. It was a sensational moment to watch. This time, I am better prepared and hope to be in the finals, not just watch them. 

« I FOCUS ON WHAT I CAN CONTROL, THE TRAINING »

What do you expect from these Worlds ?

I am a man of few expectations. I prefer to be grateful for whatever I can achieve, instead of expecting to achieve something in particular. I focus on what I can control, the process, the training, the preparations. The result is outside of my control. It will be what the Universe wishes. But no matter what it is, I am grateful to have this amazing opportunity.

Author, teacher, athlete… You live karate from different angles. How do you look at it today ?

I view karate from a 360 degrees perspective. This is what makes it so fascinating for me. Although, I will soon compete in the World championships, karate is not just a sport to me. It is much more. An exotic hobby, a practical philosophy, a way to stay in shape, an Olympic sport, a fun business, and so much more… For this reason, I have never lost motivation for karate, because I never limit my perspective of it. That’s how you make karate your way of life. It’s a neverending journey.

As an entrepreneur, you have developed your brand (Seishin international), tell us about it… What is your next project ?

Seishin International (www.seishin-international.com) is the world’s fastest growing karate lifestyle brand. I started it many years ago, with the purpose of creating products for people who want to express their love for karate. It started with a karate uniform, known as the Seishin Gi. It currently has 500 5-star reviews on the webshop. But there are many more products, including belts, bags, t-shirts, bracelets, etc. Seishin is used by grandmasters in Japan, World champions and passionate karate practitioners in over 70 countries.

« LEARN THE JAPANESE MINDSET OF SHOSHIN. THERE IS SO MUCH TO DISCOVER »

You lived in Okinawa. On Instagram, you were seen competing in « traditional » karate, especially kata with Bo. Do you wish to get more involved in this form of karate ?

I have always been involved in this form of karate. To me, traditional karate and sport karate are not impossible to mix. As a « Karate Nerd », I’ve practiced everything since I was a child, weapons, self-defense, kata, kihon, kumite, ground-techniques, pressure points, joint locks, chokes, throws… I always tell my students : « Don’t let your style limit your Karate. Life is too short to ignore the amazing diversity of Karate. Enjoy it all ! ».

What do you think of karate being at the Olympics ?

The Olympics is a massive marketing machine consisting of politics, money and power. This is no surprise. For this reason, many traditionalists believe it’s bad that karate is an Olympic sport. But I believe it’s great. Because, like the saying goes, « All marketing is good marketing ».

The Olympics might prevent karate from dying out, compared to things like MMA and the UFC. Plus, the greatest karate athletes in the world deserve to compete in the Olympics, just like athletes in other sports. However, it’s just a small part of karate to me.

What message do you wish to give to Karatekas ?

I wish people can learn the Japanese mindset of « Shoshin », the « beginner’s mind ». There is so much to discover in karate if you open your mind to this possibility. The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it’s open. Read books, travel to seminars, connect with likeminded practitioners online. Your capacity for growth as a human being is endless. Use karate as a tool for self-development. The sky is not the limit. Your mindset is.