From June 5–7, 2026, Szczecin became the world capital of Kyokushin karate. It was here that the IKO World So-Kyokushin International Seminar took place, bringing together 180 karateka from 13 countries and three continents, creating a unique space for learning, perfecting techniques, and building international relationships based on Kyokushin values.

The event was organized by the Hussars of Dojo Husarii Szczecin, led by Shihan Radek Ambroziak, who, along with his team, ensured the highest level of organization and created an atmosphere conducive to intensive training and integration for the participants.

The main instructors of the seminar were Shihan Tomoyuki Monma's uchideshi: Ōsumi Shuta Senpai and Suzuki Tōga Senpai. The Japanese instructors imparted knowledge based on years of training experience and direct instruction under the guidance of one of the most distinguished authorities on contemporary So-Kyokushin. Ms. Kawasaki Kimiko also provided invaluable support to the instructors, providing professional translation throughout the seminar and facilitating effective communication between instructors and participants from various countries.

This year's edition brought together representatives from 13 countries: Japan, Canada, England, Italy, Wales, Armenia, Georgia, Hungary, Greece, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland. The presence of athletes and instructors from three continents provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, engage in technical consultations, and collaborate on training methods. The seminar program was designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the body's functioning in combat and effective power generation. Particular attention was paid to issues related to tanden, proper centerline work, economy of movement, proper energy transfer, and the effectiveness of techniques in kumite and kihon. For many participants, it was a valuable opportunity to gain a new perspective on Kyokushin and deepen their understanding of the fundamentals of karate.

Besides the intense training, the seminar was distinguished by its exceptional atmosphere. Joint exercises, conversations between training sessions, and meetings between participants from different countries fostered a sense of unity and community, which has always been the foundation of Kyokushin karate. Regardless of age, rank, or country of origin, all participants gathered on the mat as members of one international So-Kyokushin family.

The traditional culmination of the event was a sayonara party, during which karateka could relax after days of intense training and celebrate the success of the seminar together. The evening unfolded in a wonderful atmosphere, with live music, numerous conversations, and reminiscing about training. Participants partied until dawn, strengthening friendships and contacts that will undoubtedly bear fruit during future international meetings.

The final and most demanding part of the program was the Dan Test, during which candidates had to demonstrate not only a high technical level but also appropriate fitness, character, and fighting spirit. The exam served as a fitting culmination of the seminar and a true test of determination for all participants who took part. The examination committee included Shihan Nodari (Georgia), Shihan Casto (Italy), Shihan Perez (Canada), Shihan Zembrzuski (Poland), Shihan Jonas (Hungary), Shihan Bjorn (Norway), Shihan Luciano (Italy), Shihan Roberto (Italy), Shihan Karen (Armenia), and, of course, the organizer, Shihan Radek (Poland), who jointly decided on the exam results. This makes the karateka who successfully passed the exam extremely proud.

Congratulations, and see you at the next seminar, which will take place from June 4-6, 2027.
Two outstanding Kyokushin instructors are planned to participate:
Shihan Cameron Quinn
Sensei Garry O'Neill
announces another exceptional event that will once again bring together karateka from around the world.

Osu! We would like to thank all the participants, instructors, examiners, and organizers for creating an event that will long be remembered by the entire IKO World So-Kyokushin community. See you on the mat in Szczecin in 2027! OSU!
foto day 1  
foto day 2 
foto day 3

On May 23rd, IKO World So-Kyokushin representatives competed in the 27th edition of the prestigious Józefów Cup Tournament, organized by the Bushi Martial Arts Club. A total of 540 competitors from 46 karate clubs in Poland and Latvia competed, creating an exceptionally strong field of competitive sports. Our representatives won a total of 19 medals, including 3 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze.

It's particularly noteworthy that all age-specific events were held in an all-kick format, with beginner and advanced competitors divided into categories. The bouts were of a very high standard, and our representatives once again demonstrated their character, determination, and fighting spirit.

Team Medals
IKO World So-Kyokushin competitors returned from Józefów with numerous podium finishes.

The Szczecin Hussars won four medals:

🥇 Zuzanna Kusyk – junior kumite -50 kg
🥈 Natalia Fordońska – junior kumite -60 kg
🥈 Katarzyna Muchalska – junior cadet kumite -25 kg
🥉 Leon Robak – cadet kumite -40 kg
Nadia Hałajda also deserves a special mention, finishing in the quarterfinals after an extremely close fight and overtime, losing only by weight.

