In this episode of the World Karate Cast, we sit down with Amy Connell, a Scottish Female Kumite -55kg athlete and Head Instructor of Guardian Girls Karate.

Amy has won multiple medals throughout her career and represented Scotland on the international stage. She shares her journey in competitive Karate, the mindset and discipline required at the highest level, and the lessons she learned along the way.

We also dive into the mission behind Guardian Girls Karate — a programme dedicated to empowering girls and women from all backgrounds through confidence-building, awareness, resilience, and practical self-defence skills. The conversation highlights how Karate goes beyond medals, serving as a powerful tool for leadership, social impact, and positive change worldwide.

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Another big first for the Kaizen Culture Pod! We have our first OLYMPIAN karateka featured as a guest, Sakura Kokumai from the United States of America!

Yes, this show focuses on the Australian karate landscape, but guess what… Sakura is coming to Melbourne in April for a kata seminar and it was only right to get her on to chat about her life and journey through the sport!

To find out more about Sakura’s seminar, please follow this link (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4GC41gQ47uX_4WQ1pk8nKCtqTKYjif-Y-eInchuXjIn3hvQ/viewform) with the main contact being Larry Cafiero ([email protected])

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

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Episode 11 of World Karate Cast features Rodrigo Rojas of Chile, a consistent presence in elite international karate since 2013. He recently secured his second Karate One Premier League gold medal in Istanbul, marking a remarkable achievement nearly ten years after his first Premier League victory in Fortaleza, Brazil.

A four-time Continental Champion, Rodrigo discusses the evolution of his career, the discipline behind sustained success, and the pride of representing a nation that strongly supports its athletes. This episode highlights commitment, resilience, and the journey of remaining at the highest level of world karate.

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

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NEW RULE CHANGES! We have 10 new rules to talk about in 2026, and who better to help us dissect and interpret them than one of Australia’s most distinguished referees, Dominic Sculli! We are proud to welcome our first referee guest onto the Kaizen Culture Pod, Dom’s passion for the martial art and sport is something to be celebrated! We go through the pathway of becoming a WKF referee, what it is like at the top of the sport on that side of the tatami, and most importantly; what do these new rules mean for us in 2026

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

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In this episode of World Karate Cast, three-time Grand Winner and two-time World Champion Abdalla Abdelaziz reflects on his performance at the opening event of the 2026 Karate One Premier League in Istanbul. He speaks in depth about how he felt during each bout, the strategic decisions he made on the tatami, and the adjustments required at the highest level of competition. Abdalla also shares valuable advice for athletes, offering insight into mindset, preparation, and finding the right approach to succeed across a demanding season.

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

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Happy New Year! Happy first episode of the Kaizen Culture Pod for 2026!
We are buckling up for a big year, and what a way to kick it off with welcoming on to the board and team at Kaizen Culture, Michelle Wilson, also known as, Mish! We sit down and chat about what this year lies ahead for us and the broader Australian Karate community. We also get an insight to what drives Mish to be so involved and passionate in not only karate, but Australian sport in general. Mish has a wealth of experience working with many sports and nurturing their infrastructure, currently sitting on 5 boards including being a significant influence within UniSport Australia.

This year is all about growing Kaizen Culture, we are so excited to jump into another year with you all, and can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store!

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

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World Karate Cast kicks off 2026 with Maria Torres 🇪🇸, back to back Grand Winner of 2024 - 2025. In this episode, Maria breaks down the work behind her success, how she is approaching the new season, and the mindset required to stay on top. She shares her goals for the Karate World Cup, the European Karate Championships, and the challenge of defending her Grand Winner title on the Karate One Premier League. Full of insight, ambition, and championship focus, this episode sets the tone for the 2026 season.

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

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In Episode 8 of the World Karate Cast, we sit down with Douglas Brose — the most recognised Brazilian athlete in the history of karate and a true legend of the sport.

Douglas opens up about his incredible career at the highest level, sharing the experiences, challenges, and mindset that shaped his journey to the top. Beyond competition, he offers valuable insight into the evolution of karate, the role of athletes today, and his work as a member of the WKF Athletes Commission.

🎙️ Whether you’re on the tatami or supporting from the stands, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.


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Official YouTube channel of the World Karate Federation

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In the very last episode of the Kaizen Culture Pod for 2025, sit down with Mitchell and Nathan as they go through what a massive year it has been for Australian Karate and Kaizen Culture!

We have seen so much growth and support, and couldn't have imagined it panning out the way it did! We are so proud, and so grateful of the support network - YOU GUYS! ❤️

Cheers to a great 2025 everyone, and let's bring on a bigger 2026!

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

[email protected]

Better yet... Sign up to our email list to be fully part of the community!
https://kaizenculture.org/

Have your say to what we discuss on the show! We would love to hear your thoughts! Send us your ideas/feedback to our email or DM us on socials!

[email protected]

Better yet... Sign up to our email list to be fully part of the community!
https://kaizenculture.org/