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| René Smaal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 25 July 1987 Apeldoorn, Netherlands  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Style | Shotokan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teacher(s) | Jaap Smaal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | Black Belt, 5th Dan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Website | René Smaal Karate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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René Smaal (born 25 July 1987 in Apeldoorn, Netherlands) is a former Dutch karate champion and the founder of René Smaal Karate. He is known for his achievements in the Kumite -75kg category, being the last Dutch athlete to win the European Championship title in this weight class.
Overview
editRené Smaal began his karate journey under the mentorship of his father, Jaap Smaal, an internationally recognized referee. He quickly rose through the ranks in the competitive karate scene, achieving notable successes in both national and international tournaments. Smaal became the European Champion in 2011 in the Kumite -75kg category, a highlight in his career that established him as a leading figure in Dutch karate.
In 2012, while still actively competing at the highest level, René founded his own karate school, René Smaal Karate, in Apeldoorn. The school has since grown to include over 350 enthusiastic karateka's, offering a supportive environment for both recreational practice and competitive training.
Career Highlights
editRené Smaal’s competitive career includes several high-profile achievements: - **European Champion 2011** in Zurich, Kumite -75kg - **2nd place at the 2012 European Championships** in Tenerife, Kumite -75kg - **2nd place at the 2013 European Championships** in Budapest, Kumite -75kg
Karate1 Premier League Achievements
editRené Smaal has also achieved success in the Karate1 Premier League events: - **1st place at the 2015 Paris Premier League** in Kumite -75kg - **1st place at the 2014 Hanau Premier League** in Kumite -75kg - **1st place at the 2012 Hanau Premier League** in Kumite -75kg
René competed in various international events throughout his career, including the World Championships and multiple Karate1 Premier League tournaments, achieving significant rankings in the -75kg and -84kg categories. He retired from professional competition in 2019.
Transition to Coaching
editAfter ending his professional career in 2019, Smaal fully dedicated himself to coaching and developing young talent at René Smaal Karate. The school emphasizes values like respect, discipline, and perseverance, which are central to both karate and personal growth. Smaal’s philosophy centers on the belief that karate is not only a sport but a means of building character and self-confidence.
With a focus on structured and supportive training, René Smaal Karate has become a respected institution in Apeldoorn, helping students of all ages achieve their personal bests in karate.
References
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