What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Svetoslav (or Sveto) and I am a first-year bachelor student of Biomedical sciences at the University of Maastricht. 

Since when are you a member of Kinran?

I became a member of Kinran in September 2019.

What motivated you to join Kinran?

From an early age on I have always been drawn to different kinds of martial arts and I have tried quite a few like judo, taekwondo and karate but, unfortunately, I have never really been able to stick to one for a long time. When I saw that there is karate at the university I decided to join, as I told myself that now, as I am probably going to stay here for a longer period of time, I can really try and dedicate myself to learn as much as I can.

What is Karate to you?

Karate for me is a way of getting rid of unnecessary negative emotions or daily stress, as well as a way of not only learning to defend myself but also learning important everyday life skills like being disciplined or having your mind control your body, not the other way around.

What is Kinran to you?

As I didn’t go to the introduction week of the University of Maastricht, the members of Kinran were the first ones which I really got to know and spent time with, and as I was expecting, following the main principles of Karate, they are all very supportive, respectful and always ready to help those in need. 

Would you consider continuing Karate (or martial arts) even after you finish your studies?

I would definitely consider continuing karate even after my studies, as one of the best characteristics that it has, or martial arts in general, is that you never stop learning. There is always room for improvement or learning something completely new, which I find really fascinating. 

Any other remarks?

I would just thank the board for all the work that they’ve done, as they have made these first five months of university a really enjoyable experience!