Coach - Akira Fukuda
| Name | Akira Fukuda |
|---|---|
| Nickname | |
| Birthplace |
Hawaii
|
| Current Hometown |
Costa Mesa, California
|
| Current Hometown |
Costa Mesa, California
|
|---|---|
| Family (wife/husband, kids) |
Single
|
| What age did you start karate? |
7 years old
|
| How long have you been USA Karate National Coach? |
Since 2008, 4 years
|
| What style of karate do you do? |
Shito-ryu
|
| What's your favorite food? |
Yogurt and Onigiri (rice balls)
|
| What type of music do you listen to? |
Reggae
|
| What is your favorite music group or artist? |
UB40
|
| Do you have any pets? What kind? |
Yes, Dog (Beagle)
|
| What is your pets name? |
Toby
|
| Do you have any hidden talents? |
Cooking
|
|
Is this your first World Championships as a Coach? What are your thoughts about the World Championships in Paris? |
No, isn't my first World Championships as a Coach. This will be my second Senior WC as a National level Coach and have gone to two Jr. WC before this.
|
| Who is your favorite superhero? |
Captain America
|
| Who is your hero in real life? Why? |
Joe Gonzales 2 time Olympian, 3 time Wrestling FILA World Champion. He is 5'4" and only weighs 130lbs., and a very strong athlete. He grew up in humble beginnings in East Los Angeles, went to Japan to train in Wrestling to one day make the USA Olympic Team. He then went on to finish his Master's Degree in Education and is now a educator and mentor for the youth of today. In addition, to his wrestling career he won the NORBA Mountain Bike Cross Country Series and Surfs 3-4 times a week.
|
| Hobbies |
Mountain Bike, Surfing, Judo, Wrestling, Swimming
|
| Favorite Quote |
Citius, Altius, Fortius.
|
| Biggest accomplishment. Why? |
The biggest accomplishment I achieved as an athlete was winning the 1999 Pan American Games Gold Medal and I was also named team captain.
The reason why I feel this was the biggest accomplishment of my career is because it was an Olympic event. |
| What do you love about competition? |
What I love about competition is the feeling of accomplishment.
|
| Favorite way to relax? |
My favorite way to relax is to fire up the BBQ and having a great Sunday dinner.
|
| Advice for the youth athletes in karate? |
My advice that I would give to the youth of karate is be a great mentor.
|
| Where do you get your inspiration from? |
I get my inspiration from people who persevere and beat all odds.
|
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