Q&A to Christophe Pinna, WKF Karate European Champion, World Champion By Steven Heyl and Guillaume Morel. Photos by Bill Bly

Steven Heyl : When did you begin your martial arts training ?
Christophe Pinna : I began with Tae Kwon Do in 1975 in Nice, France. I was about 5 years old.

S.H : Who was your first instructor ?
C.P. : Claude JURCA.

S.H : What did you enjoy about your Tae Kwon Do training ?
C.P. : Training in Tae Kwon Do was more entertaining...more fun. There was less emphasis on specific techniques.

S.H : How long did you train in Tae Kwon Do ?
C.P. : I practiced Tae Kwon Do for about 13 years.

S.H : When did you change over to karate ?
C.P. : At 18...at the time TKD was not as popular as it is now. I was also a Junior National Karate Champion so I entered the "Bataillon de Joinville", a special unit in the Army. I stopped TKD training then. This unit is made up of world-class athletes from all the major sports. It is located near Paris, France. Instead of engaging in the classic "tour of duty", these athletes can train everyday in their respective sports for one year.

S.H : Who was/is your instructor ?
C.P. : I've been training alone since 1986. I consult with the National trainers/coaches but...no single instructor in the traditional sense.

S.H : When did you begin competing ?
C.P. : I fought in my first karate tournament in 1985. There were no TKD competitions for young people at the time so...I started on the karate circuit.

S.H : When did you qualify for the French National team ?
C.P. : In 1986, after winning the 1985 French National Championships.

Christophe Pinna, Steven Heyl, James Tawatao

Christophe Pinna training with Chris Sterian

Christophe Pinna attacking with a Ashi-Barai (footsweep) technique

S.H : At which competition did you first make a "big impression"?... where people noticed that you were someone to be watched ?
C.P. : I think it was the 1985 French Junior National Championships. I won my bouts using primarily my kicks.

S.H : Who has been your best opponent ?
C.P. : Wayne OTTO, England. The matches were always memorable. He is a very gifted athlete and fighter.

S.H : What was your most memorable competition so far ?
C.P. : the 1996 European Championships in Paris, France. I fought well in front of my countrymen.

S.H : How often do you train ?
C.P. : I train 6 days a week. An example of some of my training chedule would be: 10am-12am Physical training / muscular training. 2.30pm-3.30pm Video for mental conditioning, strategy. 3.30pm-5pm Karate training 7.30pm-9pm I teach Karate.

S.H : Tell us about the Winner uniform and equipment. How did this all get started ?
C.P. : I created a gi designed for kumite competition. All the other uniforms were too heavy... mostly in the legs. The Winner products are designed to allow the athlete the greatest range of movement...to allow them to perform their best.

S.H : What other interests do you have?
C.P. : I practise a lot of leisure activities : skiing, windsurfing, golf, etc. I love Theatre, reading and the cinema.

S.H : How much longer will you compete ?
C.P. : I'll stop the day when I wake up and I won't like training anymore. I hope I'll stop before somebody tells me.

S.H : What are your immediate goals in competition ?
C.P. : To win the World Championship (as an individual) in Munich.