The most celebrated karate athlete in history, Rafael Agajev, spent the weekend in Bar, where he imparted his karate knowledge to youngsters from Montenegro and the surrounding areas.

In an exclusive interview with Meridiansport, he discussed various topics, including his illustrious career, successes, the essence of karate, and insights into Montenegro.

“If I were to summarize what karate means to me, I would say it is my life. I began my journey at the age of six, drawn to this ancient art. Since then, everything, including karate itself, has evolved. I can confidently assert that my name has contributed to a 50 percent increase in karate’s popularity over the years. Karate is a beautiful sport, yet it hasn’t received the recognition it truly deserves. Wherever I compete, I find myself performing before enthusiastic crowds that appreciate karate. I believe that alone speaks volumes about the sport,” Agajev remarked.

With an impressive tally of six world championship titles and 11 European championship titles, Agajev has established himself as an unparalleled icon in the dojo.

Nonetheless…

“I don’t view all my medals as mere accomplishments. The past few years have been challenging, and I’ve learned first-hand what it means to wear a gold medal. The more medals I earned, the more pain I felt,” he reflected.

Karate made its Olympic debut in 2020 in Tokyo, where Agajev secured a silver medal.

However, the sport has been removed from the Olympic agenda.

“I fought through 107 matches to reach the Olympics; it’s a long journey, and many are unaware of the story behind that silver medal. I’m hesitant to dive deeper into it, but what few know is that the medal, which still shines brightly, carries my regrets. I aspired for gold, that’s a fact, but if all our desires were to manifest, life would lose its significance,” Agajev expressed, revealing a fight he’d wish to relive if given the chance:

“I wouldn’t want to redo a fight I won, regardless of how exhilarating that might be. I understand that time travel isn’t feasible, but if I had the opportunity, I’d revisit the Olympic medal final. Half the world remains oblivious to the unseen truths of that competition, and I would love the chance to rethink my trust in certain individuals back then. Significant stakes were involved, and it’s fair to say I was the issue – I placed my trust, and that was it.”

His seminars have seen attendance from thousands of karate enthusiasts globally.

The Bar Karate Club succeeded in turning their dream into reality by inviting Agajev to “Topolica”.

The Azerbaijani champion expressed his enjoyment of the experience.

“I truly appreciate Montenegro, and this is my second visit here; I previously visited Tivat. I was pleasantly surprised when young athletes recognized me in the streets. Bar is also beautiful; I made many new friends and I admire the lifestyle here, which is quite similar to Azerbaijan. Regarding the fighters, I’m impressed with how everyone looks, knowing they didn’t all come from Montenegro. I conveyed to them that the most vital aspect is the energy we share, and if they reciprocate the energy I project, everything will align. I would love to be invited back here, and I’m hopeful for that opportunity.”

He also shared his thoughts on whether he believes any of his students have the potential to become champions.

“Certainly, but it’s crucial for all of them to understand one thing. When I see one of them, I may instinctively know they could achieve greatness in this sport, but they don’t need to be aware of that. Their parents and coaches must guide them appropriately. Some win championships, and their ego inflates, which can be detrimental. If that occurs, all is lost. They must commit to diligent training, consistently push their limits, and the outcomes will follow. Athletes should remain humble and continue their training even after securing a major title, as they have invested years to earn it; that title must serve them well in the future.”

Throughout his karate journey, he has received numerous pieces of advice, but only two have remained significant for him.

“Many people offer me guidance, thinking they understand the sport. Throughout my life, I have primarily heeded the advice of my parents. While others may attempt to steer you according to their preferences, family will never mislead you. My father once shared a saying from our culture regarding unsolicited advice: ‘hang it on your ear like an earring.’ He emphasized that this perspective is essential for athletes. Additionally, regardless of how many titles you accumulate, you ultimately shoulder your own burdens. Winning one title may be simple, but with each additional one, the weight increases significantly; I’ve experienced that personally,” Agajev elaborated. He then shared the main advice he imparts to his students:

“I consistently tell everyone the same thing. Always listen to your parents, without exception, as they know you best. In my youth, I didn’t take this to heart, but life is fleeting, and eventually, you lose those who matter most. It’s crucial to recognize that. In terms of sports, my primary technique is – right place at the right time. Therefore, I teach them that if they coordinate well and act quickly, they will succeed.”

Agajev acknowledged how much he has evolved since beginning his karate journey and shared his future aspirations.

“Initially, I loved fighting for personal glory; now, my passion lies in teaching this incredible sport to young people. I have many plans for Azerbaijan and the world, but I need time to consider everything – timing is key.”

When asked how he would explain karate to someone unfamiliar with the sport, he quipped:

“I would suggest they search for my name online; everything will become clear,” Agajev joked, before revealing who he would like to challenge to test his skills on the tatami:

“It’s hard for me to envision challenging anyone else because I can’t imagine anyone surpassing my abilities, nor can I compete with myself. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I would prefer to take on the best, which I believe is me; people and results support that claim. I recognize that it’s possible someone might one day win six world medals, but for now, no one possesses the same passion for this beautiful sport that I do.”

Even as the pinnacle of his sport, there’s one vital ritual he never overlooks…

“Before every match, I speak to God. I’m aware of my strength and capabilities, yet I am never alone; I consistently ask the same thing from God. Everyone has different pre-match rituals, but the struggles of each match weigh heavily on me; all fights carry a sense of pain, whether victorious or not. It’s all a divine gift; the outcome is secondary, and I remain grateful for everything,” he noted.

Rafael Agajev dedicated two days to a seminar in Bar, and at 40 years of age, he continues to enchant martial arts enthusiasts around the globe with his flawless techniques, both as a competitor and as a mentor eager to impart his knowledge to aspiring karatekas.

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