Summer camp
Hanshi Peter Polander, 9th Dan Okinawan Kempo
Special Guest: Hanshi Greg Lindquist, 10th Dan
August 2024 - Zakopane, Poland

     From July 31st to August 4th, 2024, the Central Sports Center in Zakopane hosted the Okinawan Kempo Karate summer camp, organized by the International Okinawan Kempo Federation. This exceptional event brought together martial arts enthusiasts who had the opportunity to train under the guidance of distinguished Masters. The lead instructor was Hanshi Peter Polander (9th Dan), a longtime student of the legendary Taika Seiyu Oyata (10th Dan RyuTe).

The event also featured guests from the USA:

• Hanshi Greg Lindquist 10th Dan
• Kyoshi Joseph Krystofik 8th Dan
• Kyoshi Glenn Wuenstel 7th Dan
• Kyoshi Alfredo Miranda 7th Dan
• Renshi Steve "Boshi" Castro 5th Dan.

     The training program covered a wide range of topics, starting with kata forms at both student and advanced levels, such as: Naihanchi, Tomari Seisan, Pinan, Passai, Kusanku, and Niseishi. There were also Kobudo forms, including training with:

• Bo – a wooden staff (180cm)
• Chizikun Bo – two short sticks attached to the middle finger by a cord
• Tan Bo – two short sticks (60cm) used for striking and gripping
• Jo – a shorter staff than Bo (120cm)
• Sai –a steel trident
• Eku (Kai) – a paddle used as a weapon

     Participants also explored bunkai (application) for kata forms, joint lock techniques (Tuite), quick distraction techniques (Atemi), and knockout techniques (Kyusho) presented by Hanshi Piotr "Polander" Ciećwierz. Additionally, there were sessions dedicated to free sparring – Kumite.

     One of the highlights of the camp was the black belt exams, led by Hanshi Peter Polander and Hanshi Greg Lindquist. The exams covered both kata and Kobudo. Certificates were awarded at the end to the newly ranked Dan holders:

• Małgorzata Trębska – 1 Dan
• Artur Pytlak – 1 Dan
• Lena Krizkowa – 1 Dan
• Trevor Wind – 1 Dan
• Marceli Opieczyński – 2 Dan
• Frederic Scholz – 3 Dan
• Kazimierz Mikita – 4 Dan
• Ludwik Orthwein – 6 Dan

     The camp wasn’t limited to intensive training sessions. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Zakopane and its surroundings through trips to Kasprowy Wierch, a rafting adventure on the Dunajec River, and a visit to the Niedzica Castle. Evenings were spent in the "Piekiełko" bar at the COS, where techniques and experiences were discussed, and the farewell took place at the Bąkowa Tavern. Congratulations to all participants, especially those who successfully passed their exams!

See the photo gallery from the training camp:

We invite you to Okinawan Kempo Karate trainings