Agnieszka Krawczyk

How long have you been training in Jodo and how long have you been the coach of the National Team? 
In October 2023, it will be 10 years since I started practicing Jodo. I joined a dojo where the teacher was heavily involved in training trips and the competitive aspect, so just 2-3 months after my first training, I participated in my first training camp and immediately became immersed in it. I have been serving as the National Team Coach for two and a half years and still hold this position.

How did you become the coach of the National Team? 
When the competition was announced, I submitted my candidacy. Of course, I had been considering this decision for a long time before. I had many doubts about whether I could handle such a responsible role, but my teacher encouraged me to do so. In this role, I replaced Piotr Urbanek.

How do you assess the level of Polish Jodo? 
Currently, the level of Polish Jodo is very high. Every year we return from the European Championships with both individual and team medals, and in 2023 we won team gold for the first time. Compared to other countries, we have been among the top for several years. I am glad to have found people here who are highly engaged, constantly want to develop and improve, and training with them is always valuable.

What is the key element of a competitor's success in Jodo? 
Regardless of whether we define success as a medal at the European Jodo Championships, passing an exam, or mastering a particular technique, the amount of time and effort put into training always translates into our results. The key element is regularity and consistency, which allow for gradual improvement of skills. Above all, personal training is important, during which we learn to control our bodies and consciously practice Jodo, rather than merely reproducing patterns. This means full engagement and concentration on every movement, leading to a deeper understanding of techniques and improvement in their execution. By training, I mean both technical Jodo training and any other, such as strength training, which affects our physical capabilities and conditioning.

What qualities are most important in Jodo practitioners? 
I believe that determination is key above all. A strong will to learn, improve one’s skills, and perseverance in training are elements that keep us engaged in what we do, even during natural crises and slow progress. The second important thing to develop is concentration. The ability to focus on techniques, sometimes on small details, on the opponent, and the situation is essential.

Which coaching achievements are you particularly proud of? 
The team gold medal at the 2023 European Jodo Championships makes me the happiest. For the first time in history, we managed to achieve such a result, and I had the opportunity to be part of the team and actively contribute to the victory. However, I must emphasize that although we achieved this result during my coaching tenure, I cannot take all the credit. For many years, the responsibility for leading national seminars has rested on Sensei Andy Watson and the long-time coach of the Jodo team, Sensei Łukasz Machura. Since last year, Jodo practitioners with 5th and 6th dan have also joined the ranks of those leading central seminars. Therefore, every success of Polish Jodo on the international stage is largely their merit, and I was fortunate to be present at the moment when we achieved this highest distinction.

Describe the role of the National Team Coach in Jodo. 
Since I started participating in Jodo seminars in Poland and actively taking part in competitions, almost all training camps in the country, except for one just before the European Jodo Championships led by the National Team Coach, were organized by experienced teachers, mainly from abroad. As I mentioned earlier, this was primarily Sensei Andy Watson. For some time now, individuals with high Jodo ranks from our PZK community have also joined the ranks of those leading. Although the coach often delegates the leading of training camps to more experienced individuals, they have a real impact on shaping the training and direction of the team’s development. They are responsible for preparing the training plan. The coach also serves as the selector for the team, deciding who will be part of the squad.

Does competitive experience in the National Team help in fulfilling the role of a coach? 
I believe that a competitor's experience is essential to understand how everything works from the inside. As an athlete, we experience the whole world of stress and competition firsthand. This direct connection with the results of one’s work allows for a better understanding of the mental and physical challenges that athletes face. When an athlete becomes a coach, their previous experiences from competitions and training become an invaluable source of knowledge. This enables a better understanding of the motivations, fears, and ambitions of the athletes they now care for. I think a coach who has gone through all stages of a sports career can motivate athletes more effectively. They can also set an example through their own experiences and lessons learned from their sports career.

What goals should the Jodo team set for the future?  
Every team member should work on perfecting their techniques. Regular individual training focused on improving specific elements of fighting is crucial. For the entire team, regular joint training sessions are the foundation of development, and we should strive for as many of these meetings as possible. They not only enhance the technical skills of the athletes but, most importantly, build trust among team members. And while I cannot help but add that we should set...

What advice would you give to athletes who want to join the National Team and achieve success?  
First and foremost, train regularly, participate in as many training camps as possible, and practice with as many people as you can. It is important to create a space for good, conscious training. Only systematic and quality training with a focus on measurable goals will allow you to truly progress. I would also add that listening to the advice of teachers is important. They possess valuable knowledge and experience that they are eager to share.