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European Jodo Champion
Jodo Renshi 6 dan
When and where did you start Jodo training?
I attended my first Jodo training in November 2006 during one of Murakami Sensei's visits to Poland. I began regular Jodo training in the summer of 2008 during my first visit to Jinshinkan, Murakami Sensei's dojo. After returning from Japan, I opened a Jodo section at the Wrocław Kendo Association.
Why did you start practicing Jodo?
Jodo was introduced to me by Murakami Sensei. His demonstration during the first training he led in Poland made me want to start practicing Jodo. That's why I naturally became interested in the martial arts taught by my teacher: Iaido, Jodo, and a bit of Kendo.
Describe your typical Jodo training.
For many years, I have been leading Jodo training sessions at the Wrocław Kendo Association. I try to conduct them similarly to those I participate in Japan, at Murakami Sensei's dojo. We start training with Tandoku dosa and Sotai Dosa. Sometimes we practice all 12 techniques, while at other times we focus only on specific ones. Each training session is tailored to the group of participants. Therefore, when completely new people come, we limit ourselves to Honte uchi and the first kata. We aim not only to teach the basics to the youngest practitioners but also to delve into these fundamental techniques, which can sometimes prove to be very important.
Describe the first European Championships you participated in. Share your impressions from that competition.
I participated in my first European Championships in 2009 in Mierlo, Netherlands. I competed in the Mudan category and, with incredible luck, I won my first gold medal. During the award ceremony, our national anthem - the Mazurek Dąbrowskiego was played, and I felt the first sports tear welling up in my eye. It was an amazing experience; I received the medal and the award from Namitome Sensei, an icon and legend of Jodo, who is unfortunately no longer with us. That evening, I managed to celebrate my success twice... but that's a story for another time.
Which moment from the championships stands out the most in your memory?
Since 2009, I have represented Poland at the European Championships 13 times, meaning I have attended all the championships organized since then. I must say that, not due to inflated ego but rather a poor memory, all these championships blend into one, although there are many memories that bring a smile to my face. Every medal won is a kind of success; it brings joy and shows that another year spent on training and preparation was not in vain. It demonstrates that, like my colleagues from other countries, I am still able to develop. However, the European Championships are not just about medals. Recently, competing at such a prestigious event allows me to experience incredible training. The adrenaline level is so high that we can slightly approach "real" Jodo, and those moments are unforgettable.
Beyond the competitions, there is also a social aspect, creating a sense of community with friends from both home and abroad. The championships provide an opportunity to meet people we sometimes don’t see for an entire year. The most beautiful part of these meetings is that we always feel as if we saw each other just a week ago. Therefore, aside from the experiences from the Shiai-jo, there are also these wonderful gatherings and stories from numerous events, sometimes crazier, sometimes less so. My best friends have seen me lead a counter-terrorism unit down the hotel stairs in Brussels, defuse a traffic jam on the highway near Wrocław, save Israel and Palestine from war, jump into a pool, drive around Turin like a native Italian, and translate fluently from Japanese knowing only five words, among many other crazy things.
Do you have any tried-and-true methods for dealing with stress during competitions?
Stress is an inseparable element of competing in events and exams. Each time, I have to fight it, but over the years, it seems to become easier. To avoid panic, I try to adopt the mindset of a prepared and confident person. To reduce my stress level, I always compare it to other life experiences that were much more stressful and had a far greater impact on my life than a medal at the European Championships.
What is the most challenging aspect of Jodo for you?
Currently, the most demanding aspect of Jodo for me is control. This includes not only controlling the Jo as a weapon, considering aspects related to the trajectory of movement, its speed, and grip, but also the control of the entire body. The ability to maintain a straight, relaxed posture in the upper body while keeping the legs firm enough to stop dynamic forward movement without losing balance. Controlling the hands and arms so that every Jo movement ends sharply, while not causing tension in the shoulders, requires a gradual takeuchi that ends with relaxation immediately after the movement is completed. Analyzing my development in Jodo over the years, these demanding elements have evolved, but the most important and difficult aspect always comes down to control.
Present your competitive achievements in Jodo at the European Championships and other tournaments.
Starting with smaller competitions, namely the Polish Championships, I have been a medalist every year since I began practicing Jodo. I have won gold, silver, and likely bronze medals. At the European Championships, I have represented Poland 13 times, winning two gold medals, two silver medals, and five bronze medals individually. As part of a team, I have earned four bronze medals, one silver medal, and for the first time in the history of Polish Jodo, I won a gold medal as the team Taisho.
What goals do you set for yourself today?
Currently, my most important goal is to prepare for the 6th dan exam, further develop in Jodo, and prepare for upcoming competitions and exams. An additional, equally important goal for me is to study Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo, which is taught to me by my teacher, Murakami Sensei.
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