Takao Momiyama

When were you born and where are you from?
Tochigi, Japan 1951-10-05.

Where and when did you start practising jodo?
Stockholm, Sweden 1983.

How did you begin teaching Jodo in Poland?
I met the Polish Jodo team in  Brighton, England more than 10 years ago. I have no memory of when.
[Sensei started teaching Jodo in Poland in March 2009, during the Polish Jodo Championships in Katowice.]

What are the main differences and similarities between jodokas in Poland and your home country?
Just because I started Jodo in Sweden as other european jodoka, my point of view maybe as any of other polish jodoka. Similarities are so many, people practise Jodo as other budo art. The Difference is Polish Jodoka practises more Jodo and several weapon training than most Japanese jodoka.

What are your favourite and the most challenging aspects of Jodo?
You have to practise both sides of your body.

What are your memories and experiences from your visits to Poland? Do you have any anecdotes that you like to share?
Not with Jodo or Iaido people, but I still well remember the Vodka party after kendo Keiko.

What still motivates you in Jodo?
Variation of technique and weapons to make me more flexible for everyday life.