This interview was conducted October 15, 2000 at the 15th WKF Championships - Munich, Germany and original published in American Samurai magazine.

American Samurai (AS):
Congratulations on defending your World Championship title, and thank you for taking the time to meet with us this afternoon.

Atsuko Wakai (AW):
You're welcome.

AW:
You're welcome.

AS:
When did you begin karate, and why did you decide to study this art?

AW:
When I was very young, about 4 years old, I was in a terrible car accident. I was in the hospital for a long time, about four months, with a serious head injury.
The injury affected my nervous system, and I couldn't move my body. My recovery was very slow. After I was released from the hospital, my parents enrolled me in a karate dojo to help me regain my strength and coordination

AS:
What were your classes like? Were boys and girls in classes together or were they in separate classes?

AW:
Boys and girls had classes together.

AS:
Did you do other sports in school

AW:
No... I only did karate. It was something I really enjoyed.

AS:
What made you begin competition?

AW:
In the beginning, it was just something that everyone was doing. We would train and then compete in various events. I never won anything, though.

AS:
What made you continue to compete?

AW:
At first, I competed because everyone else was... but... when I did not do so well... I continued because I wanted to win at least once. After that... it just became something that I enjoyed.

AS:
In the United States, many karateka focus on either kata or kumite for competition. Did you have the same experience?

AW:
No, actually, early in my competitive career, I did both kumite and kata. In fact, I did kumite more.

AS:
When did you decide to focus more on kata?

AW:
I can't remember which All Japan tournament it was but... I took third place in kata. It was the best I had done at that level. After that... I concentrated more on kata.

AS:
We heard, at one time, you seriously considered retiring. What's the story behind this?

AW:
Several years ago, there was a period when I seemed to have reached my peak. No matter what I did, I couldn't break into the top two. It was a very frustrating time, and I seriously considered retiring. Then, a good friend and fellow Japanese Team member, Shinichi Hasegawa, told me I couldn't quit. He thought I was very close to taking my skills to the next level, getting past the plateau. In order to do that, I had to recommit myself to my training and my goals. It was shortly after than when I won the All Japan Championships and a number of subsequent tournaments.

AS:
Now that you've successfully defended your title and won your second consecutive World Kata Championship, what are your plans and future goals?

AW:
I still have a few tournaments left this year, the All Japan Championships in December and one or two others. After that we'll see. I'm not ruling out the World Championships in 2002!

AS:
How often do you train?

AW:
I'm very lucky. The construction company I work for, Ichikawa Komuten, has been very supportive of my training and competition schedule. They have a company karate club and allow me to teach. A few of the club members (Akiko Takasaki & Midori Nishgaki) are here in Munich to support the Japanese team.

AS:
Several of your students at the Ichikawa Komuten club have done quite well in competition and are ranked in Japan. Didn't a few of them go to America with you earlier this year?

AW:
Yes... we were fortunate enough to do well. Three of my students (Akiko Takasaki, Kiyomi Yabuta and Yuko Nagao) joined me on my last trip to the United States and competed. We all enjoyed our visit and hope to return there in the coming year

AS:
Do you use any traditional training methods or equipment?

AW:
I use the sashi to train

AS:
How do you prepare for kata?

AW:
I prefer to understand the meaning behind the kata and the techniques being done. My intent is to know the kata so well that it becomes a part of me. The timing, focus, speed and power throughout the kata have to be ingrained, that's how consistency is developed. Then, I just do what I've practiced to the best of my ability at each competition.

AS:
Who do you look up to or admire?

AW:
Suzuko (Okamura) Hamazaki is someone I really admire! She was the first Women's World Kata Champion in 1980. The first time I saw her, I wanted to be just like her.

AS:
What words of advice do you have for children and teenagers who want to become world champions?

AW:
Listen to your sensei and follow their instructions. Develop strong consistent basics. Stay focused on your goals. Believe in yourself, even when you get frustrated or disappointed. Most of all, you have to really enjoy karate, deep down. That will get you through the rough times

AS:
Do you have any long range goals you would like to share with our readers?

AW:
When I retire from competition, I plan to work with children as a coach. I really enjoy working with children. I think I can share some things that will help them improve their karate and have fun in the process.

AS:
Thank you very much for this interview and the best of luck in your upcoming competitions

AW:
You're very welcome.

Editor's note:  Plans are being made for Atsuko Wakai to return to the U.S. for a visit in early 2001.  Further details can be found in future issues of American Samurai or by visiting this this webpage.