The speaker, Alexandre Allard Etiage, a five-time world champion of karate, shares his experiences and insights about the sport. He emphasizes that karate is not just about physical strength, but also about speed, control, and strategy. He explains that the goal of a karate match is to score points without getting hit, and that the game lasts two minutes. He also highlights the importance of respect and self-sacrifice in the culture of karate.
Etiage recounts his best and worst moments in karate. His best memory was winning the world championships in Bercy in 2012, while his worst memory was missing the competition in Tokyo in 2008 due to fear. He also shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming a karate champion, and the challenges he faced along the way.
He encourages anyone interested in karate to pursue it, emphasizing that it's not about being afraid of getting hurt, but rather about facing your fears and going against yourself. He also talks about the importance of practicing regularly, as he did every day except Saturday and Sunday.
Etiage concludes by expressing his excitement about the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and his goal to represent France in the sport.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Alexandre Allard Etiage is a 5-time world champion in karate from Switzerland.
2. He is also a labor law lawyer.
3. Alexandre was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
4. He has a 4th-degree black belt in karate.
5. The goal of karate is to score points by hitting the opponent without getting hit.
6. A karate match lasts two minutes.
7. Points can be scored by punching or kicking the opponent.
8. Kicks to the body score two points, and kicks to the face score three points.
9. Alexandre has never needed to use karate to defend himself in the street.
10. He believes that doing a combat sport like karate can exude self-confidence and deter people from bothering him.
11. Alexandre's best memory in karate is winning the world championships in Bercy in 2012.
12. His worst memory is missing his competition at the championships in Tokyo in 2008 due to fear.
13. Alexandre trains 2-3 times a day, every day, except Saturday and Sunday.
14. He has a maxim of "never give up" and dedicates his victories to his family.
15. Alexandre's long-term objectives include participating in the Tokyo games and the World Championship in Madrid.
16. He advises people to pursue their dreams and get back up after setbacks.