Arafat Rahman’s Shinkyokushin Karate saga

A skinny 17-year-old with confidence issues and a history of bullying finds himself in a dojo, seeking change.

This isn't fiction, it's the story of Arafat Rahman, who transformed his life over the past eight years through Shinkyokushin karate.

His dedication led him to claim third place in the under-60 kg category at the 19th All Asia Full Contact Karate Championship.

In a conversation with Arafat Rahman and his mentor, Shihan Abdullah, The Business Standard gained insight into their world of dedication, discipline, and Shinkyokushin karate.
 
"Practicing Shinkyokushin karate, which differs from other forms, meant that height and weight played a crucial role. At 5'2", it was initially a struggle," Arafat shared about the early challenges of his journey. "I had to undergo extensive training, follow a strict diet, and push myself to reach this level."

Arafat also faced significant financial challenges. Maintaining the strict diet required for an athlete was demanding, and the specialised equipment needed for championship training wasn't available locally.

Importing these items and balancing their use, all while managing the responsibilities of being a full-time student added another layer of difficulty to his journey.

"It was difficult, but having a supportive team—and most importantly, Shihan recognizing my potential—motivated me to push this far," said the young champion. "I trained extensively for the last one month. Competing in another country against opponents built so differently was challenging, but it was all worth it."

Shihan Abdullah, who began practising karate in 1993 and now serves as the President of WKO Bangladesh (Shinkyokushin), explained, "Shinkyokushin is Budo karate, rooted in an ancient Japanese philosophy of discipline, respect, and self-improvement. If someone doesn't embrace these principles or strive for personal growth, they cannot continue in this form of karate. Arafat embodies all these qualities, which is why he has reached this level."

Bangladesh has now earned a spot on the map of the Full Contact Karate Championship.

This remarkable achievement belongs not only to Arafat and Shihan Abdullah but also to the aspiring fighters of the country who understand that karate is more than just 'self-defence'—it's a discipline capable of transforming lives.

"I want to tell aspiring students to learn from authentic dojos and qualified instructors, and to do their research. Only then will they be able to improve their skills and receive proper guidance, not just in training but also in life—guidance that I've received from my Shihan," Arafat said.

"Arafat's win feels like my own because despite going to tournaments abroad, I did not win any championship. As part of the first batch of Kyokushin, there was no one to look up to for inspiration, and opportunities were limited. But I always wanted my students to achieve what I couldn't, and I'm incredibly pleased to see this happening," added the proud mentor.

After the All Asia Tournament, Arafat now sets his sights on the World Tournament. This victory has given him the confidence boost he needs to aim for even greater goals.

"I hope the government and sports federations will recognize our victory and provide visa support and sponsorship. The journey was not easy, and we could certainly use more support in the future to bring more trophies to Bangladesh. We have the potential to go further, but the barriers need to be removed. A little support can make a big difference," pointed out Shihan Abdullah.

The partnership between Arafat Rahman and Shihan Abdullah exemplifies how having a supportive mentor in life can bring about positive change and lead you to places you never imagined.

"We hope more parents understand that karate is more than just 'fighting.' It's about self-discovery, developing a strong mindset even in the toughest times, working on your weaknesses, and maximizing your strengths. We encourage them to support young people in joining Shinkyokushin karate," the duo concluded.