Traditional karate seminar in Warsaw
On 10-11 May 2008 Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama – Chairman of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) conducted traditional karate seminar in Warsaw assisted by Wlodzimierz Kwiecinski – Chairman of the Traditional Karate Federation of Poland. The seminar took place in the sport hall "Reduta". In the seminar there participated 350 people from 11 countries: Armenia, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Spain, United States and Poland. This year seminar was special – it was available only for black and brown belts. During the seminar exams for master grades were held.
Hidetaka Nishiyama – Chairman, International Traditional Karate Federation, a living legend, world leader of traditional karate. Born in Tokyo (Japan) in 1928. He’s the greatest modern authority of Budo with 74 years of experience in the Budo training – started with Kendo training at the age of 5, 5 months and 5 days according to the Japanese tradition. In 1943 started karate training under master Gichin Funakoshi, founder of the modern karate. In 1951, he became co-fouder of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). In 1961, Nishiyama organized the All American Karate Federation (today American Amateur Karate Federation, or AAFK) as a nationally based amateur Karate organization. Since 1972 Chairman of the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF). In 2000 awarded by the Emperor of Japan with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rossette for his contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture through teaching of traditional karate. In 2001 awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Republic of Poland for his great contribution to development of traditional karate.
We are proud that Sensei Nishiyama has once again accepted an invitation from the Traditional Karate Federation of Poland. Sensei visited Poland 16 years ago, in January 1992 for the first time. Then the first traditional karate seminar conducted by Sensei in Poland took place. Since then at least once a year Sensei visits our country, conducts seminars and courses and graces world rank competition with his presence.
After the first seminar day in the hotel Hyatt Regency Warsaw in Warsaw the official dinner with Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama was held for instructors and black belts and guests.
After the Seminar on 12 May (Monday), there was the official visit at the building site of the Japanese Martial Arts and Sports Centre "Dojo – Stara Wies" with participation of Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama. The official opening of the centre is planned for 2009. We would like to host that ceremony together with the jubilee of the 90th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Poland and Japan.