The 31-year-old Maciej Mazur is the most successful Polish karateka. In 2019, as the first Pole in history, he became the vice-champion of the world in the open weight category, during the competition held in Japan – It is the most prestigious tournament in contact karate. The world championship is usually attended by nearly 140 competitors, and more than half of them are great karate fighters – explains the runner-up. It is a great success for Maciej, and the World Karate Championships in Kielce may turn out to be the culmination of his career.
– The training cycle before the competition was carried out very meticulously. Little by little, week after week, I still felt like I was going in the right direction. Fortunately, injuries bypass me, so I’m even more pleased with the preparations – explains Maciej Mazur.
The title of world vice-champion in the open category has a motivating effect on the athlete – It adds energy but also proves to me that I have entered a high level, I can compete with the best and beat them – he explains – It makes me believe in my strength. I was well prepared three years ago in Japan, and I know that if I prepare well now, I will be successful.
Maciej admits that he spent his holidays very actively – Everything is important, from focus and concentration to training with the team – During training, we work on the key elements, so they cannot be assimilated by being somewhere nearby. You have to be in this place, at this time, and in this space – he says.
The world vice-champion in the open class started training when he was only 5 years old – At the beginning, my attitude to training was different – says Maciej with a smile – However, now I can say with the full awareness that I have worked hard over the last 10 years. While training karate, we overcome our limitations, we can endure effort and injuries that seem unbearable. In my opinion, the fight and the extreme situations we encounter during it are the essences of Kyokushin karate. I would not want to limit myself to the karate competition. Speaking of combat, I mean, first of all, overcoming difficulties: during training, in everyday life, at work, at school, and of course also during competitions – Maciej Mazur explains.
Maciej Mazur
Born on August 20, 1991, 1 dan
The greatest successes: 2nd place at the open world championships – 2019; 8th place at the open world championships – 2015, 1st place at the European championships – 2017, 1st place at the European Championships U22-2011, 2nd place at the European Championships 2015, 2016, 3rd place at the European Championships 2012, 2013, 5th place at the Open Japanese Championships – 2017, 1st place in the Polish championships – 2014, 2016, 1st place in the Polish open championships – 2016, 2017. He represents the Bielany Kyokushin Karate Club.
