Savva Komov Success Story

Savva Komov a karate athlete.

A brief introduction to yourself?
I’m Savva Komov.  I am 20 years old.  I come from the village of Solnechnodolsk.  I came to St. Petersburg to study as a karate coach and train with one of the best Russian national teams.

How did you develop your fondness for karate?
I got acquainted with karate when I was 5 years old.  my father, my first trainer, brought me to training and I liked hitting the boxing paws.  Before karate, I was engaged in classical dance and breakdancing.

What drew you to Karate out of all other sports?
My first coach [ @master_oss ] taught me never to give up and never lose heart.  Believe in yourself even when no one believes.  The motto of our club is: “never give up, never lower your head, never be afraid of anyone, and never say that you cannot do something.” By the way, my first club calls it “sakura”, which is why my nickname on Instagram is written this way.

At what age did you start learning karate?
I have been practicing Shotokan karate until 15 years old.  At the moment I am a candidate for a master of sports.

What do you like more Kata or Kumite?
I like Kumite more.  This drive, this active movement, this adrenaline that makes you feel truly alive.  I have little experience with kata.  I don’t like doing it.

Do you have a favorite Sensei?
Each of my trainers gives me the necessary knowledge for sports improvement.  I am grateful to all of them and want to celebrate them: @krivakovskiisergei; @zurab.gabelia; @sigunov_av; master_oss; leontev_karate_club

How did you get to this position and how was your journey being in this sport?
My father brought me to practice.  I was very scared to fight until I was 11.  Because of what I lost in all competitions during 6 years of training.  But I look forward to wanting to become stronger and stop being afraid.  One day in 2011, the team of the Stavropol Territory went to international competition in St. Petersburg.  They were held in the building of the SKK (sports and concert complex).  There I won my first victory – 1st place!  I was very happy.  My path is not over yet, a lot is ahead!

Do you take karate as your profession or is it just a hobby?
Maybe I’ll say it corny. But, karate is already a part of me, a part of my life.  I like to fight with myself, to learn something new every time.  I also like to train.  See athletic growth in children.  See mistakes in them and correct them.  All this is my life.

What challenges did you come across on getting where you are at today?
 You can share any injury story as well.
Every athlete is familiar with this situation.  When you need to overcome yourself, do not give up despite the pain of any kind of injury.  In 2017, I injured my knee while preparing for the World Championships in Serbia.  I was undergoing treatment and did not stop preparing for the competition.  As the result in the individual competition I took 3rd place on the podium and 1st place in the team competition I was in the team with [ @zherebtsov_gleb and @___ m_30___ ].

What motivates you the most about your profession as an athlete?
My team motivates me.  Children and their parents motivate me. I tried many different sports, but karate will always be in my heart number 1 (probably this is my motivation – in the boundless love of karate).

Do you have something you want everyone to learn?
I want everyone to know the motto of the Sakura Club.  “Never give up, never hang your head, never be afraid of anyone, and never say that you cannot do something.”  Remember that the road will be mastered by the one walking and do not be afraid of any obstacles, just go to YOUR goal.

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