From Uruguay, Master Carlos Gutierrez, 5th Dan, has left an indelible mark on the world of Taekwon-Do. With two world titles in sparring and power breaking, and three-time South American champion, his coaching career has been marked by challenges he has overcome with dedication and passion.
Master Gutierrez opens the doors to his coaching experience, sharing his knowledge and key approaches for optimal performance of competitors in international tournaments.
Challenges of the Coaching Role
“The role of a coach has brought me great satisfactions but also sadness. The loss of a student feels like my own, but the joy of seeing them succeed is incomparable. I remember with great emotion when one of my students became a world champion. The knowledge from my sports experience has given me a vision that helps me handle those moments with ease, although nerves are always present. One must learn to see the problem both in a fight and in a form to solve it in the moment, and that is achieved with experience and dedication.”
Physical Preparation for Success
“Physical preparation must go hand in hand with ambition and a winning spirit. Training 3 times a week for internal championships, 4 for Pan American and South American, and 5 days a week for world championships, from 2 to 3 hours daily, is crucial. Air is key in a world championship, where the pressure is high. We focus a lot on explosive movements and reflexes. Also, internal competition in training, like seeing who completes certain activities in less time, increases competitiveness and yields spectacular results.”
Psychological Preparation
“At Instituto Koryo, we intensely work on the psychological aspect. From day one, I seek to enhance the winning mentality of my students. I show them that they can achieve more than they think, always aiming to surpass their limits. It’s a constant team effort between instructor and student for the best physical and mental performance.”
Adaptability and Flexibility in Training Strategy
“We don’t talk so much about strategy, but about preparation for any situation. We train with different types of partners, light and heavy, to adapt to any fighting style that arises. An all-terrain approach, with agility in techniques, attacks, and reactions, is key to winning all fights.”
The Future of ITF Taekwon-Do
“Taekwon-Do has come a long way since I started, both aesthetically and technically. Internationally, world championships are well organized, but we could improve accuracy in schedules and a bit more visual aesthetics. It’s essential to care for the image we project, from lighting to prizes for competitors.”
Expectations and Objectives for 2024
“This year, we have a calendar full of challenges, from national championships to the triple border championship in Brazil and the Panamerican in Venezuela. We also have technical classes and exams scheduled for our team. We are ready to face whatever comes our way.”