The athletes from Szczytno also performed very well:

🥇 Natalia Nowak – Junior Advanced Cadets -35 kg
🥇 Jakub Nowak – Junior Cadets +55 kg
🥈 Wiktoria Mulson – Junior Cadets -35 kg
🥈 Emilia Górska – Advanced Cadets -35 kg
🥈 Nikodem Skibiński – Junior Advanced Men +65 kg
🥈 Antoni Burliński – Junior Advanced Men -65 kg
🥉 Kacper Pietrzak – Junior Cadets +55 kg
🥉 Aleksander Gugnacki – Junior Advanced Men -45 kg
🥉 Karol Fiebig – Junior Cadets -40 kg
🥉 Zachar Moszczyński – Junior Advanced Men -35 kg
The KKS Kumite Łódź team finished the tournament with five places in the Podium:

🥈 3 silver medals
🥉 2 bronze medals
The start in Józefów was another important experience for the IKO World So-Kyokushin team and confirmed the high level of training of the athletes. Congratulations to all participants and coaches, and we wish them continued success in future tournaments! 🥋🔥

On May 23–24, 2026, a self-defense training course for women was held, led by Shihan Radek, instructors and uchideshi from the Szczecin Husaria Sports Club, and aikido instructors led by Sensei Kamil Starski. Over two intensive days, participants had the opportunity to acquire knowledge and practical skills that increase awareness and safety in dangerous situations. The training program included:

🔹 lectures on the psychological aspects of threatening situations led by a psychologist,
🔹 lectures on self-defense, exceeding self-defense, and states of emergency led by a lawyer,
🔹 practical exercises on avoiding and de-escalating conflict,
🔹 training in maintaining a safe distance, defending oneself, and counterattacking using vital points,
🔹 practical exercises in leveraging and freeing oneself from holds,
🔹 practical exercises in the use of pepper spray,
🔹 and many other topics aimed at increasing the awareness and safety of our women.

The training covered difficult and challenging topics, but all participants demonstrated enormous commitment, determination, and openness to acquiring new skills.

At the end, our women received a commemorative certificate confirming their completion of the training, a nice gift 🎁, and pepper spray for self-defense – so they never need it again.

On May 24, 2026, Husaria Szczecin Dojo's instructor Senpai Olek Ambroziak, who has been implementing the uchideshi program under the supervision of Hanshi Daigo Ohishi since last year, participated in the All Japan Kumite Championships. Senpai Olek fought three bouts, demonstrating a very high level of training and a tremendous fighting spirit, resulting in him being the only non-Japanese among the top 16 competitors at the championships.

Summing up our representative's performance, Hanshi said he was very happy to see how much progress our Olek Senpai had made in his karate career. Senpai Olek - HUGE CONGRATULATIONS! We are proud.

Senpai Naoto Kusakabe, a friend of our dojo, won the Japanese Championship for the second consecutive year. He will be a guest at Husaria Szczecin during our dojo's summer camp in July. Second place went to Senpai Ōsumi Shuta, who will be leading the next International So-Kyokushin Seminar in Szczecin in two weeks. (180 competitors from 12 countries have signed up.)

We are extremely happy and proud of Senpai Olek's attitude and the fact that we can learn Kyokushin karate from the best.

On April 16, 2026, the Szczecin HUSARIA Dojo hosted a unique seminar with Sensei Grzegorz Kędzierski – a decorated competitor, multiple medalist in national and international competitions, and a fantastic karateka.

His extensive tournament experience and practical and wise approach to fighting allowed us to look at kumite from a completely different perspective and gain very specific tips from the training sessions.

During the day, participants focused on intensive kumite training, during which we honed our technique breaks and reaction speed.

The first keiko aimed to "wake up" the body – we began with a dynamic warm-up with plenty of rolls, which then smoothly transitioned into techniques used in combat.

