Over two days, 17-18 May 2025, we witnessed an exceptional training opportunity under the guidance of Sensei Avi Rokah, 8th Dan from the United States. The seminar, organized by the Kraków Traditional Karate Club, attracted over 200 karatekas representing ten countries: Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Ukraine, Great Britain, Moldova, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Uruguay.
Our Federation was represented by Andrzej Czyrka, Mario Kalli, and Валентина Коровина (Valya Korowina)
For two days, we had the privilege of learning from a direct student of Master Hidetaka Nishiyama — Sensei Avi trained under his watchful eye for 27 years! Sensei Avi’s visits to Poland consistently generate tremendous interest, and it remains a profound honor for us to train and develop under the instruction of one of the world’s finest karate masters.
Notable participants included PZKT President Sensei Krzysztof Neugebauer; Sensei Maciej Grubski, the first World Champion in enbu alongside Mariusz Lewandowski; Maciej Benderski, President of the Polish Committee of Non-Olympic Sports; and Anatol Kałasznikow, President of the European School Sports Federation.
The seminar also featured a productive WTKF board meeting with President Sensei Avi Rokah, Secretary General Larisa Savchenko, and other board members. This fruitful gathering will undoubtedly yield positive outcomes in the future.
Sensei Avi — thank you deeply for these two days of training, for sharing your invaluable knowledge and positive energy. We eagerly look forward to your next visit!
At the end of the seminar, Sensei Mario passed his 5th Dan grading – a remarkable achievement that demonstrates his unwavering devotion and years of committed dedication to Traditional Karate. His high level of technique, understanding, and character exemplifies the true spirit of a master practitioner – congratulations!
Photos from the seminar (courtesy of Krakowski Klub Karate Tradycyjnego):
Part1
Part2