View Chi Ryu Aiki-jitsu & Okinawa Kobudo Affiliated Clubs in a larger map

You’ll find the above map also at Chi-ryu.pl and the official Federation Geido-Tao-Chi-Kihon website.

Aby zgłosić się na obóz trzeba wpłacić zaliczkę w wysokości 250zł w nieprzekraczalnym terminie do 30 marca 2011. Nie zaśpijcie!

O szczegóły możecie zapytać mnie (osobiście lub przez formularz kontaktowy), sensei Przemka lub dowolnego z instruktorów.

Place: Dźwirzyno, BisPol holiday center.

Date: 4-13.08.2010

Main guest and instructor: Shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice (present 9-13.08)

Other instructors: sensei Przemysław Wiśniewski, sensei Rafał Tokarczyk

Price: 1150 zł

Advance: 300 zł until 30.04.2010 (CAUTION! Don’t miss!)

For more information you may ask me, go to Chi-Ryu.pl, SWPW, or contact the organizator directly: Di-Dan.de

If you’re hesitating, see this.

• August 2009 – summer camp(!!!) – it was great, 1000 words could not describe all the impressions, check this note, pics and video (!), which are on…
• the new Official Site of Polish Chi Ryu Instructors launched after the summer camp
• speaking of, after the summer camp another website has been started: Dojo Haragei of sensei Krzysztof Miśkiewicz, where you can also buy Kobudo training weapons
• but wait, there is more – a new layout was introduced to websites of Honshitsu from sensei Rafał Tokarczyk, SWPW from sensei Przemysław Wiśniewski, Hangaku from sensei Piotr Michalak, and recently refreshed in design the Official website of Shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice!
• September 2009 – Chi Ryu Aiki-jitsu and Okinawa Kobudo seminar in Zabrze, my review, photos and a short video are here
• October 2009 – Chi Ryu and Okinawa Kobudo seminar in Świebodzin, after which you may see a handful of my thoughts and photos
• Janurary 2010 – Oświęcim – Chi Ryu and Okinawa Kobudo seminar in SWPW Dojo, my story as participant, sensei Przemek’s story as main instruktor
• February 2010 – Oświęcim bis, this time especially for Chi Ryu Dojo from Poznań – as above there are two (different!) accounts of it: mine and the leading instructor’s

Of course these are only the seminars I participated in. I encourage you to see through the archives of linked sites. You’ll find lots of notes and photos from other meetings I could not go to, e.g. a great story from Jerzy about the seminar in Pressbaum. I also recommend you to keep looking at Shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice’s blog, it’s updated very often with short notes and photos from seminars with Shihan in Hombu Dojo and away.

This year’s calendar looks really interesting, I’ll try not to spare kilobytes about the next voyages.

Last week for the second time in my life I had the honor and pleasure to participate in Chi Ryu Aiki Jitsu and Okinawa Kobudo seminar with shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice at his dojo – the Chi Ryu Hombu Dojo. Although I’m back at home my thoughts and heart are still in Belgium. It is impossible to share all the things that come with such a journey but in few next lines I’ll try to do my best .

First the crew. This year we went in a group of 5: sensei Przemysław Wiśniewski from Oświęcim, sensei Rafał Tokarczyk from Nowy Targ/Zakopane, sensei Artur Czelny from Zabór, sensei Paweł Urbańczyk from Zabrze and myself representing both Zabór and Poznań.

The travel to Hechtel has been quite long – it took us 12 hours from Zabór after senseis Rafał, Przemek and Paweł joined us (sensei Rafał spent in the car about 22 hours…). Lots of pit stops and huge traffic jams did their part. Never the less we started monday trainings with full enthusiasm, and it just kept growing

The plan for the first three days was two trainings with shihan Jhonny a day -one Chi Ryu Aiki Jitsu and one Okinawa Kobudo plus time we spent practicing alone between and after the trainings. We worked on an idividual basis. Sensei Rafał and sensei Przemek had their last preparations before 2nd dan in Chi Ryu Aiki Jitsu examination and also as sensei Paweł worked on 2nd dan Okinawa Kobudo program. Sensei Artur and I both focused on 3rd kyu Chi Ryu program and Okinawa Kobudo Hojo Undo details.

The evenigs were our time to relax and discuss Chi Ryu school history and future development opportunities -it was very nice that shihan Jhonny joined us twice and we could listen to many of his stories . Being off the tatami we also managed to have a pleasent walks around Hechtel and visit shihan’s mother – mrs. Maria who is a one-of-a-kind person. It’s worth mentioning we had lots of fun thanks to Paweł and his mini-video productions

Wednesday started with sensei Rafał and Przemek’s exam for 2nd Dan Chi Ryu Aiki Jitsu (they did not realize it is the exam untill it was over!). Yet they passed which made shihan and all of us very proud and fond of them. A very very big congratulations Sensei! We had the second traning together with a group of Germans who visit Shihan’s dojo on a regular basis. We warmed up with jo and bokuto to go to Chi Ryu techniques and than finished with Kobudo.