The second keiko built on the work they had already acquired. The Hussars focused on techniques on the pads, where immediate response to commands was crucial. This directly translated into the fights, which were similar to real-life competitions. The competitors demonstrated great commitment and good adaptation to the training objectives – quicker decisions, greater dynamics, and more effective adaptation to their opponent's pace were evident in the bouts. More courage emerged in initiating actions, but also better control of distance and reactions, which translated into a more conscious and "competition-like" kumite.

The third keiko focused on the technical aspects of kumite. The hussars worked on individual techniques and combinations, paying close attention to precision, timing, and the correct execution of each technique. This was a time to organize knowledge from previous training and refine the details that often determine effectiveness in a fight.

It was a truly valuable day – full of knowledge, practical tips, and inspiration for further work. Each training session brought something different, and the whole created a coherent picture of how to develop your kumite consciously and effectively.
Osu!

On April 25, 2026, Opole became the venue for one of the most important events in the Polish national contact karate calendar. Over 600 fighters representing 88 dojos from across Poland, represented all fullcontact karate styles competed in the Polish Championships.

The tournament attracted the most experienced karatekas from across the country. The competition featured two main disciplines – kata and kumite, providing spectators with thrilling performances and spectacular bouts.

The high level of sportsmanship and the immense commitment of the participants confirmed the dynamic development of contact karate in Poland. The IKO World So-Kyokushin team deserves special mention, with an outstanding performance, winning a total of 36 medals, including:

🥇 11 gold medals
🥈 12 silver medals
🥉 13 bronze medals

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the fighters representing Husaria Szczecin Dojo, led by Shihan Radek Ambroziak, scored a number of points that placed this dojo in second place among all 88 dojos taking part in the competition.

IKO World So-Kyokushin results:

* Matylda Kosmalska - 1st place kata (Hussars Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Jakub Bródka - 1st place kata (Hussars Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Mikołaj Dźwigał - 1st place kata (Hussars Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Aleksander Białek - 1st place kata (Hussars Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Natalia Fordońska - 1st place kumite (Hussars Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Wojciech Kucharczyk - 1st place kumite (Hussars Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Glib Shevchenko – 1st place kumite (YAMA Opole - Sensei Konrad DOjo)
* Martyna Wiśniewska – 1st place, kumite U18 (Szczytno - Shihan Piotr Dojo)
* Norbert Szurgot – 1st place, kata (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Krzysztof Szydłowski – 1st place, kata; (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Bohdana Honcharenko – 1st place, kumite (UKS Moryń - Sensei Piotr Dojo)

* Julian Wawer – 2nd place, kata (Husaria Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Patryk Kurłowicz – 2nd place, kata (Husaria Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Igor Białek – 2nd place, kata (Husaria Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Darian Krajewski – 2nd place, kumite U-22 (Shodan Chojna - Sensei Tomek Dojo)
* Zuzanna Ochota – 2nd place, kata (YAMA Opole - Sensei Konrad DOjo)
* Aleks Dragun – 2nd place, kumite U18 (Szczytno - Shihan Piotr Dojo)
* Emilia Górska – 2nd place, kumite U12 (Szczytno - Shihan Piotr Dojo)
* Natan Marut – 2nd place kata (Yukan Koszalin - Sensei Janusz DOjo)
* Laura Markowska – 2nd place kata (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Krzysztof Szydłowski – 2nd place kumite (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Mark Sokal – 2nd place kumite (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Paweł Falko – 2nd place kata (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)

* Wojciech Kucharczyk – 3rd place kata (Husaria Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Martyna Ochocka – 3rd place kata (Shodan Chojna - Sensei Tomek Dojo)
* Zuzanna Ochota – 3rd place kumite (YAMA Opole - Sensei Konrad DOjo)
* Kamil Malesa – 3rd place Kumite (YAMA Opole - Sensei Konrad DOjo)
* Tymoteusz Froelich – 3rd place, Kumite (YAMA Opole - Sensei Konrad DOjo)
* Robert Pławski – 3rd place, Kata (YAMA Opole - Sensei Konrad DOjo)
* Martyna Wiśniewska – 3rd place, Kata U18 (Szczytno - Shihan Piotr Dojo)
* Natan Marut – 3rd place, Kumite (Yukan Koszalin - Sensei Janusz DOjo)
* Bartłomiej Wielosz – 3rd place, Kata; (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Bartłomiej Wielosz – 3rd place, Kumite (Buntai Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Pola Sottek – 3rd place, Kata (Buntami Kołobrzeg - Sensei Paweł Dojo)
* Alicja Misztal – 3rd place, Kata (UKS Moryń - Sensei Piotr Dojo)
* Bohdana Honcharenko – 3rd place, kata (UKS Moryń - Sensei Piotr Dojo)

* Wiktor Hadała – 4th place, kata (Husaria Szczecin - Shihan Radek Dojo)
* Leon Hadała – 4th place, kata (UKS Moryń - Sensei Piotr Dojo)

The Polish Championships in Opole were not only an opportunity for top-level competition, but also an important event that brought the contact karate community together.

