Date: June 12-13th, 2026
Place: Tarnów, Poland
Organizer: TKS Kyokushin Karate Tarnów, led by Wojciech Hajduk, in cooperation with Branch Chief Wojciech Radziewicz
Summary of karate seminar in Poland with Shihan Shinichi Sotodate
On 12–13th of June 2026 a Karate Seminar led by Shihan Shinichi Sotodate (7th Dan) was held in Tarnów, Poland. The event was organized to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the TKS Karate Tarnów and the 10th anniversary of the passing of Shihan Wiesław Gwizd, a pioneer of karate in the Tarnów region, mentor to generations of instructors and competitors, and founder of one of the strongest karate centers in southern Poland.
The seminar was organized by the TKS “Kyokushin Karate” Tarnów under the leadership of Sensei Wojciech Hajduk, in close cooperation with Branch Chief Shihan Wojciech Radziewicz.
The seminar commenced on Friday, 12th of June with two training sessions. The first was dedicated to the youngest karate practitioners, while the second was conducted for youth and adult members representing TKS “Kyokushin Karate” Tarnów, as well as affiliated dojo from Wojnicz and Gromnik. A total of 130 children and nearly 150 junior and senior karateka participated in the training sessions. The classes provided an excellent opportunity to refine fundamental techniques and to learn directly from one of the most respected instructors within the global Shinkyokushin community.
The main part of the seminar took place on Saturday at Arena Jaskółka, a venue well known to the karate community as the host of the European Karate Championships four years earlier. The program featured two extensive training sessions during which Shihan Shinichi Sotodate shared his knowledge and experience in kihon, ido geiko, kata, and kumite. The high technical standard of instruction, the precision of the teachings, and the exceptional atmosphere were highly appreciated by all participants.
One of the most significant and visually impressive highlights of the anniversary celebrations was a march of nearly 300 karateka through the streets of Tarnów’s Old Town, followed by a public karate demonstration in the Main Market Square. The event attracted considerable interest from local residents and visitors. The Mayor of Tarnów Mr. Jakub Kwaśny honoured the occasion with his presence, congratulating the organizers on the club’s anniversary and taking the opportunity to meet and speak with Shihan Shinichi Sotodate.
Among the distinguished guests were Shihan Remigiusz Karpiński, Vice President of the World Karate Organization and President of the Polish Shinkyokushinkai Karate Federation, as well as Shihan Tomasz Kęćko, Vice President of the Polish Shinkyokushinkai Karate Federation.
The celebrations concluded with a Anniversary Banquet, during which commemorative awards, certificates of appreciation, and distinctions were presented to invited guests, long-serving officials, instructors, and former and current athletes who have contributed to the development and success of Tarnów karate over the past four decades.
The seminar was not only an outstanding educational event but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds within the karate community, share memories, and reaffirm the values that have long formed the foundation of Kyokushin Karate. Two days of intensive training, meetings, and anniversary celebrations provided participants with inspiration and motivation for their continued development on the path of karate.
The 40th Anniversary of TKS Kyokushin Karate Tarnów demonstrated the strength of the local karate community, its commitment to tradition, and its determination to continue building the future of karate for generations to come.
Osu!
