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He does karate since he was little. Over the years, his passion increased to become the leading figure in this discipline from the Peruvian team at Lima 2019. His name is Mariano Wong and competes in the kata category.
“This is a sport requiring a lot of discipline. It's a martial art that shapes you as a person and is a way of life,” Mariano said.
The closer the Pan American Games get, the more difficult the work is getting. Mariano gets up at 5:00. He trains twice a day, so he had to put aside his studies at the University of Lima to focus on the competition.
“You work hard on the physical, technical, and mental aspects of the game. Diet is also important, even though my category is not based on weight, but I have to make it in the best possible way,” the karate fighter emphasized.
Mariano takes his time to train to get ready for what is coming. He also remarks that “if you’ve been training well, you will give a good performance in kata, that’s why you should have a great spirit, energy, determination and, naturally, courage.”
His coach is the former karate fighter Akio Tamashiro. Mariano knows him since he started in this discipline, and that’s the reason why he trusts his advice. “Since I was a kid, I have a good relationship with him. We've been training for several months, and he is aware of my daily life. He knows what I may be thinking, and we work extremely hard in every training, but it helps me and forms my character,” Mariano added.
Kata
Karate has two disciplines: kumite and kata. Kumite is a fight between two contenders using protective equipment, and Mariano competes in kata. “It's not a dance. It's more like an imaginary fight in which you are visualizing your enemies, and there are attack and defense techniques. These movements are fast, explosive, and with a lot of power and strength. There are jumps too. Although there are some established techniques, each of us needs to apply them with the highest intensity,” he said.
Considering these details, what are the criteria for qualification? “Judges evaluate the techniques, how hard you hit, the emotions you express, the power you feel when punching. These are little details that make a difference,” Mariano stated.
“I compete individually against eight rivals but I focus on myself more because in kata I don´t need to see my rivals,” he added.
The medal stays at home
Mariano looks forward to competing. “I wouldn't say there are some days left, I think the Games are coming, like Christmas or your birthday, you wait for the day to come to enjoy it.”
This competition will take place in his hometown. And this very important for him. “My family will be there, and it will be nice to get support from my hometown. I'm always thinking about medals but I think more about the positive things than medals.”
Regarding the legacy, Mariano knows that "it marks a before and after in the sports’ history. A before because, although we had great support, we didn't have the infrastructure like the one we have now. And this is the legacy that these Games will leave, in addition to the achievements of all the athletes.”
Although the Games have not started yet, he wants to continue planning for his future. “Since I was little, my goal is to compete at Tokyo 2020 and not only to get there but to win, like earning a gold medal at a world championship. That’s my goal,” Mariano highlighted but also knowing that to reach the Olympics Games, he must be among the best.
The karate competitions will take place at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center. The discipline of Kata will be held on August 9. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through www.lima2019.pe/tickets or at all authorized points of sale around the city.
Mariano leaves this message to the ones who will cheer him on: “Bring all your positives vibes and cheer us on. These vibes may help us during the competition.”
