At 45, Portuguese kickboxer Emanuel Cortes continues to embody an unwavering passion for his sport, balancing elite competition with extensive coaching duties despite a recent bronze medal finish at the World Championships.
Cortes affirmed his dedication, stating that his motivation is “innate” and that he would have to “stop being me for this motivation to change.” He cherishes training and competing, prioritizing kickboxing above many other aspects of his life.
He recently secured a bronze medal in the Light Contact (-63 kg) category at the WAKO Kickboxing World Championships. Cortes reached the semi-finals but was defeated 3-0 by Azerbaijani legend Eduard Mamedov, a 25-time world champion.
The Portuguese veteran had hoped to avenge a previous loss to Mamedov in 2023. Cortes expressed disappointment over the recent fight, acknowledging “some mistakes” and describing the outcome as leaving a “bitter taste.”
Beyond his competitive pursuits, Cortes also serves as a coach for the Clube de Artes Marciais do Sudoeste. He is also the national selector for tatami disciplines, a role that involves preparing and bringing athletes to competitions.
Cortes acknowledged the difficulty of balancing his roles as an athlete and a national selector. He indicated that splitting his focus detracts from his own competitive preparation.
He is currently weighing whether to participate in a third Master World Championship, noting, “I’d like to compete again.” Cortes maintains that competition provides “extra motivation” and helps him stay disciplined and in top physical condition.
Despite the challenges of injuries and physical toll, Cortes emphasized that his motivation for the sport remains constant. He confirmed he would continue training with the same intensity regardless of future competitive appearances.
Cortes, who hails from São Teotónio, Portugal, has dedicated over 30 years to kickboxing. His career highlights include 11 national titles and a historic quarter-final appearance at the 2008 World Championships in Point Fight.
He views the current generation of athletes with optimism, observing their growth and reinvention. Cortes highlighted that losing at the WAKO World Championships is not a discredit, given the high caliber of competitors. He advocated for continued support and investment in the sport.