« Karate has found its way in our country »

At 49 years old, Farid Bourkaïb is still active in karate. A 5th dan black belt and sports educator specializing in karate, he has maintained a bulletproof physique and dynamism, which he explains by the fulfillment of his passion for this martial art.

Interview conducted by Abdallah Guessoum

The least one can say is that Farid Bourkaïb has karate in his blood. He has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience throughout an appreciable sports career as an athlete and then coach in this martial art, which continues to spark enthusiasm and take up more and more space among our youth. A sports career that today’s host pursues and talks about with passion in this interview he kindly granted us.

Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Farid Bourkaïb, born November 4, 1974 in Bou Ismail. My first sport was judo, in which I got my first license at the age of 13 at the Khemisti club in Tipasa, before devoting myself to the practice of karate successively in the following clubs: 1993-1996, athlete at the Bousmail amateur sports club, 1997-1999 at the ANP sports club, 1999-2001 at Mouloudia d’Alger, 2001-2004 at the Alger-Centre club (ARBEE). From 2005 to 2009, I was a student and assistant to Sensei Okamoto in Egypt. I currently hold the grade of 5th dan black belt in karate.

In parallel to this karate practice, I obtained the diploma of senior technician in human resources management in 1999, followed in 2003 by the sports educator diploma specialized in karate at INFS/STS Rachid Haraigue in Delly Ibrahim (Algiers). In 2006, I obtained the diploma of WKF Arab karate coach in Cairo (Egypt); in 2008, the 5th dan JKA Japan diploma; in 2010, a certificate in karate-do kumite WKF tactics in Libya; and in 2012, a JKA Japan examiner certificate.

What is your view on karate?

Practicing a combat sport above all allows you to gain self-confidence, not because you think you are stronger than others, but because karate allows you to push your limits, to become aware of your strengths and especially your weaknesses, and to follow your own progression. It is a lifelong learning process that has no end. In these sports, you can also count on the collective group because what prevails is the group. In a martial art, we face ourselves and are our own engine of progression. Practicing karate can only be beneficial; it can help everyone discover their intrinsic qualities and gain confidence.

Tell us about your coaching background now…

1995-1997, coach at the Khemisti amateur sports club; 1995-1997, coach at the Tipasa sports club; 2000-2002, coach at the Bou Ismail sports club; 2004/2005, international coach at the El Djazira club in Libya; 2005-2008, coach at the Shotokan Djerba club (Tunisia). 2009, physical trainer specializing in kata and kumite for national teams. In 2010, obtained various titles, notably 2nd place in kata junior and cadet categories in Libya. 2020-2022, karate coach at the ANP Cadets School in M’sila. From 2010 to present, member of the Japan Karate Association (JKA-WF). 2012-2020, expert and instructor in the Maghreb (Tunis – Libya).

Is there a secret to becoming a good athlete?

In karate, nothing is more important than the basics: body and rhythm for beginners. Working on the basics allows martial arts practitioners to develop great qualities and master numerous techniques. Without the basics and a serious, regular practice, there can be no results, knowing that only effectiveness counts. For that, a good physical condition and true self-knowledge are required. Respect is also one of the fundamental principles we must follow for life in society to be possible: respect for oneself and respect for the opponent, as well as sacred fair play, are the foundations of any martial art, and indeed any sport.

How to obtain a JKA license?

Each member of JKA Algeria is registered directly with JKA HQ (Tokyo) and receives an individual license or membership card from Japan with a unique identification number. These licenses are valid for a calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. The formalities for joining this institution consist of an individual JKA WF license request and paying the required dues.

We leave it to you to conclude…

I have had to make a lot of sacrifices after so many years of practicing karate, a sporting discipline that is in full development in our country where we can now say karate has found its true path. We have warriors as athletes who can go very far. The organizational structure exists and is high quality; all it needs is proper consideration.

I would like to take this opportunity to express all my gratitude to my parents for motivating me to put in so much effort, and my warmest thanks to the president of JKA Algeria, Abdelhak Taleb, and all those who, near or far, helped me achieve my goals. My wish would be to make JKA Algeria a national association to allow it to organize seminars, gatherings, and training courses led by Japanese experts, as well as JKA Algeria national championships. My thanks also go to the newspaper Planète Sport, which supports us and spares no effort for the promotion of this sports discipline.