JUDO
FEDERATION

He didn't become famous athlete but made sucess as a coach. His wards won everything what he dreamed about. Kazakhstan Judo team coach Ermek Imambekov tells his life story in an interview to confederation.kz. 100% true. Uncensored…

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It started with Sambo. I was twelve years old, I came to coach Karakov Amantay Karakovich, who taught at the Almaty Institute of National Economy (AINE). It was 1974. I fall in love with this martial arts, though in training we used not only Sambo. Judo appeared in our lives and at that moment it was getting popular both in Kazakhstan and the Soviet Union. USSR Judo Federation was created only in 1972 and later on there were launched many judo clubs and the popularization raised quickly. I was among those affected ones. I was addicted. Truly (laughs). It did not take much time to see the first results. Victories in competitions elated me, I really wanted to train a lot, wanted to be successful and perfect, because I understood that only with the help of sport I may reach the top. Because I was born in a usual working-class family. Father - motor-mechanic on life-saving station, mother - collective farm worker. Applying to institutions was incredibly difficult at that time. Winning medals could give me a chance to study in the Institute of Physical Culture and Sports. It really motivated me. I fought and achieved quite good results at that time. Champion of Kazakhstan among juniors (1976, 1977, 1978). My coach was Dosmukhambetov Temirkhan Mynaydarovich who today works as a head of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and previously worked as Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana mayor, Manager of Affairs of the President of Republic of Kazakhstan. In a word, the man came from sports field and reached simply outstanding heights in the political life of the country. Which is not common at all. In addition to coaching he was the chairman of the sports club in the Kazakh State University. Took us to the championship of the Soviet Union. At those time there were RS «Burevestnik» and CS «Burevestnik». Who wins the RS goes to CS. And who succeeds there gets direct ticket to the USSR Championship. So off we went to Kishinev (1978), where I was fifth (56 kg). Accordingly I won at the RC «Burevestnik» and CS «Burevestnik» (1978). At this CS there were judokas from all fifteen Soviet republics. The highest level tournament. Later Temirkhan Dosmukhambetov suggested that me to go to KazSU and apply to biology department, but I refused it since I had a desire to become a coach. I applied to Institute of physical culture, which already worked under the guidance of Askar Asubaev and Michael Shepetyuk. There were its own competitions. For example, the USSR Championship among athletic institutions - I won bronze in Smolensk. There were also Spartakiada, Kazakhstan championships - there I became Master of Sports in Sambo and Judo. After the graduation I went to military service (Karaganda region - E.I.), served in the sports company. And then I retired from professional career (1983). At the age of 22 years …

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I began my coaching career in 1984. This year I already have an anniversary - 30 years of professional work (smiles). What can I say? I retired from my career in the national team because only the key sportsmen were paid. And in a family there five of us. I didn't want to depend on my parents as they already worked hard in order to feed us all. I had to get a job. Career? On the one hand, there is a huge sense of frustration, because I dreamed about a long road strewn with gold medals. On the other, I've got my medals from past in the wall and so it was worth it. There is something to be proud of and brag to my grandchildren and guests (smiles). Also getting the title «Master of Sports» was not easy at all and that time. But I did it. New life? My first job was SDYUSSHOR under the Ministry of Education of the KazakhSSR (1984 - 1988), where the director was Sagitov Serik. I started working with him. Our senior department was Koyshybekov Kerei. When I came, there almost worked Marat Azimbaev, Yerbol Kyrgyzbaev and Shamil Serikov. And everything was because the school was indeed good. One boy from my group - Aydin Kempirbaev - became even a world champion in sambo. What's next? A few years later I went to the village Karasu (Almaty region, Ili district) as I previously married. It was impossible to get apartment in the city and of my friends, who I used to train with proposed me to go to Karasu. I agreed and there, in the the school number one I began to work as a simple physical education teacher (1988-1994). At the same time I made a group of about forty people and continued to teach them. Guys performed well at competitions and the battery farm provided our school sponsorship. Within six months, I got an apartment, settled and spent nearly twenty-five years of my life in Karasu. During this time I prepared Champions of Kazakhstan, medalists of Asian and World Championships. Ermek Kaliekov, Marat Danaybaev, Beybut Sultanov - invited me together with the guys to the Republican boarding school named after Hadzhimukan Munaitpasov (1995-2004). However I didn't go there straight away, I was refusing offer almost for a year. But I accepted the second offer, because the mat and was almost crumbled, and the hall became unsuitable for trainings. In general, the work began on a new place. Very well and productive. Our guys collected five gold medals out of the eight weight categories at the national championship. Also, we have prepared a champion of the Youth World Games Yerlan Slyambaev (1998, Moscow), Salamat Otarbaev, Bazarbek and Abil Donbai, Samat Zhilkibaev. Our success started there. I still continued to work and did not go anywhere even in the hard times when there was no payments. In the 98 Slyambaev succeeded in Moscow and three months later I was given the title of «Honored coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan». Award was presented by Anatoly Kulnazarov, who after the Dosmukhambetov's leaving (Manager of Affairs of the President of Republic of Kazakhstan. - Author's notice) Chairman of the Committee on Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Education, Culture and Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. I remember at that time I was sent to Japan for a month as the best coach. There I didn't only participate in a workshop but also did some coaching. And everything is because when I arrived there, everybody asked me: «What you Dan?» (Japanese martial arts rank - Author's notice). I did not know how to answer and said: «Master of Sports of the USSR». They say: «No, we need Dan». And I didn't have it. Yes and where would I get it from? (smiles). And I had a desire to get this damn Dan. I combined the workshop with trainings and eventually received 4th Dan Kodokan.

