Jarosław Paprocki

When and where did you start Jodo training?
I began Jodo training in February 2022 at the SKK Kyojinbukan club in Trójmiasto.

Why did you start practicing Jodo?
I trained Kendo for six years during high school and university, so I’ve always been drawn to this type of martial art. After a long break, I decided to return to budo, and I initially chose Iaido. When I came to a combined Jodo/Iaido practice at the club, I started training Jodo as well—and as they say, the rest is history ;) Similar to Kendo, I really enjoy the possibility of training with a partner. That mutual drive brings out reserves of energy in a person that would otherwise be unreachable.

Describe your typical Jodo training.
We always start with the 12 kihon forms. After that, the training depends largely on the people present, meaning their level of experience. Most often, we focus on two or three forms and polish the details. When there are more beginners, we try to rotate partners frequently so that everyone can practice with everyone else.

Describe the first European Jodo Championships you took part in. Tell us about your impressions of the event.
My first competition was the 2023 EJCs in Magglingen, Switzerland. It was my very first European-level sports event—and also my first time in Switzerland 🙂. Nerves and stress got the better of me during the individual tournament, but maybe that actually helped me achieve gold with the team. You win some, you lose some 🙂. Meeting Jodoka from all over Europe (and beyond) is always a huge added value of this kind of tournament and seminar.

Which moment of the championships has left the strongest impression on you? 
The moment when our entire team was lined up, waiting to receive the medals. Only then did the emotions subside, and I started to register what was happening. There was incredible joy and pride in our achievement. A tear in sensei Machura's eye (who was among the judges) showed that the team had achieved something truly special 🙂  

Do you have any tried-and-true methods for fighting stress during competitions? 
Unfortunately not. Stress has been with me as long as I can remember. Honestly, I don't have any particular method. I just have to let that wave of emotions pass through me, and finally, it gets better. You could see it in my results in the team tournament. The greatest stress faded away before the crucial matches for the semi-final and final, where I could help the team the most.  

What is the most challenging aspect of Jodo for you? 
Jodo (at least for me) seems simple. Until you start training it. Then, with each month of practice, it turns out to be increasingly difficult, and you discover more and more details. That constant sense of discovering something new, of improving in Jodo makes me stay enthusiastic; quite the opposite, in fact.  

Please share your athletic achievements in Jodo at the European Championships and other tournaments.  

• MPJ 2022 in Racibórz - bronze medal  

• MPJ 2023 in Racibórz - gold medal  

• MEJ 2023 in Magglingen - gold medal in the team event  

What goals do you set for yourself today? 
I don't have any goals regarding medals at competitions. My goal is to learn Jodo, to discover its secrets step by step 🙂