Back to the roots – Senpai Fedor Smirnov on discipline, setbacks, and his return to Kyokushin Karate
In Kyokushin Karate geht es nicht nur um Tritte, Schläge und Ausdauer. Es geht um den inneren Weg – den Kampf gegen den eigenen Schweinehund, gegen Zweifel und Stillstand.
Someone who has known this path since childhood and is now making a fresh start at Shinzen Dojo Berlin is Senpai Fedor Smirnov (1st Dan). We spoke with him about his beginnings in Russia, formative moments, breaks — and his fresh start.
1. Senpai Fedor, please tell us: When and where did you start with Kyokushin Karate?
I discovered Kyokushin Karate in September 2001 – in Russia, in the city of Tyumen.
2. How old were you back then when you had your first Kyokushin training session?
I was still a child back then, 9 years old.
3. You started with Kyokushin in Russia – how would you describe Kyokushin Karate there? What was special?
When I think back to the beginnings, I would describe Kyokushin Karate in Russia in two words: strict discipline.
As a child, I had ideas from films with Van Damme or Bruce Lee – I thought karate was a big adventure. But Kyokushin was something different: hard training, strict rules, and a lot of self-discipline.
I especially remember countless technical exercises and intense physical sessions. Kata was also taken very seriously – the trainer went from student to student, checking every stance. If someone wasn't standing deep enough – the whole group did push-ups. It was almost like in the army!
4. Is there a moment or an experience in Kyokushin that has particularly stuck in your memory?
Yes, absolutely. That was in 2008. I had previously taken a break of several years – I thought at the time that I had had enough of karate and preferred to play football.
But after two years of football, I realised: you are always dependent on others there. However, I wanted to achieve my goals independently – and so I returned to karate.
I came back to the dojo in February/March, and by April the Ural Regional Championships were already coming up – in two disciplines: Kobudo (Kumite with Nunchaku) and Kata. I took first place in both disciplines.
It was the first time I had won anything in a Kyokushin tournament. Today I know: before that, I hadn't understood why I was training at all – and without an inner goal, there is no real success.
5. What motivated you to start actively with Kyokushin Karate again now?
As long as I lived in Russia, I trained regularly. But in 2022, I moved to Germany and needed time to settle in first.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a Kyokushin dojo in Potsdam – so I started looking in Berlin. That's how I found the Shinzen Dojo Berlin – and I knew immediately: this is the right place.
What motivates me?
As a man, it is important to me to stay fit – and to be able to protect my family and friends. Unfortunately, the world is not always peaceful, and Kyokushin helps me to remain strong internally and physically.
6. Many Karateka experience phases of breaks or doubt – what can you give them to keep them from giving up?
Breaks are part of it – that is completely normal. Sometimes you lose motivation. Then it is important to question: why?
If you need a break, take it consciously. I am convinced: before the highest jump, you must reach the lowest point to be able to push yourself off.
7. Do you have any final words or a message for all members and readers of the Shinzen Dojo Berlin blog?
The most important thing is: stay honest with yourself and grow from your challenges. Anyone who wants to make progress in Kyokushin must first analyse themselves – recognise their weaknesses and work on them. This is the only way to 'fine-tune' oneself. And always remember: one completed training session is a step forward – one missed training session is two steps back. Train with dedication, and you will achieve everything you set out to do. - Senpai Fedor
Senpai Fedor's path shows us: Kyokushin Karate does not end after childhood, a break, or a move. The spirit that Sosai Oyama once taught lives on in each of us – if we have the courage to start anew.
Welcome back on the path, Senpai Fedor!
Osu!
