Sports and martial arts enthusiasts all know Christophe Pinna, our Nice-born world champion in all categories of karate.
Music lovers all know Pascal Mono, who has played the pubs of our French Riviera for the last 15 years before releasing his first album last June, titled “INTACT”.
If, however, you don’t recognize either of them, you may have seen them during the previous season of Star Academy.
Christophe Pinna, “the students’ coach”, Pascal Mono, “the rocker of Star Ac’ 5”. After forming a solid friendship in a rather peculiar “showbiz” context, demonstrating that humanity always triumphs, our two local boys share some of their camaraderie with us.
Pinna seen by Pascal Mono
NP: Hello Pascal, have you and Christophe, both from Nice, stayed in contact since leaving the castle last December?
P.M.: Yes, of course!
NP: Do you see each other often?
P.M.: As often as our schedules allow… as often as possible.
NP: Have you maintained the same relationship and complicity, or is it different outside?
P.M.: We met there, we shared intense moments, and since then, we see each other regularly. Beyond being the ideal coach, he is a friend, and I don’t have many of those…
NP: In your opinion, what are Christophe’s main human qualities?
P.M.: Sharpness, honesty, simplicity, harmony of mental and physical strength, good-heartedness… Christophe isn’t in it for the business, but truly to share his very precise knowledge of physical and psychological balance… He has the same approach with everyone, adapting it to each individual while maintaining the core elements.
NP: What do you think of “Master Pinna’s” sport?
P.M.: It’s an art… Martial! I can only feel respect, especially when practiced at this level… It requires years of self-denial and sacrifice to get there (Christophe is the most titled karateka in the world, in short, he’s just the best!)
NP: Have you read “Learn to Manage Your Stress”, his latest book?
P.M.: Yes. It’s a very dense book, full of experiences and advice that everyone should follow… Today, everyone is frustrated at not being able to access a better life, the doors are often closed, but it’s us who see them as such… Christophe provides keys.
NP: Do you think sports is useful in your profession? What place does it occupy for you now? Do you need it?
P.M.: Even though my friend Jacno provocatively says “sports are crap, not smoking causes erection problems” etc., even though Winston Churchill used to amusingly reply “no sports” when asked the secret of his health; I see physical discipline as a quest for self-improvement. You run, get breathless, and continue anyway, you have to catch your second wind, let the pain pass, always surpass it, it all plays out in the mind. All great athletes know this, overcoming means overcoming pain, ego, etc. When you see someone who can’t go on with Christophe’s physical exercises at the castle, and he retorts “be glad, there are people who would love to be able to use their legs,” I have nothing to say… And it goes further, if you want to achieve your dream, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone, put yourself in danger, and roughly speaking, stop whining.
NP: Can you tell us a bit about your current projects?
P.M.: A tour is being set up for this winter, starting in November, with some TV appearances on the cable, plus a prime-time show on TF1 at the end of October… The promotion is about to kick off…
NP: Lastly, a word for Christophe?
P.M.: Don’t change a thing, everything is constantly changing…
NP: And a word for Nice Première and its readers?
P.M.: Thank you for your loyalty and remember to stay protected!
Pinna
NP: Hello Christophe, have you and Pascal, both from Nice, stayed in contact since leaving the castle last December?
C.P.: Yes, more than just staying in contact. Not a week goes by without us catching up with each other.
NP: Do you see each other often?
C.P.: We both have busy schedules and travel a lot. We manage to see each other at least once every two weeks. The last time was in Nice with family, sharing a plate of socca and a glass of rosé…
NP: Have you maintained the same relationship and complicity, or is it different outside?
C.P.: Our relationship was always honest and sincere, even in the Castle. Today we are in the real world, discovering a bit more about each other every day.
NP: In your opinion, what are Pascal’s main human qualities?
C.P.: Sincerity and generosity.
NP: What do you think of Pascal Mono’s music?
C.P.: I’m completely on board.
NP: Have you listened to his first album “INTACT”?
C.P.: Yes, of course, and even before it hit the stores. Superb!
NP: What place does music have in your life? Is your role as a coach in the Star Academy “a coincidence” for that environment, or did you like the proposal precisely for these music/sport connections?
C.P.: Music has, at the same time, very little place, because I’m neither a musician nor a singer; and a lot, because it transports and moves me.
Sport is life, health, well-being, but it’s also self-improvement, perseverance, and respect. It’s valid for everyone, actors, singers… Everyone.
NP: Can you tell us about your current projects?
C.P.: I’m finishing a book on coaching.
NP: Lastly, a word for Pascal?
C.P.: The essential thing is to stay “Intact”. He will understand. We have often put a lot of words behind this one.
NP: And a word for Nice Première and its readers?
C.P.: If you’re reading these lines, it means you’re in the city that I miss dearly. I send you my best wishes.
NP: Thank you, Pascal. Thank you, Christophe.
Interview by Flora D.
Official Websites:
www.pascal-mono.com/
www.christophe-pinna.com/
Fan Site: https://pascal.mono.free.fr
