In an exclusive interview session, Sports247.ng top Sports Journalist, Ubong Bassey focuses on the Sport of Karate as he quizzes karateka, Rustum Francis Bernard.
Ubong Bassey – Good day, thank you for creating time from your busy schedule for this question and answer session, can we get to know you?
Rustum Bernard – My name is Rustum Francis Bernard. I hail from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. I am into the sport of Karate, I am a karateka currently representing Cross River State.
Ubong Bassey – What made you to venture into this sport of Karate?
Rustum Bernard – I started Karate in 2002 when I was a boy. I loved watching action movies and fight videos on karate. My friend in my neighbourhood suggested to me that there is a karate training class going on in Airport field for days. I told my dad that I would love to join the karate training for the purpose of self defence, he approved.
Ubong Bassey – Who motivated you to participate in Karate full time?
Rustum Bernard – It was my karate coach, Sensei Edet Akan who at a time said he will be attending a tournament and I was like WOW!! (smiles)
Ubong Bassey – What is your ranking in the Sport of Karate?
Rustum Bernard – In Karate, I am number one (1st) in Nigeria, number six (6th) in Africa and number sixty-one (61st) in the world.
Ubong Bassey – How has the journey being for you from when you started up till now?
Rustum Bernard – Personally, It has not being easy training without good facility, Dojo(Gymnasium), no training equipment but I manage myself to still train.
Ubong Bassey – Do you participate in any karate tournament to improve yourself?
Rustum Bernard – Yes, at a time I visited one of Nigeria’s World recognised karate official, Shihan Segun Abode in Port Harcourt to train with some coaches in particular legendary fighter, Efezino.
Ubong Bassey – In your karate career, do you have any tough opponent (karateka) you have ever faced?
Rustum Bernard – In Nigeria, no one is my tough opponent but Ali Elsawy from Egypt in the -67kg weight class. I faced him in the 2020 African Championship in Tangier, Morocco.
Ubong Bassey – Can you mention the weight classes in Karate and in what weight class are you in?
Rustum Bernard – In Karate, we have the – 60kg weight class, – 67kg weight class, – 75kg weight class, – 84kg weight class and +84kg weight class.
I started in the – 70kg weight class back then before I advanced to fight in the – 67kg weight class, – 75 kg weight class and in – 84kg weight class (middle heavyweight). I have been a champion in all these weight classes.
Ubong Bassey – How well do you handle the pressure being a champion as a karateka?
Rustum Bernard – (laughs aloud)… It is not easy being a champion because all eyes will be on you. But I keep a cool head and train more.
Ubong Bassey – Who is your mentor you look up to in Karate?
Rustum Bernard – Rafael Aghayev from Azerbaijan. He is a 5 times world champion.
Ubong Bassey – Do you have any career losses in Karate?
Rustum Bernard – Yes, in the 2010 West African Championship in Niamey, Niger, I lost.
I lost in two bronze medal fight at different tournaments which are the 2011 All African Games in Mozambique and 2019 African Championship in Botswana. In 2019 African Championship in Morrocco, I was defeated.
Ubong Bassey – With the COVID-19 pandemic halting Sports Worldwide , how does it affect your Karate programme?
Rustum Bernard – I have been training personally at my home to physically condition my body. I am representing Team Cross River State in Karate at the National Sports Festival (Edo 2020). If the National Sports Festivals is to kick off now, I will still perform well but dealing with my body weight is an issue.
Ubong Bassey – Any future plans after you retire from Karate?
Rustum Bernard – I like making money, I’ll want to be an administrator in karate and also do my private business.
Ubong Bassey – In your final words, what is your message to your many fans and Youths out there who look up to you for mentorship in the sport of Karate?
Rustum Bernard – My advice to every youth out there is that in Karate, it is not easy but if you want to make it, you have to push harder and your wide will have to be big.
The world will beat you down and keep you there permanently of you let it. Do not despise you small beginning, keep on pushing and God will see you through.
Ubong Bassey – It is a pleasure to have this interactive session with you, Karateka Rustum Francis Bernard.
Rustum Bernard – Thank you, Sir.