The high level of athleticism of the competitors ensured the tournament was a thrilling experience for both participants and fans.

The success of the IKO World So-Kyokushin team confirms its strong position on the national karate scene and bodes well for future competitions, including international competitions.

This was the final test run to select the IKO World So-Kyokushin team to participate in the European Championships, which will take place in the Netherlands in October. We're keeping our fingers crossed for our team!!! OSU!!!

Senpai Olek Ambroziak – uchideshi (personal student) of Hanshi Daigo Ohishi and instructor of the Husaria Szczecin Dojo – participated in some of the most prestigious and demanding competitions in the Kyokushin world on April 18–19, 2026: the All Japan Kata Championships and the East Japan Kumite Championships. Competing in such a highly competitive tournament is a huge challenge – the best of the best meet on the mat, and each bout and each performance require the highest level of preparation, concentration, and fighting spirit.

In the kata competition, after outstanding and extremely precise demonstrations of his skills, Olek demonstrated a high level of technical skill, determination, and a complete understanding of the spirit of Kyokushin forms. This earned him a place among the top 16 competitors in the tournament – ​​a remarkable achievement in the Japanese arena. This is the result of hard work, years of training, and consistent adherence to the Kyokushin Way. Congratulations!

In the kumite semifinals, after a very close and exciting match, he was forced to concede the superiority of Shihan Monma's uchideshi – the current World Vice-Champion, Senpai Osumi Shuta. Facing a fighter of this caliber is not only a great challenge but also invaluable experience, which will pay dividends in his further development.

It's worth noting that Senpai Osumi Shuta will arrive in Szczecin in June at Shihan Radek's invitation and will be one of the instructors at the International Seminar. Over 180 karateka from 11 countries will participate in this event, promising a unique opportunity to learn and exchange experiences at the highest level.

For Olek, this was an incredibly valuable start – both athletically and mentally. The experience he gained, the confrontation with the world's best, and the opportunity to compete in Japan constitute another important step on his karate journey. We're not slowing down – next month marks the next start: the Japanese Kumite Championships. We're keeping our fingers crossed and eagerly awaiting his next performances! We are immensely proud of your Kyokushin journey, Senpai Olku. OSU!

On March 28, 2026, the Western District Fullcontact Karate Championships were held in Koszalin, with a total of 176 fighters from 14 dojos and five fullcontact karate organizations participating, including a large representation of the IKO World So-Kyokushin. As a result, the fighters from Dojo Husaria Szczecin (So-Kyokushin), run by Radek Shihan won the team classification, ahead of the teams from Dojo Buntai Kołobrzeg (So-Kyokushin) and Dojo Inowrocław (Kyokushin-Kan). The Championships were organized by Dojo Yukan Koszalin, under the leadership of Sensei Janusz Spałka, to whom we extend our sincere thanks for the efficient organization and execution of the Championships.
Tournament starts are an important element of training, but their significance extends far beyond the results themselves. Each time they step onto the mat, they confront their own weaknesses, learn to cope with stress, build courage and self-confidence, and develop discipline and respect for their opponents. These are the very elements that form the foundation of karate and shape young people not only as athletes but, above all, as strong personalities.
However, behind this success lie hundreds of hours of training, repetitive techniques, and work on their fitness and mentality. Each medal is a symbol of this journey—often difficult and demanding, but incredibly valuable. In karate, podium finishes are not the only thing that counts. Equally important are the attitudes of the competitors, who didn't win medals this time, but showed tremendous determination, fighting spirit, and character. They are the ones who remind us that true victory begins where comfort ends—at the moment of fatigue, stress, and self-defense. The team's success is the result of the collaborative work of many people: Shihan, Sensei, and Senpai, who lead and inspire; older competitors who support the younger ones and share their experience; referees who ensure the safe conduct of the fights; and parents and guardians, whose support is invaluable. Karate teaches that although a competitor is alone on the mat, the entire team is behind them.
This is just the beginning of the season. The competitors face new challenges that will provide opportunities for further development and gaining experience, including the Polish Championships. The journey continues. Karate isn't a one-time success, but a process. It's daily work, overcoming one's limitations, and striving to be better—not only on the mat but also off it. Our representatives have shown they are on the right path. Osu!

