Beatriz Nunes Fonseca, 16 years old, practicing Karate Kyokushin since she was 4 years old. 

How did you develop your fondness for karate?

It was during practice. As I started very young, I didn’t understand what it was like. After training for a while, I realized that I liked doing it.

What drew you to Karate out of all other sports?

When I started practicing karate, I didn’t know any other sports. As I got to know, I was sure that Karate was what I wanted, due to the discipline, philosophy, and teachings that are learned that I take for life.

At what age did you start learning karate?

I started at the age of 4 in April 2009.

What is your style and what rank do you currently hold in karate?

Karate Kyokushin Oyama, I’m currently a 1st Dan black belt.

What was the highest prize you won?

Last year (2019), I was a Brazilian Champion in the category of 

juvenile child.

What do you like more Kata or Kumite?

It’s a difficult choice. I like Kata as much as Kumite. In the championships I always participated only in Kumite, recently I started to participate in the category of Kata too. I always liked Kumite and now I realized that I like Kata a lot too.

Do you have a favorite Sensei?

Yes, my father, Sensei Wilson Nunes. It was he who encouraged me to start training and guided me on this path. To this day, he continues to train me and encourage me to improve.

How did you get to this position and how was your journey being in this sport?

It was a difficult journey, but with a lot of determination and willpower. I tried to train more and progress.

Gradually I gained learning and passed as bands until I reached the black belt.

I participated in several championships Mogianos, Paulistas, Brazilians, and Oyama Cup. There were championships that I won and others that I lost, but I never gave up on my dreams and I try to move on and always improve!

Do you take karate as your profession or is it just a hobby?

I want it to be my profession. Since I was little I was in this environment and now, helping my father in the gym. I identify with this work and I am sure it is my vocation.

Who’s been an inspiration for you throughout your sports journey?

My father today is a 3rd Dan black belt and from the beginning, he was my inspiration. I admire his determination and willpower. Even though things are difficult, he doesn’t give up on his dreams. How to open a gym, which was a big dream, and today there are already athletes winning titles and the gym is growing more and more. I’m very proud of him and I admire all the work he does.

What challenges did you come across on getting where you are at today? You can share any injury story as well.

One of the challenges was my exam for the black belt. It was while training for this exam that I understood what Karate Kyokushin is. I took the exam at the age of 13 and was the first youngest girl to get a black belt in Brazil, it was a big challenge for me.

In May 2018, I had a knee injury during a workout. I was close to the championships and I was very sad that I couldn’t participate. I did the tests and found that I had torn the ligament; soon after, in August I had the surgery. In September of the same year, I started training little by little, I couldn’t wait to be able to return to the championships.

It was difficult to recover physically and psychologically as I was very excited that year and unfortunately that happened. However, this didn’t make me give up, it strengthened my spirit and brought me learning and experience, so that next year I could return even stronger.

What motivates you the most about your profession as an athlete?

My dreams, the goal I want to achieve. Karate is what I love to do the most and when I think how big I want to be, it gives me the motivation to continue.

What are your strengths as both an athlete and as a person?

As an athlete I consider high kick and punch, I like it better and I consider myself better at it. As a person, I’m a determined and focused person and I don’t let nervousness shake me. I work hard for the result I want to achieve.

Do you have something you want everyone to learn?

I want the world to be one of the better people, less stressed, and more generous, with great hearts. May they learn to understand each other with humility and serenity.