Michał Szczepański

Where and when were you born? 
I was born on June 25, 1986, in Wrocław.

You are one of the pioneers of Jodo in Poland. When and how did you start training, and what rank have you achieved? 
I attended my first Jodo training in November 2006 during one of Murakami Sensei's visits to Poland. If I remember correctly, it was the first time Sensei led a Jodo training session during a seminar. I currently hold the rank of 5th dan.

When did you realize that training in Jodo was more than just a hobby for you? 
This realization probably came during my first visit to Japan in July 2008. After nearly six weeks of training at Jinshinkan, Murakami Sensei accepted me as his student. From that moment, I understood that it was not only a great privilege but also a significant responsibility. One could say that a hobby is something we can stop doing at any moment. Currently, I cannot imagine my life without Jodo.

What were the beginnings of Jodo in Poland like from your perspective? 
I actively joined the Jodo community after my first trip to Japan, which was in the second half of 2008. At that time, Jodo in Poland was already functioning quite well. Seminars and training sessions for the National Team were organized, and I joined them whenever I could. Because of this, I cannot say much about the very beginnings of Jodo in our country; I simply jumped onto a moving train.
As someone who was not yet involved in the organization of Jodo in Poland, I observed from the outside a machine that was already in operation. It was only when I became involved in the work for Polish Jodo that I saw how much effort it takes and how much dedication is required for the ordinary organizational work that no one outside sees, as few people consider how it is that the ship sails smoothly while sitting in the cabin.

What were the Jodo classes like in the dojo where you trained?
When I joined the Wrocław Kendo Association, only Kendo and Iaido training sessions were held. I started with Iaido and soon after tried Kendo. I attended my first Jodo training during a seminar with Murakami Sensei.
Right after returning from my first trip to Japan, with the help of Wiesław Biel, we opened a Jodo section at the Wrocław Kendo Association. As with all things in life, the beginnings were not easy, especially for a young competitor and teacher. However, looking back over the years, the training sessions I conduct usually look similar. I always try to focus initially on basic techniques performed in Tandoku or Sotai Dosa. I also often concentrate on the renzoku of the most difficult techniques, Hikiotoshi Uchi and Gyakute Uchi. This entire scheme is, of course, not something I invented, but rather taken from the way Murakami Sensei conducts training in his dojo.

What did your own training in Jodo look like outside the dojo (seminars, competitions, trips, etc.)?
From the very beginning, I was responsible for the Jodo section at the Wrocław Kendo Association, so I had to take care of my own training. The main element of this training consists of fairly regular trips to Japan, where I try to spend no less than 12 days training with my teacher. Additionally, during these trips, I often participate in Central Jodo Seminars organized by ZNKR and in prefectural seminars organized in Sendai by Miyagi Kendo Renmei. Since 2008, I have made 11 such trips.
Besides trips to Japan, I try to attend most Jodo seminars organized in Poland, especially those organized by the Jodo Commission. Additionally, as much as possible, I try to participate in seminars and tournaments organized in Europe. Since 2009, I have been a permanent member of the National Team and travel with the team to the European Championships, representing the country in individual tournaments and often in team tournaments as well. Furthermore, since 2009, I have participated in all Polish Jodo Championships.

How did you establish contact with your teacher?
When I started training Iaido at the Wrocław Kendo Association, President Wiesław Biel had already established contact with Murakami Naotaka Sensei from Sendai. I attended my first training at WSK in June, but due to shyness or ignorance, I did not participate in the first seminar organized with Sensei in November 2003.
I met Sensei a year later, in 2004. From the very beginning, I was thrilled by the opportunity to practice and establish contact with a teacher from Japan who conveyed knowledge about Iaido and Jodo directly from the source, being an active participant in Central Iaido and Jodo Seminars in Japan. Therefore, one could say that my contact with my teacher was somewhat inherited from the people who founded the Wrocław Kendo Association during its early days.
Due to the turmoil that affected WSK, by 2007 I was already an instructor of the Iaido section. When Murakami Sensei learned about this during his autumn visit, he immediately invited me to his dojo, saying that my level of Iaido left much to be desired and that if I was to be a coach at WSK, I still had a lot to learn. Without much thought, I took this opportunity, and during that same trip, I told Murakami Sensei that it would be a great honor for me. A year later, I spent almost six weeks living, eating, and training together with Sensei. From that moment on, Murakami Sensei began to play the role of my "father" in the world of Budo, and I treat this relationship as such.

