She’s 23 years old and already a karate practicioner in the absolute top of the world. Meet the Tunisian Wafa Mahjoub, one of Team Budo-Nord’s newest members.
Wafa gave Martial Art News an insight into what the North African karate scene looks like. What it’s like to be a top athlete and student at the same time. And how she will become the best in the world.
– My hometown is Bekalta, a small town in Monastir in central Tunisia. I have been practicing this sport since I was six years old. I started with the Tebolba Individual Games Club and in 2017 I joined the national team. Since 2019 my training has been with the national team, so I moved to the capital to live there and also to study. This month, I graduated as a physical education and sports teacher.
Being a world-class karate practitioner and studying on the side at the same time demands a lot. However, Wafa has been determined to get through it.
– It was a little difficult to study and train at the same time but what could I do. It was necessary and when you have an objective, you have to do anything to reach it. At the national training, we have to train nine sessions a week and sometimes I train three times a day. That was crazy and not easy at all but hard work always pays off. And I became the number one in the world ranking in the -61 kg category in April. Although it was not for a long time, it was an achievement. Now I’m number three but I’m still happy with myself and feel honored, she says and continues:
– The hard work continues, of course, to achieve more and more. Karate is my number one hobby but I also like to talk to my friends to share some moments or play some paper games. This year, the four Premier League events are over, so we don’t have any competitions left. But my goal is to improve and train hard for the next ones.
Karate is more than just a sport for Wafa. It is a very big part of her life. There are many karate practitioners in Tunisia but it has its challenges as the sport is not prioritized by the state.
– Karate is the only martial art I’ve practiced, and it captured my heart because it’s not just a sport but a lifestyle. It requires immense concentration and sacrifice and I feel incredibly free on the tatami when I practice it. For me, karate is both a job and a hobby, she says and adds:
– In Tunisia, karate is one of the most popular sports and anyone can practice it. It is the second most popular sport after football and many women practice it. However, I think that because it is not an Olympic sport, our country does not invest in it as much. My idol in this sport is Rafael Aghayev. Because becoming a five-time world champion is unbelievable. He is a legend.
Thanks to her coach’s effort, Wafa is now a valued member of the Team Budo-Nord.
– The coach of my club contacted the Budo-Nord team and they accepted me as a member. I am grateful to be part of such an amazing team. The equipment is excellent and lightweight and the team members are very kind to me.
Her successes on the mat have been many so far. Wafa’s goal is clear. She wants to reach the absolute top. She is determined that it will happen and she knows what she needs to do to.
– My biggest achievements in karate include the gold medal at the Premier League in Rabat 2023. The bronze at the Premier League in Paris 2024, second place at the African Games, two silvers at the African Championship, a silver at the Mediterranean Games and being ranked number one in the world in April. Currently, I am ranked number two in my category, she says and finishes:
– Like any karate athlete, my goal is to become a world champion and I believe it will happen soon. To reach my goal and become a world champion, there’s no way but through hard work. I believe in myself and in my ability to do it. I believe my strength lies in believing in myself and staying focused on my goal during the competition.
Read more about Wafa Mahjoub
Also read about how Joaquim Mendes made it to the top
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