Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation student Amirul is a Martial Arts Sports Scholar
Why did you choose to study your course?
I initially wanted to become a sports medicine practitioner or a sports doctor, but I unfortunately got rejected by a medical school. Instead of giving up this dream, I found another career pathway that is kind of similar in a way, that is sports therapy and rehabilitation. I have always been interested in studying sport, science and health and this degree maintains that combination. I also like to help people, especially to get them back to what their passionate about and love to do i.e. sports and physical activity.
What are your current Sporting achievements?
3rd place BUCS Nationals Karate Championship 2018
2nd place BUCS Nationals Karate Championship 2019
Senior kata champion at Jindokai National Championships in both 2017 and 2018
Gold medal at Seitou Ryu Karate Spring Open 2019
Silver medal Winter Open 2019 for kata
Silver at the Kent Championship 2019
2nd place in senior kata representing the Brunei national team at the Legend International Open 2019 Malaysia
What are your plans for the future?
Academic-wise, I am aiming to finish this final year and graduate with flying colours. Make my lecturers, friends and family proud despite having to juggle between the roles as a full-time student and semi-professional Karate athlete.
After I graduate, it’s either I am going to pursue a postgraduate degree in sports science and medicine, or go to a medical school, do MBBS and then specialise in sports medicine.
Sporting life-wise, I aspire to represent the University of Kent in the European University Sports Association if I were given the opportunity. My goal this year is also to represent the Brunei national team this summer in the World Karate Federation Karate1 Series A Istanbul Championship 2020 and Asian Karate Federation Karate Championship 2020.