What does Jodo mean to you, what is its significance, and what does Jodo training give you?
Since I have been practicing Jodo for almost 18 years, it has become something more than just a hobby or a simple interest. My friends and I joke that it is simply a habit, an addiction, or even a compulsion. To be honest, I currently cannot imagine my life without Jodo. Without regular training, trips, competitions, or exams. Part of this is certainly related to the constant desire for growth, self-improvement, and striving for perfection in the martial art that I fell in love with years ago.
Another part is the attachment to the friendships and relationships that I have built over the years. In Jodo, I have found my second family, which lives over 8,000 km away, and I simply want to see them as often as possible. Not only to practice together but also to spend time together, talk, or laugh about more or less serious things. In Jodo, I have also found friendships that I would never have found elsewhere. It may sound strange, but I do not have time for relationships outside of family and Budo, which is why the friendships formed through practicing Jodo together are so important to me. My best friend is my long-time senpai in Jodo.
In summary, one could paraphrase a classic of current pop culture, Dani Rojas, and with hands raised, a smile on my face, and a heart full of optimism, shout: “Jodo is life!!!”

What impact do competitions have on the development of Jodo? 
From the very beginning of my journey with Jodo, I have been an active competitor. Every year, I participate in the Polish Championships and am a member of the National Team that competes in the European Championships. I do not structure my training cycle or my athletes' cycles around preparations for competitions. Championships have simply become an element of our training. However, this does not diminish their importance. On the contrary, they are a very important aspect of development that drives, mobilizes, and positively stimulates me. For some time now, I have noticed how much I enjoy the adrenaline that accompanies competing in championships or other public performances. It is the only moment when I can feel that we are doing something "real." Of course, these are not the emotions that accompany a real fight, but I want to believe that there is some semblance of them.

How do you think the relationship between Iaido, Jodo, Kendo, or other Budo arts influences the development of Jodo? 
I believe that the connection between Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo is inseparable. In all three disciplines, the work with the sword is identical. It is no coincidence that most current Hanshi in Jodo hold high ranks in Kendo. Additionally, the line of Jodo in which I can practice Koryu comes directly from a "police" dojo where Kendo was very important.
Nowadays, it is very difficult to find time and opportunities to practice two, let alone three, disciplines. I started my journey with PZK with Iaido, then practiced Kendo quite intensely for two years, and only afterward did I get to know Jodo. I believe that the experience I gained from Kendo was certainly helpful. Currently, while practicing both Iaido and Jodo simultaneously, I see how many elements of both disciplines overlap. I can say that I regret not having the time to continue Kendo training, but perhaps there will come a day when I can return to training in Kendo.
Regarding the influence of other Japanese martial arts, I believe that my experience with Karate, which I practiced regularly from the age of 9 to 16, greatly contributed to my overall development. Working on my body, coordination, mental fortitude, and discipline from a young age has certainly helped me in my self-development in Jodo.

What is the role of Koryu Jodo in the development of ZNKR Jodo?
This is a rather difficult question for me, and I believe it should be directed to the members of the current Jodo Development Commission at ZNKR, rather than to a mere 5th dan from Poland. Therefore, I will try to express the current role that Koryu plays in my Jodo development.
For anyone who has been practicing Jodo for a longer time, Koryu, with its vast array of kata with the jo and additional weapons, serves as a pleasant diversion from the 12 kata of ZNKR. They provide an opportunity to breathe, to learn new forms and movements. In particular, weapons that are so exotic for ZNKR, such as Jutte or Kusarigama, become a new challenge after years of practicing with a simple "stick" and serve as a certain driving force for engagement in training. I am just beginning to study Koryu, which, due to its vast number of kata, is a significant challenge.
However, from my perspective, whether it is Koryu or ZNKR Jodo, both schools are based on the 12 fundamental techniques from which the 134 kata are built. For example, when practicing maki, the fundo wrap on the sword in Kusarigama with Yoshihisa Sensei, one can hear that the first movement should be done like honte uchi in Monomi. This approach to our martial art, which seeks similarities in techniques, allows us to say that there are not so many differences. Practicing either Koryu or ZNKR does not differ in essence and equally influences our development.
Our martial art has another interesting aspect: when practicing Jodo, we must train both jo techniques and sword techniques. One could say that they are fundamentally different and require different skills. Looking at the whole issue this way, one can conclude that by practicing Jodo, we are primarily working on our own bodies. We strive to master not the technique itself, but our own limbs and torso. Based on this assumption, there is no difference whether we practice ZNKR Jodo, Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo, Shinto Muso Ryu Kenjutsu, Uchida Ryu Tanjojutsu, Ikkakuryu Juttejutsu, or Ishinryu Kusarigamajutsu; we are all striving for the development of our own bodies.