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When I was working at the orphanage, I was appointed as a senior coach of the junior national team of Kazakhstan (1999-2001). My first major launch was International Sports Games «Children of Asia» (2000) that are held every four years under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In Yakutia, we took a third team place. Asset Tusupov won gold, Konstantin Kim and Arsen Hatip - silver, bronze - Madi Kurumbaev and Maxim Rakov, who was then still a toddler. How many years have passed since then! And Maxim is still with us (smiles). After there were changes in management and I was suspended from work with the junior men. Nikolay Potapenya accepted the team, who previously was workking as a second senior coach. In 2006 I was invited to the Olympic Training Center (as a second coach), where worked Sergey Shakimov and Vladimir Kichatov. I joined them and in the same year Alexandra Podryadova won the bronze of Youth World Championship (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic). Great achievement, considering the fact that to date none of the domestic judoists still have not been able to repeat or surpass this result at the World Championship. I left OTC due to some incidents in 2007. Wanted to try my hand in the administrative work. I was invited to the Republican school of highest sports mastery in mass sports to the position of Deputy Director. I worked for a year and realized that this type of job is not for me. Tired of office job (smiles). My group continued to exist. Did not have enough time to both train children and sit in the chair. As a result, said thank you to director and left. Some time I worked only with a group and then was called back again to the Kazakhstan youth team as a senior coach (2008 - 2012). Volodya Kichatov was assistant. The president of the Federation Beket Mahmutov helped us very well and we showed tremendous results. Coached by Yury Melnichenko in the OTC and for the first time in history in 2009 year we got 1st team place at the Asian Championship. Alas, some have called our triumph just an «accident». And we closed mouthes of these people with dignity in 2010. Another victory for Kazakhstan team at the continental championship. That's it! For four years we have prepared ten Asian Champions! I have then said to Volodya: «Let's work in a way, that all our victories were not called accidental». Therefore we developed our own method which still helps us.

The same World Championships. 2010 - 4 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze). Overall: 2nd team place after Japan (!). Eldos Smetov - first world champion among juniors in the history of national judo. 2011 - 4 medals (2 silver, 2 bronze). Overall: 4th team place. And 2nd team place at the Asian Championship. For all these results Temirkhan Mynaydarovich Dosmukhambetov invited me to the national team, which had a bad performance at the London Olympics. First I helped to Florian Velic and after a while I was told to take the wheel in my hands (laughs), since the specialist from Germany for some reason refused to continue the work. I immediately agreed and Volodya Kichatov (on the right photo), who led the junior team after my departure, became the senior coach of the first team. Since then we work hard…

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Last year all turned out good enough. At the Asian Championship in the team event among men, we took third place (4 bronze), behind the Koreans and Japanese. At the World Championship in Brazil Azamat Mukanov won silver. We also prepared Eldos Zhumakanov who won the World Championship among servicemen. In short, during the 2013th year, Kazakhstan national team won 29 medals in various denominations at various tournaments and competitions. I would even call it a harvest! (laughs).

