BEHIND THE SCENE 🎬
Karim Chebbi WKN coordinator for Tunisia 🇹🇳
🖊️ Interview by WKN World office
– Mr Karim Chebbi, what is your background in combat sports?
My journey in combat sports is both rich and diverse. I started with boxing, being part of the Tunisian junior team in 1987-1988. In 1985, I began practicing savate under the tutelage of Claude Geunard, an experience which laid the foundations for my commitment to this sport. In the 90s, I broadened my horizons by embracing kickboxing and participating in several national and international competitions.
I played an important role in the management and development of these sports in Tunisia. From 1990 to 2004, I was the representative of FISAV, the international savate federation. I have organized several major foot-to-fist boxing events, the most notable of which is the Savate Pro World Championship in 2019. The latter event was a great success, crowning Issam Barhoumi and Molka Ayadi as world champions.
I also had the opportunity to coach the Tunisian national teams (2000-2004) as well as the Canadian team between 2004 and 2006. My work as a coach was successful, contributing to the emergence of several champions. Among them, Issam Barhoumi, who became a multiple world champion, as well as Bilel Guizani, Belarbi Belhasse, Elyess Jlassi, Wided Younis, Ahlem Grisette and Rebecca Murray, to name just a few. And on this level I must also admit that the technical survey was carried out with flying colors by Ridah Helali, the current technical manager in Tunisia.
In summary, my journey in combat sports is marked by a deep passion for these disciplines, active participation in their development and a significant contribution to the training of world-class champions.
– Why did you choose the WKN?
My decision to partner with the World Kickboxing Network (WKN) is based on several key reasons, which reflect both my personal values and my professional goals in the world of combat sports.
The WKN is recognized worldwide for its professionalism and commitment to excellence in kickboxing and mixed martial arts. It has a strong reputation for the quality of its events and for the way it promotes athletes and the sport itself which aligns with my values of excellence and integrity.
The WKN provides an exceptional international platform fostering a healthy competitive spirit and global recognition. This coincides with my goal of promoting combat sports on an international stage. Finally, being coordinator of the WKN allows me to contribute to the evolution of kickboxing and combat sports in general, by sharing my expertise and it is an opportunity for me to leave my mark in disciplines that fascinate me so much.
– Tunisia is a country which has had great WKN champions in the past as Momo Dridi (RIP), Mohamed Galaoui ,Hakim Ketaieb & others like Imed Mathlouti from other federations.. what do you think of the new generation and the WKN world title contender ?
I am impressed by the new generation of boxers emerging in Tunisia. They have extraordinary potential, which is extremely promising for the future of this sport. Athletes like Fatma Ayadi, Moslem Ben Amor, and Badis Helali, among many others, embody not only refined technique and unwavering determination.
As for the world champion contender, Ramzi Nouainia, I am particularly optimistic. Ramzi shows all the qualities of a future champion: a hard work ethic, impeccable technique, and an ability to adapt and learn from each fight. I have great confidence in its ability to dominate its category in the years to come.
– Have you had help from the Tunisian authorities and how is the preparation of your organization going?
The preparation for this event is going well and I must recognize that without the support of the Tunisian kickboxing federation this event will not be able to take place, I would like to thank the entire team of the federation and at their head the president Mr Taher Herzi, and the other members directly involved in particular Hafidh Belhaj Said, the technical director Ridah Ameur and the national coach Bilel Kamoun. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to my friend Ridha Helali, who worked like hell to help me clear all the obstacles and who is doing an exceptional job to ensure the success of this event.
Logistically, I am disappointed to see that most of the partners we had at the start have withdrawn and it is a shame for the sport. However, I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire management of the Royal Thalassa Monastir, which will accommodate the athletes and trainers during this event. By choosing the Royal Thalassa Monastir, we placed emphasis on the excellence of the service and the superior quality of its facilities, essential criteria for the comfort and performance of our participants. We are particularly excited about the facilities at the fitness center ‘L’USINE’. With its cutting-edge equipment and its environment conducive to physical preparation.
– Are you planning other events?
After this event we hope to organize other events in Tunisia, but why not in Africa and Canada
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