Fernando Noda Takechi a 38 years old Enshin karate athlete.

A brief introduction to yourself?
My name is Fernando Noda Takechi, I´m a Peruvian, 38 years old, and studied systems engineer. I started martial arts at the age of 15 with aikido then judo and jiu-jitsu for a short time, finally I found Enshin karate at the age of 26 to which I dedicate myself completely.

How did you develop your fondness for karate?
I think everything started when I studied with Kancho Ninomiya becoming his Uchideshi (Japanese meaning of interned disciple) was a bittersweet experience, because I was training all day every day even sick or even with an injury, thanks to that I understood the meaning of a martial arts.

What drew you to Karate out of all other sports?
In the beginning, it was the physical and technical part, being able to perform kicks and blows, sweeps and throws; along with that, I was struck by all the martial tradition, the values, and what my sensei called strengthening the spirit.

At what age did you start learning karate?
26 years old.

What is your style and what rank do you currently hold in karate?
The style is Enshin karate and I hold the 3 dan black belt degree

What was the highest prize you won?
World Sabaki Challenge 2015 Middleweight champion, that is the World tournament of Enshin karate.

What do you like more Kata or Kumite?
I specialize in full-contact Kumite, but also, I like katas, because they are the best way to polish the technique.

Do you have a favorite Sensei?
I have been learning a lot of different senseis, Nakano sensei in Perú, Ninomiya Kancho in Denver. But I also got to meet Filho Shihan in a seminar and learned a lot from him.

How did you get to this position and how was your journey being in this sport?
When I started practicing it was just like a hobby, but then I felt a passion for karate so I left everything and travel to the US, to Denver to train under the guidance of the founder of Enshin karate Kancho Ninomiya, when I returned to Perú I continue my training to compete in local tournaments and since 2011 I started my participation in the Enshin world tournament, becoming champion in 2015, I continued competing for another year (the US and Japan) after which I dedicate myself solely to teaching until this days.

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

Who’s been an inspiration for you throughout your sports journey?
A lot of people, starting with my senseis and martial artists like Bruce Lee and his philosophy, fighters like Fedor Emelianenko, Lyoto Machida, and George St. Pierre, and their approach to competition.

What challenges did you come across on getting where you are at today?

You can share any injury story as well.
Leaving my work, family, and friends in one part of my life to become uchi-deshi. In the physical part, every injury was hard to overcome, trying to maintain my physical condition despite bone cracks or muscle tears, but I think the most difficult challenge was the recovery I had after an intestine operation in 2018, apart from the physical pain it was overcoming the fear that some blow or kick would open internal wounds, but with perseverance and determination I was able to overcome it.

What motivates you the most about your profession as an athlete?
Leaving a legacy, teaching everything I learned that helped me improve my life, and see the same passion for karate in my students.

What are your strengths as both an athlete and as a person?
I think is perseverance and stubbornness.

Do you have something you want everyone to learn?
Mainly discipline, perseverance, and determination; technically the use of sabaki (to use force to benefit) something like fighting smart.

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