Combat Sports STARS
The Eagle That Flies in Karate – The story of 13 year old Agan Idrizi!
On an ordinary day, when most people barely have the energy to eat breakfast, Agan Idrizi was getting ready to go on a journey that was not so ordinary. It all started one day during the morning, when his father, Ilir Idrizi – a karate player with 12 years of experience – gave him an idea that would change his life: “Try karate.”
At first, Agan felt shy, a little stiff, but those feelings passed… and the sport that was once just a suggestion, turned into love. Agan reminds you that failures are part of the game. “In the Balkans last year, I was very close to 3rd place… but I lost in the final. I came in 5th place. “I wasn’t that happy,” he says honestly. But even when he’s stressed, which he admits he feels often, Agan doesn’t let it stop him. He says, “I always know that I have to be the best at karate.”
The strongest opponent for him? A fighter from Kosovo who took first place in the same competitions. But, it’s not just the losses that remain in the memory. And not every moment is a loss, the year 2022 is sacred for him! Why? Because he was declared the state champion, and this moment is unforgettable. A moment he will never forget.
For him, karate is much more than a sport. “I think karate is also a way of life,” says Agan. It helps you to be more clear headed, healthier, calmer. And above all, it teaches you technique and patience, where patience, according to him, is the most important part.
The reactions he gets are varied, sometimes surprising, sometimes not, but he doesn’t give up. He has a phrase he repeats often: “Always be the best, no matter who I come out to.”
His nickname is “THE EAGLE”, and for a good reason, because just like her, Agan flies boldly towards the peaks. As for inspiration? Who else but his father, Ilir Idrizi, “The man who started this path, and who is proud of it today.” The karate player he loves Is Rafael Agayev, and when asked what he would like… he simply says: “I would like to replace him!” With the tactics that Rafael has, and the dreams that Agan has, this desire doesn’t seem that far away. If he were ever a character in Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan movie, Agan would play a quiet guy who achieves a lot.
And what would he say to himself on the first day of training? “To never give up on this journey I have chosen”. He believes that karate is different from other sports because it is educational and respectful. And yes, karate has changed him a lot. Today, when people ask him what sport he does, he proudly replies: “I’m a karateka.” He sees it not only as a passion, but also as a future: “ Even if I don’t get to compete, I want to be a successful coach.”
And for all those who are in a dilemma about what to do in life, THE EAGLE has a message: “Follow a sport you love and never give up on your dreams!”
Iliri Pady the Baddy- The 14 Year Old Kickboxer Who Doesn’t Know The Meaning of Giving Up!
If you thought 14 year olds just sit around glued to their phones all day, think again. Meet Ilir Selmani, a high energy kid who decided to channel the hyperactivity… straight into the punching bag! In short: better to throw focused punches than have outbursts in class!
“I’m Ilir Selmani, a 14-year-old who started kickboxing because I watched a lot of UFC and was a very active kid,” says Ilir. And for those wondering how he discovered his talent – the answer is simple: by trying to imitate the champions on screen. We’re not sure if his parents were proud or terrified the first time they saw him do a spin kick down the hallway!
But, don’t think it’s all been smooth sailing. “The hardest part is when you step into the ring for the first time. You can’t be scared, and you need a lot of adrenaline.” Still, Ilir is crystal clear: giving up is not an option. Even so, he admits honestly: “I’ve been very close to giving up, but I never did!” If you think this sport is just about muscles, you’re way off. For Ilir, kickboxing has been therapy – in the truest sense. “I don’t take out my anger on people anymore, just on the punching bag or pads.”
The moment he’ll remember forever? “When I became champion of Durrës by KO!” And his toughest challenge? A match in Kosovo – which, yep, he also won! Add “Champion of Kosovo” to his growing resume. Toughest opponent? A fighter from Montenegro – taller, heavier, but for Ilir, that means nothing. “For me, speed and strategy matter more.” And if you’re wondering what nickname he’d use in the ring? “Iliri Pady the Baddy” – definitely cooler than most nicknames we’ve heard!
But, this sport isn’t just glory. “The scariest part is that you have to be prepared emotionally and physically – because someone can knock you out.” “There were times during training when I accidentally hit a friend,” Ilir admits sincerely. We all know – it happens when there’s too much adrenaline, but let’s hope the friends are used to the occasional “oops” punch by now.
When we asked who he’d love to challenge in the ring, he didn’t hesitate: Alex Parepa. “His fights are very beautiful and exciting, with strong tactics.” And this isn’t just a random dream – Ilir’s aiming high: “I dream of becoming a world champion.”
And if you ever saw him walking into the ring with dramatic music in the background, it would be the theme song of Khabib Nurmagomedov – the legendary UFC champion. For a warrior like Ilir, there’s nothing better than an anthem that feels like the start of an epic battle.
But, Ilir isn’t alone on this journey – his family is always there to support him. “They want me to achieve the highest success in my dreams,” he says emotionally. And he doesn’t forget those who shaped him as a fighter: “I have great respect and love for my coach, Arben Jonuzi – he’s been there at every single one of my matches and has always motivated me. All my respect goes to him.”
To wrap it up, Ilir has a message for all his peers: “Keep chasing your dreams until the end- with hard work, success is possible!”
