With Karate’s Olympic Future Uncertain, Sakura Kokumai Eyes Strong Showing At Pan Am Games
Kokumai, a 2020 Olympian, will go from the world championships in Hungary right to Chile for the Pan Am Games.
Athlete Bio#
Height
5'7"
Age
37
Hometown
Queens, NY
Education
Bronx HS of Science Long Island University (B.S. 2013), Queens College (M.S. 2015), West Texas A&M University (M.B.A. 2016)
Personal
I started karate because I I loved Dragon Ball Z and wanted to be just like Goku. So what better way to be like Goku than learn Karaté. In all actuality I was a very overweight kid and my mom probably only obliged to get me fit....Leaving a positive impact on those I impact in my Karaté journey, both my personal students and the younger athletes who I can hopefully inspire to be themselves, not be confined or restricted by “the box” and conventional thinking, to be willing to outwork others, and most importantly to never give up....Three things people may not know about me: I'm a savvy shopper and love finding deals. I was born on my grandmother's 50th birthday. Lastly, my middle name is John...."Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise." - Kobe BryantCareer Highlights
- 5x USA National Champion
- 2x Pan American Bronze Medalist
- Jr PKF Gold Medalist
- 3x North American Champion
- 2x US Open Silver Medalist, 5x Bronze Medalist
- Wasquehal Open Bronze Medalist
- Pan American Championships Silver Medalist (2012)
World Championship Experience
- Most recent: 2023 – 21th (-67kg Kumite - Men)
- Years of participation: -67kg Kumite - Men 2012, 2016, 2021, 2023; Team Kumite - Men 2010, 2016, 2021; -60kg Kumite - Men 2008
- Medals: 1 (1 bronze)
- Bronze – 2012 (-67kg Kumite - Men)