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I tell a lot of things to my wards. For example, if you win, please do not forget, with whose help it became possible. Any medals won - is not only one person's hard work but a whole team's. Starting from management and finishing with cleaners. Sometimes tell them about how we were not following the training schedule in the youth. I am not ashamed of it because I want to show them on my personal example how should not be make a career as a professional athlete. Essentially I am the only person to blame for the fact that in my previous life I had a fiasco. Started to attend trainings less, given not much efford to them, often went to discos with boys. It is a pity that I did not immediately realize all my mistakes. You only realize how you were wrong when time passes. But it's too late to fix something. Your time is up, the boat called «champion» sailed to the other guys who unlike you fight on the mat and sweat their guts out working and after - in a graph of their personal achievements added more and more medals. And this is not your story …

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The most valuable medal? There are few ofthem. The first time I became the champion of Kazakhstan, when I won the CS «Burevestnik». However, here I got no medal but a small token. When I won the CS «Zenit» (1979). I was then given a very beautiful cup and I was given another cup for the best technique. After that we went to the USSR Championship to Bishkek.

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But then I said to myself: as you didn't become a world champion, you must achieve outstanding heights as a coach. And as far as I 'm working, I have the champions of Kazakhstan, World and Asian champions. I am saying it without boasting. Please don't think bank. I don't have such habit. I am just stating the facts, bringing the results of my activities. Still, this year I have an anniversary (smiles). And I keep saying to guys that if you are a hairdresser or shoemaker, you need to work so that the whole city ran to you. In your profession you have to strive for perfection. Only then you can earn a lot of money and respect. This is my credo. I am still learning …

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My wards have reached what I have not reached. Already nice and happy to realize that my thoughts have helped them to achieve success. However there is the other side of the medal. If say, my career of judoist was the way I wanted, it's not the fact that in the end I could repeat what I have already achieved as a coach. Even Olympic champions do not always become good mentors. So I must say that our profession is a great art.

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Even though I love my job, but there was a moment in my life when I could leave the coaching scene. It was around the 94th year. My friends offered me a job of customs inspector. My wife discouraged me long but I agreed. Because in Karasu we lived in house on four hosts. Conditions left much to be desired. My job didn't bring me any money. However once my student came to me. As it turned out he came for advice. The thing is that he mother died when he was in third grade. And dad, a few years later, he wanted to marry a second time, because it was difficult one. Boy against it. Ran in tears to share the pain. To which I said, «I understand you perfectly, but you're still wrong. It's hard to dad, understand it too. Who will take care after him, wash his clothes? You or what? Let him marry. Brother will soon leave to army. You will stay together. And anyway, I 'm also leaving to, I am going to customs». He did not expect it and cried much. Chokes back his tears and says «How come? It's your favorite work. Will you really leave us?». And I could not resist: «What, I have to exist counting these pennies?». And shouted: «If I stay to train you, will you become a world champion?». He, sixth-grader, eyes were bloodshot, jumped up and shouted: «Yeah, I'll be a world champion, I will!». I looked at him and went to the phone and refused to customs. The boy almost kept his word - at the World Sambo Championship he won a silver. But won the Asian Championship and was twice second in the Youth Asian Championship. In general, the guy achieved good results. By the way his name is Ermek Kaliekov…

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Dashing 90? As I said, it was a terrible time. People lived using coupons an earned money in all ways. Even PhDs, professors were at the markets doing trades. Someone was pulling things out of the house for sale. Mad inflation. The loans were granted. I personally engaged with sugar. Bought and then resold it. Worked in the summer when my students were on vacation. We had to survive somehow. Even then earned money for my first car (1992) – «Moskvich» 1972 years release.