On March 14, 2026, the Husaria Szczecin Dojo hosted a unique seminar on kumite, led by Sensei Konrad Kozubowski from the YAMA Dojo, Opole. It was an exceptionally valuable keiko event, during which participants had the opportunity to train under the guidance of an experienced instructor and explore fighting from a variety of technical and mental perspectives.

The seminar attracted many karateka eager for knowledge and development. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was full of energy, focus, and sporting spirit. Three intensive keiko sessions were held throughout the day, each dedicated to a different approach to fighting. Sensei Konrad presented the concept of three fighting styles – Fire, Water, and Earth – which represent different strategies for conducting kumite. This allowed participants not only to practice specific techniques but also to understand the philosophy behind different fighting methods.

Fire Style – Pressure and Initiative

The first keiko was dedicated to Fire Style, which symbolizes aggression, dynamism, and the constant exertion of pressure on the opponent. During this keiko, the participants' primary task was to take the initiative in combat and dictate their own pace.

The exercises focused on dynamic approaches to distance, quick offensive actions, and the smooth integration of techniques into combinations. Sensei Konrad placed particular emphasis on continuity of attack, decisiveness, and the courage to take the initiative. Karateka learned to maintain pressure on their opponent and not allow them to develop their own actions freely.

Fire Style requires great energy, determination, and a strong mentality. The keiko demonstrated the importance of controlling the pace of combat and the ability to react quickly and capitalize on emerging attack opportunities.

Water Style – Movement, Distance, and Adaptation

The second keiko introduced a completely different approach to combat – Water Style. Unlike the aggressive Fire strategy, the emphasis here was on fluid movement, working from a distance, and intelligent use of timing.

During keiko, participants practiced continuous movement, evasions, position changes, and controlling the space between fighters. Sensei Konrad emphasized the importance of cunning, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to the opponent's style.

Karateka learned to change the rhythm of the fight, deceive their opponent, and look for moments to effectively respond with a counterattack or a quick attack.

This training primarily developed fluidity of movement, distance awareness, and the ability to adapt to dynamically changing combat situations.

Earth Style – Stability and Composure

The third keiko was dedicated to Earth Style, which symbolizes stability, patience, and inner peace. A solid stance, a strong foundation, and the ability to wait for the right moment to act play key roles in this approach.

During keiko, participants worked on a stable stance, center of gravity control, and effective counterattacks. Sensei Konrad emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm mind even in intense combat situations.

The karateka practiced patience and composure – instead of reacting immediately, they learned to observe their opponent, analyze their movements, and only then capitalize on their mistakes. Earth Style demonstrated that not only speed and strength are crucial in kumite, but also the ability to control emotions and strategic thinking.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants had the opportunity to summarize all three fighting styles. We compared their advantages, limitations, and the situations in which they can be most effective. This allowed each participant to better understand the diversity of kumite approaches and the importance of combining different strategies depending on the opponent and the situation.

The conclusions from the seminar will undoubtedly be applied in daily keiko, helping participants develop both their technical skills and tactical awareness during combat.

The seminar was not only an opportunity for intensive training but also for meeting and integrating the karate community. We are extremely pleased that members of Dojo Buntai Kołobrzeg, led by Sensei Paweł Falko, also participated in the event. Training together, sharing experiences, and getting to know each other on the mat created a unique atmosphere of true dojo spirit.

We sincerely thank Sensei Konrad Kozubowski for the excellently conducted classes, the wealth of knowledge he imparted, and the inspiration for further personal development. We also extend our thanks to Sensei Paweł Falko and all the members of his dojo for coming and spending time training together.

It was a day full of intense work, inspiration, and karate spirit, which will long remain in our hearts. OSU!