Teaching is a very important element of progress and passing on culture to future generations. Tell us about yourself as a Budo teacher. 
I have been a Budo teacher for many years, and consequently, from a very young age. In a sense, from too young an age. Today, I realize how many mistakes I made and how inexperienced and unprepared I was for this role. I believe that being a teacher requires many skills and experience—not only teaching experience but also life experience. Since Budo is not just a sport but something more, something that shapes a community of practitioners not only in competitive development but also at a higher level, at the level of life, the role of the teacher is crucial. A teacher should not only teach techniques but also be an example of conduct in the dojo and outside of it. Such a role is not easy to fulfill. Just as an athlete strives for development in the sporting sense, a teacher should also strive for excellence in their role.
Being aware of the responsibility that rests on a teacher and my own imperfections, I can say that I constantly strive to develop not only as a competitor but also as a teacher, combining both roles from the very beginning of my Jodo training. I must admit that I am fortunate to be a student of Murakami Sensei, who from the start of our relationship has taught me not only how to do Jodo but also how to teach, how to work for the Jodo community, and what kind of person to be.

Can you describe one of your typical Jodo lessons?
In the previous question, I briefly described the Jodo training at WSK. Here, I will try to elaborate a bit more. I must mention that all training elements, plans, and methods during teaching are not my own ideas but efforts to transfer everything I learned in the dojo with Murakami Sensei to our Polish context.
A typical Jodo lesson that I conduct is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on basic techniques, while the second part is dedicated to kata. In the first part, I teach Kihon, sometimes in the form of tandoku dosa and sometimes in the form of sotai dosa. Occasionally, I spend time practicing all 12 techniques, going through them a few times as a reminder and a warm-up. Sometimes I focus only on a few techniques and try to ensure that everyone can improve and incorporate my feedback. In this first part, I also introduce the renzoku of the two most difficult techniques, hikiotoshi uchi and gyakute uchi. These techniques are complex enough that I often break them down into very basic movements that should be easier to master. I have spent long hours training hikiotoshi uchi and am still far from perfection, so I know how much work is necessary to achieve some development.
The second part of the training is dedicated to practicing kata or learning new kata. I often teach new kata in the form of tandoku, especially when there is no one in the training who can perform the "other" side. When we practice known forms, I try to ensure that the students practice what they already know, giving one or two pieces of feedback to each person practicing. Generally, I believe that everyone should have time to work on their technique, but we should strive to perform kata as consciously as possible each time.

Do you think the approach to Jodo training has changed in Poland over the years, and in what way? 
I have been observing the development of Jodo in Poland since almost the very beginning of this discipline's establishment in our country. I regularly participate in national training camps with local teachers, guests from abroad, and the national team training sessions. It is wonderful to see the increasing level not only of the athletes but also of the organizational preparation for these events. Over the last 20 years, we have learned not only how to practice Jodo but also how to organize such training sessions. The culmination of this development was the European Jodo Championships organized by the Polish Judo Federation (PZK) in 2019. I had the great honor of assisting in the organization of this event. Such an experience helped me understand how much hard work must be put into preparing for such Championships and to appreciate the annual efforts of other federations. 
With this development, a change in the approach to Jodo itself and its training is natural. It can be observed that more and more people are increasing their involvement in the work for the PZK and statutory committees. More and more people understand that Jodo is not only about working on oneself but also about working for our entire community. There is a growing awareness that for our Association to exist and function, daily commitment is necessary. We do not have any external structures that could take care of organizing training camps or other necessary formal activities. All these responsibilities rest on us, and it is up to us to ensure the well-being of our structures.