Second part of our stay in Belgium was the international Chi Ryu instructors seminar. Masters and uke came from Germany, Denmark and even Hungary. After we said hello and have disscused the plan we started trainings. On the first training we focused on the detials of Chi Ryu Suwari Waza kata. In the afternoon we were happy to see sensei Józef Góra arrive with his uke – Staszek to join the seminar. Sensei Józef was the first person to bring Chi Ryu and invite shihan Jhonny to Poland over 15 years ago. Second training that day was devoted to hanbo and techniques of 2nd kyu Chi Ryu. A lot of hard work with shihan Jhonny made the dojo shake .

In the evening we had a lacture by shihan Andreas Baron about Goshin Jitsu form he worked on for the last few years and which also has been his last Chi Ryu examination core. He described his vision and what has been his goal as long as the principles that he’d put into each technique of the kata. And all that was just a taste of what we’d be seeing the next day…

Both Friday trainings were led by shihan Andreas and focused on Goshin Jitsu practise. We didn’t have enough time to go through all the techniques so we focused at tanto and hanbo dori kata. As usual we didn’t even notice the time as it went away and the trainings ended to our sadness. But there was something to really sweeten it up. Shihan Jhonny and shihan Andreas together gave the 2nd Dan Chi Ryu certificates to sensei Rafał and sensei Przemek Happy as we were we got an additional bonus of extra Kobudo hour in the evening by sensei Dirk Mazet – super-fast Hojo Undos of Bo, Sai and Tunqua were followed by Nunchaku basics and Nunchaku Kata.

Friday evening had one more great attraction – a grill party! Prepared by sensei Dirk and his wife Carola we had and awfull lot of delicious food combined with nice celebration of the two new second dans in Chi Ryu. It was a really nice integrational party too

In the Saturday morning we said our goodbyes and left the dojo. The instructors course lasted till Sunday morning but due to our duties and since we had that much of kilometers ahead we had to leave earlier. There’s a lot of that cannot be said or showed in the photos that will stay in my head and heart for a long time (hopefully forever) I can’t wait untill the next Hombu Dojo seminar. Luckily I’ll have chance to train Chi Ryu with shihan Jhonny this year on the summer camp in August, and then in October in Zabór! BTW, you have that chance too! Stay tuned for details @ www.piotrstepniak.com

For more photos from the seminar see the galleries: on this site and SWPW gallery.

The seminar has been divided into several parts. First there was a training at dojo of sensei Eliasz Madej in Zielona Góra. Next to the big group of karateka in the training also participated members of local Ju-jitsu clubs. We practised the basics of bo (long staff) from Okinawa Kobudo – Hojo Undo Dai Ichi. All the adepts had the opportunity to try the techniques in the form of bunkai, and in the final part of the training, interpreted into self-defense using jo (short staff).

On Saturday morning there was a training for children and youth from Michi Dojo in Zabór, after which an examination session for kyu grades in Ju-jitsu was held (Congratulations! ). in the afternoon we got back to solid work on Kobudo. This time we practised all three Hojo Undo with bo, followed by bunkai first bo kata – Sushi-no kon. In the second part of the training we also had a look on Hojo Undo Dai Ichi with tunkua (tonfa) to finally use it in sample self-defense applications.

Sunday was devoted to Chi Ryu Aiki-jitsu. The dedication of participants remained untouched and both local and guests had a chance to learn Chi Ryu Bunkai and few other forms from the School’s core. Opposed to the number of techniques the emphase was given to its details and precision. Of course we wouldn’t go without a straight interpretations of practised forms in self-defense. After exhausting training there was also a bit time to take a photo and talk.

The seminar had a pleasent atmosphere of work, from general to detailed knowledge. We also had some fun and relaxed a bit after the trainings . Because we also had regular guests from Zielona Góra and Świebodzin I also had a chance to catch up with few friends In spite of hard and intense work the spirit and dedication kept strong, thanks to which the trainings were even more pleasent. At this place a big thanks are in order to both sensei Przemysław and Krzysztof for comming and giving their best for us and to sensei Artur Czelny for as usuall perfect organisation of the event. I also thank all fellow participants I got back packed with knowledge and great motivation to go deeper and deeper into Chi Ryu Aiki-jitsu and Kobudo.

Photos from the event are available in here and in SWPW photo gallery.

