Anita Makyan to the Al-Musawar : Karate is a Life Philosophy.. Quitting was Never an Option
Interview Ahmed Salem
It is rare to find someone who combines the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel with the power of a fighter’s fist, but our guest today has defied the odds, She is a dentist with the soul of a warrior, and an international champion who carries the passion of Karate in her heart and the discipline of medicine in her mind, Anita Makyan, the Armenian star who has proudly raised her country’s flag on the world stage, opens her heart in this interview to reveal the other side of her life, the secret behind Armenia’s dominance in combat sports, and how she balances her humanitarian profession with her fierce athletic passion.
Who is Anita Makyan away from the Karate ring? And how did your relationship with this sport start—was it your choice or just a coincidence?
My father is my coach, but karate was a choice I made on my own, From the very beginning, the sport fascinated me — the training, the competitions, the discipline, and the friendships that shaped me as an active child. As I grew older, karate became more than a sport; it became a part of who I am. I realized that I could no longer imagine my life without it, and I chose the path as a professional athlete.
Alongside my athletic journey, I graduated from Yerevan State Medical University and earned my degree as a dentist. Despite this achievement, my heart and full dedication belong to karate, the sport to which I devote my time, energy, and passion.
On the tatami, I am seen as a strong and determined fighter powerful emotional and unwavering until the final moment. Beyond the tatami, I am a calm and thoughtful person who finds joy in animals, nature, books, slow walks, and meaningful conversations. These two sides balance and define me, both as an athlete and as an individual.
What was the most difficult situation you faced in your sports career? Have you ever thought about retiring or stepping away from Karate?
This sport is a daily battle with myself. Consistency, discipline, hard training, strict diets, and injuries are all part of the journey. I’ve faced many difficult moments, but quitting has never been an option, Even after hand surgery last year and a painful recovery, I continue to train and compete, My goals are clear, and I keep moving forward.
What does a typical day look like for an Armenian champion? How many hours do you train, and how do you balance your personal life with professional sports?
Depending my competition schedule I can train twice a day, Everyday or just be in a rest mode by training 3 days in a week, I always try to manage my time and balance my social life with sport, My friends support me always they know when are my competitions. Know my diet and make the frienship easy and joyful.
How do you feel when everyone stands at a championship and the Armenian national anthem is played because of you?
To succeed in competitions and proudly raise the Armenian flag while hearing the national anthem is my ultimate goal, This is what I train for, persevering through every challenge and difficulty.
Some people see Karate as just “punching and kicking,” but you live it, What moral values has Karate instilled in your personality?
Karate is not just about kicks and punches for me; it is about respect and emotional control, Every match begins and ends with a bow, symbolizing respect for opponents and everyone involved, Karate is more than a sport—it is a life philosophy that helps build both physical strength and mental resilience.
Karate has evolved and recently became an Olympic sport, Do you think current rules serve the players, or have they reduced the intensity and power of traditional Karate?
In accordance with the Olympic spirit, karate has become more competitive, The rules are constantly evolving and improving to make them clearer and easier for everyone to understand, Nevertheless, karate remains faithful to its traditional roots and core values.
Why do we always see Armenia on the podiums in combat sports? Is there a “secret” to your training methods?
In my case, I think,the secret lies in the passionate love I have for this sport, Armenian people also possess a unique strength and spirit, which help us excel at the highest level in many combat sports and beyond.
As a champion in Armenia, which style do you follow? Do you prefer styles that focus on speed like “Shotokan” or those that rely on physical strength like “Kyokushin”?
I focus on both physical speed and strength, Also I do gym workouts specifically for karate fighters, I follow World karate federation’s rules which is part of NOC.
Anita, many champions lean towards either Kata or Kumite, Where does Anita Makyan find herself more, and why?
I have loved kumite since childhood because I enjoy fighting and experiencing those intense emotions, At the same time, I deeply admire kata and the dedication and hard work of kata athletes.
In your opinion, is “Kihon” (basics) the most important part of training, or is practical practice in “Kumite” what makes a champion?
I think kihon is the base of kumite and it’s very important to improve karate techniques by training kihon and of course combine it with practcal kumite trainings.
Armenia is known for its strength in combat sports. What distinguishes the Armenian Karate school from others in Europe?
Thank you, Armenia is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia so we mix styles from both regions wich makes Armenian karate unique, but also the spirit of fighters makes it competitive to top level.
As a professional player, what message do you have for girls who want to start Karate but fear the “toughness” of the game?
The sport is tough—I won’t lie, But we girls are stronger than we often realize. With hard work and determination, we can achieve our dreams no matter what society thinks.
