ITKF Vice President Włodzimierz Kwiecinski receives high honour from Japan
International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) Vice President and President of the Traditional Karate Federation of Poland, Mr. Wlodzimierz Kwiecinski was honoured with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette at a ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in Poland on June 14, 2012 .
Mr. Kwiecinski received this honour for his steadfast dedication to his study and pursuit of the concept of Budo which lies at the heart of the Traditional Karate of the International Traditional Karate Federation for which he serves as Vice President.
He was instrumental in the design, development and creation of the Japanese Martial Arts and Sports Center, Dojo Stara Wies, which was opened officially in 2009. This World Class facility is home to many Traditional Japanese Martial Arts and is quickly becoming the focus of continuing development, understanding and international research for human development through training in the traditional Japanese martial arts.
In 2011, Mr. Kwiecinski initiated a project called the “Polish Holiday for Japanese Children” for a number of Japanese children who had lost everything and were completely devastated as a result of the Tsunami disaster last year in Japan.
“Budo teaches us compassion as well as strength”, said Mr. Kwiecinski, “This project was something that I thought we could accomplish for the healing of the children crushed by this disaster. Many of our sponsors and friends joined us and helped us to make this program a reality. To see the children’s smiling faces after the program was finished and they were ready to return to Japan was reward enough.” He said.
Hosted at the International Center Dojo Stara Wies, the project involved a number of activities for the children including daily training in the original Japanese Martial of Traditional Karate.
In making the presentation, His Excellency Ambassador Makoto Yamanaka thanked Mr. Kwiecinski for his dedication and compassion in promoting the culture of Japan and in particular, his passion and pursuit of the philosophical concept of Budo. “I wish to express my deepest and personal gratitude for all your efforts.” He said.
October 4-6, 2012, the Traditional Karate Federation of Poland will host the XVI ITKF Traditional Karate World Championships in Lodz. ITKF President Richard Jorgensen who also acted as Honorary Chairman of the “Polish Holiday for Japanese Children” stated that the Competition of the ITKF is the original karate competition based on the Japanese concept of “Shi-ai”. “Our competition is completely different from the game of other kicking and punching sports. Our rules have at their foundation the Japanese concept of Budo and Todome. Ultimately used for self development, the ITKF competition process is meant to develop Champions for life – not champions simply for a moment. Certainly, Mr. Kwiecinski’s decoration on behalf of the Emperor of Japan reinforces that point.” Jorgensen said.
Pliki do pobrania:
Wlodzimierz Kwiecinski – Speech