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The perfect coach in my understanding? Primarily it he be of the former sportsmen. Very competent, feeling the guys, who knows the capabilities of each of them, the dock in biomechanics, physiology and psychology. Able to talk with wards, enter their souls. The one who ideally uses carrots and sticks policy. Understans the nutrition, general physical preparation (GPP), able to work in a team. Because there are so many different coaches, everyone has his own past. For example our coaching staff. Sergey Rakov - bronze medalist of the USSR, Ibrahim Veshagurov (on a left photo) - silver medalist of the USSR. And who am I? Only the fifth in the Championship of the USSR among juniors. Nevertheless, you prove to them that you see more and use right tactics. Sometimes take a risk and just listen to your heart . And this is a great start. Huge responsibility in front of the country. How not to do mistake? It's good that everything clears itself. Didn't do any serious faults yet. Or another example. Boy at the domestic championship is the tenth, and put him to the World Championship, where he eventually won the Silver medal. Yes, on the one hand great that everything is over - the sensation and all that. But if you take the other side - judoist fails the championship and what's next? All booms immediately fly to the head coach, who took him, because supposedly saw something in him. And I have a lot of such cases. When I see that guy can be a real contender for a medal. And the same national champion, on the contrary, can not. In such cases I start to call the Federation. Pressure goes up. But it's good that I have they support me, helping in every possible way.

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My father passed away early - at the age of 53. And he always told me when I was little: «Son, remember: never be jealous. Earn everything yourself with a hard work. Envy is a very bad thing. Someday it will kill human being». And take some of my friends as an example. They have gorgeous homes, great food on the table, great cars. I was never jealous about it and always genuinely happy that I have such successful comrades. Even when it was terribly bad. When heart ached from this poverty. I was coming to the house at four hosts and saying to myself: «Good that my friend achieved that and I will achieve it too». Thanks to God. I succeeded. Slowly, slowly I reached a certain level, made my name in Kazakhstan, bought a great house in Almaty. So can't complain to a life. I have a son, three daughters beauties, already became a grandfather. Almost a happy man. The only thing which is missing is Olympic gold (smiles).

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I have a wonderful wife. She set three conditions before the wedding: never swear because of the money, not to involve parents during the quarrels and never swear. Of course, with the latter it is sometimes difficult (laughs), but it immediately reminds me of the deal. How we met each other? I was driving my army friend to Novoalekseevka (Almaty region, now - Baiterek village) on my motorcycle «Java», to his relatives and on the way back saw a girl in the garden digging. Household (laughs). Well, I think I need such one. Love at first sight? For her yes, for me a little later. When I saw that she bakes good pies (smiles). After that I stole her. For sure she was not against it. Brought her home, my grandmother who lived to 100 years, put on her shawl and we had a wedding. Already living in a perfect harmony for 29 years. She is my best friend and helper. At everything ...

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Ready to finish my coaching career, if someone of the guys will win the gold at the Brazilian Olympics in 2016. Our team (the coaching staff, the science team, the masseur, a doctor) is aimed at it. And this is the dream of everyone. If everything works out it will be a huge success, as Kazakhstani judo doesn't have an Olympic champion yet . Then we just go down in history for sure (laughs)...

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When you are praise - fatigue passes, when you are abused - you feel the pain. Especially when it is done constantly …

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If we succeed in Rio de Janeiro, I would love to get quiet administrative work. If I will be switched to a consultant of a team, I think I still can bring a lot of benefits to domestic judo. Everything will depend on the outcomes in Brazil and the management decisions.

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I hate betrayals and duplicitous ones. I'm afraid of such people. There was even a moment in my life when my wards were leaving me. I could not take them to international competitions because there was no money. And someone could afford it and they just lured my guys. School asked to find the funds myself with the condition, that they will pay everything back. However, I could not always borrow from friends - it is embarrassing. Then when the boys came up and announced their decisions, everything was burning inside. I thought, «Lord, whom I brought?». But said to them: «All right. Go» Although mentally was saying them: «The traitors will never be able to reach the top. Remember this». It hurted me so bad. Just a terrible pain. However, time passed, these boys engaged with new coaches for several months, but the result was worsened. Everything was because they felt ill at ease, could not adapt in team. And wanted to come back. Of course, I forgive them, since coming home, but the old pain still remained. You do not trust him, will not go to a fight with him.

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I am proud to wear kimono, I'm proud that I'm an athlete, coach, teacher. My children, my grandchildren, my wife is proud of me. I'm sure this ...

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My life - is not only a mat. I read a lot, I love aphorisms and parables, art, cinema. Very often go to the cinema with the team, play chess. I love football and other sports. Teach children patriotism. At meetings always sing the anthem of Kazakhstan.

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Star fever of wards? It happens. Especially with our Kazakh children. He will not drop down from heaven to earth until a couple of times does not get some lessons. Starts to work only after you put them in a right place. How is it in our country? There are agashkas and kokeshkas who begin to exalt him if the boy wins something, start to present loads of gifts and say a record number of compliments. These people want to do the right thing, they just want to thank you for the victory, however, is not always good. Then you tell him: «That's it. Forget the recent success. Your medal asset is empty again. Go forward».

