For everyone who had the chance to live through karate’s golden era, Christophe Pinna is a well-known and respected figure. The French champion brought four world titles to France and later served as a coach of the French national team.

It was also under his leadership that the Athletes Commission of the World Karate Federation took shape. Many believe that Pinna’s strong sporting character and firm ethical principles were precisely why he was entrusted with that responsibility. Throughout his career, he has been known as an athlete guided by integrity.

Pinna is well aware of the deep structural problems within karate. For this reason, he has always tried to bring together a sport that has become fragmented.

For many of us who know him, it is clear that if he had chosen to accommodate the corrupt power structures within karate, he could easily have occupied influential positions on the international stage today. Instead, Pinna chose a different path. He preferred to remain true to himself and stay close to athletes. He stepped away from the structures of power and remained what he has always been: Christophe Pinna.

For me personally, Christophe Pinna is a true champion. His life has seen many ups and downs since his teenage years, and he has always fought to build a better life. Even today, he approaches life with the same determination, striving to make the most of every moment.

This is my second interview with him, and once again I present our conversation in a question-and-answer format.

Christophe, thank you for speaking with me again.

In recent years the French Karate Federation has often appeared in the headlines for governance issues rather than sporting success. How did you experience that situation?

I left the federation more than six years ago because I did not agree with what was happening. At that time, there were many situations that did not reflect the values that karate represents to me. Some people suggested that if I wanted to change things, I should do it from inside the system. But that was not my role. Not renewing my license was simply my way of saying that I did not want to support that environment.

Was that a difficult step for you personally?

Yes, it was not easy. Karate has been part of my life since childhood. Leaving the federation felt like separating from something that had shaped a large part of my identity. In a way, I felt like I had become an orphan from a big part of my life.

Before the recent presidential election you openly supported Gilles Cherdieu. What convinced you to take that position?

Gilles and I share a long history. We were rivals on the tatami and also teammates in the French national team. Together we won three world team titles in 1994, 1996 and 1998. What has always impressed me about him is his calmness and his ability to analyze complex situations. That is exactly what the federation needed; calm, clarity and stability.

Did you see your support as a political gesture?

Not at all. I spoke as a karate practitioner and as someone who loves this sport. I simply said that if real change took place, I would take my license again in France. My goal was to come back and share my experience with the next generation. Karate deserves that. It should be one big family.

After Cherdieu’s election, you decided to return.

Yes, I kept my word and renewed my license. From September I will work as a federal expert for sport karate and competition. My role will be to share my experience from the highest level of international competition. I will also serve as an international delegate, helping maintain connections between French karate and the global karate community.

Will you have any role in the political structure of the federation?

No. I do not hold and will not hold any political or decision-making position. My role is focused on expertise and representation.

You have also been active internationally. How do you view the situation of karate at the global level today?

Karate needs unity and mutual respect. I was the first president of the Athletes Commission within the World Karate Federation. At that time my objective was to bring together the different components of world karate. Unfortunately that vision was not widely shared, and I still believe that was a mistake. I eventually chose to resign. The errors of the past should not damage the future of our sport.

What kind of unity do you believe karate needs?

There must obviously be an official federation that represents the sport before institutions. But other federations should not be treated as dissident groups. They should be considered partners. Diversity within karate can be a strength if it is respected. Every athlete should have the opportunity to compete without discrimination, regardless of the federation they belong to.

Do you intend to promote that dialogue internationally?

Yes. In the coming months I would like to meet leaders of different federations around the world to open discussions and build bridges. Each federation can continue to exist with its own identity, but cooperation should replace rivalry.

After so many years in karate, what drives you today?

In recent years I have given seminars in many countries. When I see someone wearing a gi, I do not think about which federation they belong to. I simply see a karate practitioner like myself. When I was a child, my dream was to become world champion. Twenty-five years later that dream became reality. Today my dream is different. I want to see a united and fraternal karate that respects its differences. Above all, I remain someone who is deeply and passionately in love with karate.