What do you think about the future of Polish Jodo?
Today, it is difficult to speculate about the future of Polish Jodo. Therefore, I find it hard to answer this question. I can only express how I would like our future to look. I would like all current Jodo centers to thrive, systematically increasing the number of practitioners. Additionally, it is essential for us to create clubs in new locations. Currently, there are still no clubs conducting Jodo training in all provincial cities, not to mention in districts. Achieving such development requires several more years of hard work.
Beyond structural development, there is also a need for sports and competitive growth. Continuous encouragement of young athletes to develop and fostering interest in competition is essential for achieving this. For several years, the Polish National Team has been achieving very good results at the European Championships. Current athletes competing for titles against their peers from other European countries must seek their successors among the younger generation. Similarly, those involved in organizing life in Polish Jodo, holding positions in the PZK Management Board or committees, must also remember the necessity of continuing their efforts and preparing new teams that will be able to replace them.

What are your developmental plans for the near future?
In 2024, I will be able to take the exam for the 6th dan. This is another challenge, another level, and another stage in my development. I hope to continue regular training, visits to Japan, and participation in the European Championships. In short, I hope that nothing will change, and I will be able to continue my current activities. In 2025, I hope to add participation in the Kyoto Enbu Taikai to my ongoing efforts. I would like to represent Poland and the dojo of Murakami Sensei during this Budo celebration associated with ZNKR. Of course, along with the development related to the ZNKR exams, I also want to continue studying Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo. The multitude of kata provided by the entire school gives a sense that one lifetime may not be enough to fully understand the Jo.

If today, with the world of Budo being much closer to you, would you choose Jodo again?
I treat this question as one about whether I regret spending my time and resources on training in Jodo. Generally, I try not to regret anything in life. I follow the principle of making decisions and pursuing what they bring. My world of Budo, which in a way I received as a gift and in another way I have worked for, is truly beautiful. I have constant contact with my teacher, whom I can visit at any time, and who has been visiting us in Wrocław every year for almost 20 years. I have a wonderful group of practitioners in my club, who often intimidate me with their dedication and commitment to training. I have my best friends in the world of Budo and a vast number of acquaintances both in the country and abroad. Looking from today’s perspective at what I have experienced, what I have already gone through, and what I have achieved so far, I can say that my life connected with Budo is an incredible journey, and I eagerly await its continuation. In summary, and trying to answer the question, I must say that knowing what I know today, I would choose Jodo again and choose what I have.

What advice would you give to a young Jodo practitioner?
I would advise a young practitioner to primarily enjoy Jodo. Enjoy every training session, every newly acquired skill, and every new kata. Enjoy every meeting with friends during training, and cherish every new acquaintance. Enjoy every trip to training camps or championships. If all of this brings us joy just as much as it did at the beginning, then we know we are doing what we love. Only a true love for Jodo allows us to practice and dedicate ourselves to this martial art for a lifetime. Additionally, I would advise every young practitioner to let go of any frustrations that may come with training. One should not worry about the speed of our development or failures. In Jodo, just like in life, not everything works out the first time, and not everything succeeds immediately. The most beautiful and important things in life require work and dedicated time. The same goes for Jodo; only hard work and dedicated time yield results, and failures and setbacks are part of the path we walk. These failures and setbacks should be transformed into experiences that teach us something new. Sometimes they teach us that we need to dedicate even more time and attention to something. Other times, they simply teach us humility and patience. Even from these failures, we should learn to find joy and treat them as another stage, step, and lesson.

What inspires you in Jodo?
Considering that I am currently approaching only ⅛ of what Jodo offers within the ZNKR framework, one could say that my inspiration is the desire to conquer the remaining ⅞. Despite having practiced Jodo for almost 18 years, this is just the beginning of my journey, and my inspiration is the immense desire to reach its end or at least get close to it. I am still inspired by the opportunity to gain further experiences and achieve new ranks. Additionally, but by no means less significant, is my desire to study koryu. As I mentioned in previous questions, the multitude of kata in Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo and related schools provides a sense of vast opportunities for development and continuous learning. Knowing that I have just begun my adventure with the old school, the driving force for me is the desire to master Jo first, and then the other weapons offered in our line. It is an incredible experience to acquire this knowledge at its source, from a teacher who received it from their teacher, infused it with their character, and now wishes to pass it on. In short, my inspiration remains the same as it was at the very beginning—the desire to understand Jodo, the desire for growth, and the mastery of my body and the weapons that the body should naturally wield, so that I can say, yes, I know a little about Jodo.