Friday, 23:56. I’m running out from home with bag and weapons into parking, almost late as usual…

Saturday, 0:30. We’re moving out from Sensei Artur’s home in Zabór. There is many hours of driving ahead of us. Excitement mixes with unwilingness for over-night driving. In my mind there are memories of the journey to Oświęcim in the year 2000 for European Martial Arts Course (EMAC) when we had also driven through the night with Artur. Back then it was our second seminar with Shihan Jhonn Bernaschewice, the founder of Chi Ryu, and we were just getting to know him. This time we and our travel mates Łukasz and Michał all new exactly what to expect in our destination. Or did we…

3:43. I used hand drier in man’s room at one of highway’s stops and accidentaly woke up the man “keeping eye” on everything there. He told us several bizzare stories while we were having coffee and sandwiches. We fleed the scene quite fast…

4:35. Sleepingness crisis is over, partialy thanks to energy drink, and partialy thanks to cold air at the fuel station. Łukasz and Michałem are resting bravely on the back seats, ready to take our places any minute in case there is such need. The music disc is getting boring and the radio is poor.

6:23. Oświęcim. We joined Sensei Przemek’s group. There are a lot of faces we know and like here, for example Krzysiek, Żaneta, Patrycja, Marek and others. We’re awaiting for one sleeper…

9:56. Zakopane: arrival at destination. We skipped Zakopianka highway for a side way which was supposed to be faster. Well, it has been more interesting … Luckily there is a 30-minute slip in the schedule so we’re right on time.

10:30. The ceremonial welcome and we start the first training. There are lots of people bonded with Chi Ryu over the years across black belts. There are also some new faces. This is similar in the kyu group. The same passion and respect for the same man unites everyone. HE is about to start our training…

Since that moment the time began to flow in a different way, or rather stopped. Shihan was demonstrating the the techniques, explained, corrected our errors; we practised. As it was said the techniques were focused around 3rd and 2nd kyu. Shihan Jhonny Bernaschewice as usual not only demonstrated us the basics of “work” with knife and hanbo but also explained the purpose of each move which builds the extraordinary coherence and logic of the Chi Ryu school. There were also a lot if details which are the essence of the forms. The training ended with inspiring and developing combinations. I did not notice when the 2,5h passed and left the mate with regret it is over.

During the break I was suprised and got an honor to take part in a lunch with Shihan and Chi Ryu instructors. Great meal of local specials was only overrated by the magnificent company and talks, including Shihan’s stories. Many thanks for the invitation

The second Saturday training was devoted to Kobudo. Naturally we started with basics of Bo to move fluently to part of Syushi-no kun kata and the first bunkai. The instructors has also had the oportunity to practice the whole Syushi-no kun and Chu-no kun. Next we took nunchaku and tunkwa in our hands. Shihan Jhonny emphasized contol, contact and the correctness of strikes showing us different aspects of using these two weapons. The whole training was completed by bunkai bo-tunkwa and combinations with nunchaku plus, for the instructors, nunchaku kata. After the training Shihan demonstrated few relaxation techniques which everyon could try with their partner, and which proved to be very useful Tired but satisfied we left ahead our rooms. Our walk was brightened by fireworks after the Zakopower concert which took place across the street from our dojo (the organizator sensei Rafał did his best ).

However it was not the end of atractions for this evening. After 8 p.m. we gathered in reserved highlanders’ restaurant to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Chi Ryu in Poland additionaly with cake a party with beer and oscypek (local cheese), hey!(local saying) Great atmosphere accomplying this meeting and chats one more time proved that Chi Ryu binds people not only on the mate but also with a frendships that stretches far behind dojo borders.

Sunday morning, fresh and even well slept we started the Iaido training which was followed by Jo jutsu. We focused on basics, not only the technical ones but also philosophical bases of practicisng each of the aforementioned arts. Shihan explained the meaning of iai, do, and jutsu, including examples. Something for deeper consideration at home.

After the training there was the time to sum up and thank Shiahan Jhonny Bernaschewice for the years spent together and his investment in the development of the School in Poland. A very nice accent to the ceremony was the participation of masters who first brought Shihan to Poland 15 years ago and many other people who put a lot into development of Chi Ryu in Poland. They also received loads of thans and applause. The Shihan Jhonny himself expressed joy and thanks for the warm he is always welcomed with here and for our will and enthusiasm to work with him on tatami for long exhausting hours anytime We felt great regret that this special seminar is over. There is nothing more than to wish Chi Ryu adepts in Poland many more such fantastic and even more round anniversaries and constant development which after all is one of founds of Chi Ryu.

