Page 55 - Martial Science Magazine 2019 SEPT DIG

INTERVIEW

Jan Kubenka

“...When I was approached to do this article, I wasn’t sure what to say, what to focus
on, what people would like to know about Jan Kubenka who is not celebrity, just
some unknown person. I decided tell you my true story how martial arts changed
my life for better.

Growing up I ended up hating team sports. Actually, I did love them at first. I always
wanted to play them but since I was small and weak, I became very fast just a ty-
pical bench warmer. I wanted to score the goals, but one would pass me the ball or
puck. I was crushed.

I was introduced to downhill skiing when I was about 3-4 years old. I loved it cause
when you go fast down the hill, no one is telling you what to do, you just have to rely
on your skills, your instincts and your ability to get down the hill as fast as you can
and safe. I loved the rush. Skiing became my number one sport. I competed in it
since I was 6 years old till my late teenage years...”

WHEN MARTIAL ARTS FELL IN PLACE?

I came across martial arts little bit by luck. I was 15 years
old, still very small and skinny kid for my age. I was at sum-
mer camp, we had movie night and I saw Rambo 2. OMG,
I wanted those muscles. Right after they played Bruce Lee
movie Enter the Dragon. OMG, I wanted to do those high
and fast kicks and punches. OMG, this guy was small, ri-
pped and no one could beat him, he was real, not some su-
per hero. Right away I knew what my next step was gonna
be. I was obsessed with martial arts and fitness, and that
obsession has never left me.From a martial art to contact
sports:

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS NOW?

I would love to make movies which matters, that have po-
sitive message and impact on nowadays society. I was full
time martial arts instructor for many years, and I believe I
positively influenced many kids and adults to do better in
every aspect of their lives. I tried to be their role model and