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As a coach, I'm always looking for new talents. We really have enough good guys. Give everyone a chance to express themselves, sending to all sorts of tournaments in the country, look in details after them. For example, I love Gumar and Gusman Kyrgyzbaevs. Both represent the weight category up to 60 kg.

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Who are the historical figures I'd like to meet? Probably with Genghis Khan. Judo is also a war, I would be interested to talk with him about combat tactics, the alignment of forces. Do not forget that he made himself. Rose from the bottom and became a great conqueror. How did he do it? It would be my first question. Second legendary man in my list is Baluan Sholak.

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Japanese judo school is an example to follow. Discipline, order and respect. The rest sharks of the world tatami? South Korea, Mongolia, France, Brazil, Uzbekistan.

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Future of domestic judo? I am sure we will stand on the world stage. Also the Academy is promised to be open in the end of the year. Yes and now they afraid and respect us. And before that it was: «You fight against a Kazakh? Oh, lucky you». Now our level increased dramatically. Thanks to boys, juniors and the national team. When Maxim Rakov became the world champion. And before the bronze medal at the World Championship in Munich was won by two Ashats - Zhitkeyev and Shaharov (2001). Then remember the Beijing Olympics (2008), where the same Zhitkeyev lost in the final. Or last year's silver of Azamat Mukanov in Rio de Janeiro. All these and other medals give us the authority, makes the rest of the world respect Kazakhstan.

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The weaknesses of Eldos Smetov? He has a bit lack of diligence. A bit lazy, like all talented guys. Azamat Mukanov? Brazilian silver - not his maximum level. He can reach even greater heights, because the guy has a strong character. Mukanov is a good family man, he has a young son. Follows the schedule. In the last year before the World and Asian Championships he lost almost all the tournaments and these two starts shot well and got the medals. His man weakness? He is a predictable judoist. If you do not understand Smetov, then Azamat has uses predictable techniques. Currently he is working on it - we are making the boy more diversified. Especially in his weight class, as in the 60 kg there is a mad competition. And where there is a competition, there result will always come. Maxim Rakov? It is too early to put a cross on him. He has already been rehabilitated psychologically after the London Olympics. For the upcoming Asian Games I expect from him only gold. He can do it. In 2016 he will be 30 years old, you need to change the approach. For example, if children born in 1992-1993 have one recoverability, the same Maxim will have quite different in his 30 years. He needs top quality pharmacology. Aibek Imashev? I'm not surprised that he won the Open Europe Cup. We worked with him for the six years. He even was my youth team captain. Asian champion, won international tournaments. Then he began to parcitipate for adults. Won silver at the Almaty Grand Prix (2013). Very hardworking boy. Competitor of Smetov and Ashat Telmanov 60 kg.

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The issues of kazakh judo? There is a generality but we need to work hard, do more promotion all over the country. To raise wages regional coaches as it is only because of their hard work, we have Smetov (Taraz), Imashev (Aktau), Ibraev (Aktobe), Telmanov (Atyrau), Rakov (Karaganda), Ykybaev (EKR). See how extensive is this activity. What a big scale. And that's great!

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Am I Lucky one? Fortune smiles only to those who work hard. And my life - is wrestling. I suffered everything: poverty, betrayal, humiliation, destruction of dreams…

Ermek Imambekov. Head coach of the men's Kazakhstan Judo team

Date of Birth: August 24, 1961

Place of birth: Almaty region, the village Mayak, Kazakh SSR

First coach: Karakov Amantay Karakovich

Achievements as a athlete: champion of Kazakhstan among juniors (1976, 1977, 1978), multiple winner of the Kazakhstan's Championship among youth and adults, winner of the RS «Burevestnik», CS «Burevestnik» (1978) and CS «Zenit» (1979), champion and medalist of Sovient tournaments, 5th place in the Championship of the USSR among youth (1978). Master of Sports of the USSR.

Achievements as a coach:

Honored coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1998)

4th Dan Kodokan (1999)

Honorary Worker of sport (2007)

Best Coach in Judo 2010

Awarded «Tarlan» (I degree) (2010)

Was awarded with the medal «20 years of independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan» (2011)