The seminar was organised with a kick, class and on the high level which leaves me to one more time thank the roganizator – Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Sensei Rafał. And let this kind of seminars take place as often as possible. Impression left in me by sunny, full of fresh mountain air and sights Zakopane is still alive. Road back home was quite pleasent. I got home in 7,5h. A journey worth each and every kilometer. I’ll come back here for sure

See some photos from the seminar in the gallery of Oświęcim Dojo.

… braw, ale z pewną satysfakcją pochwalę się, że moja strona dostała PageRank 3/10 od Wujka Googla. Jak na prywatny projekt to już coś. W sam raz na zachętę i motywacje do dalszego działania. Dziękuję wszystkim za linkowanie i odwiedziny, bo ten wynik jest w dużej mierze Waszą zasługą

… minęły wakacje. Na szczęście bicie zaczęło się już od września w Shin Dojo, a od pojutrze pracujemy również z bokkenem Do tego za 2 tygodnie i 2 dni szykuje się staż z Shihanem Jhonnym Bernaschewice w Zakopanem a niecały miesiąc potem z Shihanem Christianem Tissier w Poznaniu -będzie się działo!

Pozdrowienia dla rozpoczynających nowy rok akademicki!

Program seminarium przedstawia się interesująco:

18.X.2008 sobota
I trening 10:00-13:00 (program 3 i 2 kyu Chi-Ryu Aiki-Jitsu: tanto i hanbo)
13:00-16:00 przerwa
II trening 16:00-19:00 (program Okinawa Kobudo: Bo, Tonfy, Nunchaku)
ok. 20:30 spotkanie integracyjne przy piwie i oscypku w karczmie Kolibecka

19.X.2008 niedziela
trening 10:00-12:00 (program Iaido i Jo Jutsu szkoły Chi Ryu)
12:00 zakończenie seminarium, rozdanie certyfikatów oraz czas na pamiątkowe zdjęcia

Koszt udziału w seminarium to 120zł (zawiera ubezp. NNW)

Organizatorem stażu jest Honshitsu – Podhalańska Grupa Chi Ryu Aiki Jutsu.

Kontakt: sensei Rafał Tokarczyk (e-mail: nt_rafal[na]wp.pl, tel.: 0 504 238 715).

Ze swojej strony serdecznie polecam i zapraszam. Do zobaczenia na macie!

Dokładam 2 prezentacje technik praktykowanych w szkole Chi-Ryu.

Chi-Ryu Aiki-Jitsu:

Okinawa Kobudo:

Filmiki przygotowali adepci Chi-Ryu z Shisei Dojo z Brzeszcz.

The travel to Belgium although long was quite nice and even comfortable considering the amount of equipment and luggadge we had. We arrived late in the evening. After short but warm welcome from Shihan we set up at the dojo and having eaten supper went to sleep. The morning was cold and we got up fresh and ready for training…

We worked according to scheme of 2 trainings with Shihan a day, and one additional in the evening to memorize techniques. On Monday Shihan started with Chi-Ryu kihon kumite explaining not only the movement but also principals of kihon kumite practise. Then we moved on to jodo basics and kumi jo. On kobudo trainings we took off with bo and sai hojo undo‘s to go to Syushi-no Kun Kata bunkai.

On Wednesday we had our 2nd training with a group of German and Dutch collegues. It was nice and interesting experience. On that training we’ve learnt the whole ‘drawing’ of 5th bo kata – Shishi-no Kun. Morning on the other hand was devoted to Nage-no kata and ne-waza.

During those 5 days we also practiced some ken-jutsu, Shinto Kata, Chi-Ryu Aiki-jitsu (of course!) and more… There is no way to describe it all. Lots of details, explanations of the forms and correction of the errors all together made a precious gift from Shihan. But wait, there was even more! Yes, Shihan did not stop on a strict techniques trainings. While explaining key points of some of them or simply answering our questions he tried to give us a deep insight into Chi-Ryu, so he has also spent a lot of time giving us some basic lectures of acupuncture and even Japanese language which for me was both surprising and very fascinating.

Unseparable part of the seminar was also the time spent off the tatami so I have the pleasure of duty to report it as well . We had the honor to be guests in Shihan’s house one evening to spent it hearing his stories from travels to Okinawa and other. It was great! We also visited Mrs. Maria, Shihan’s mom, who is a truly likable and very nice woman. Just to add we’ve even found some time to watch several movies in our private dojo-cinema (Sensei Przemek’s laptop ), which usually accomplished evening relax.

To sum up, it was really nice to see Shihan in such a good health and as usual in great shape. The amount of knowledge he’s spilled into our heads was amazing and the great time spent together in Hechtel made this seminar unique and unforgettable for a very long time if not for life

Domo arigato gozaimas Sensei!

Few photos from the seminar

More Photos: Trainings and after trainings.