VII Ryukyu Kobudo Seminar – Kraków 2026
Thomas Podzelny (6 dan, Renshi)
Date: 12–13 September 2026
Venue: Primary School no. 132, ul. Benedyktyńska 4, Kraków
Fee: 300 PLN (meals not included)
Past editions
Photos from previous Ryukyu Kobudo seminars in Kraków.
General information
On 12–13 September 2026, Kraków will host the VII edition of the Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan seminar with sensei Thomas Podzelny (6 dan), who will fly to Poland specifically for this event. Over three days we plan intensive karate-kobudo training. As every year, the event is open to all schools and styles of karate / kobudo. Both beginners and advanced practitioners are welcome.
For beginners, some sessions will be run in parallel with additional instructors so that everyone can follow the material and make the most of the seminar. Training will be conducted in English, translated into Polish when needed. During the lunch break we will go together to Tarasy Tynieckie for a meal (paid individually). On Saturday evening we plan a joint dinner or a campfire with sensei – depending on the weather.
Accommodation
Free accommodation is available (bring your own mattress and sleeping bag) at Dojo Tyniec (ul. Skołczanka 5), about 1 km from the seminar venue. A bathroom with a shower is available at the Dojo. The number of beds at the Dojo is limited!
Weapons
The main weapons used during the seminar are Bo and Sai – please bring your own if possible, or indicate on the form if you need one. Additional weapons used: Tekko, Nunchaku and Tonfa. Other weapons (Tinbe, Kama) – for dan holders only. We train in white karate gi, barefoot (like a regular karate class).
Participation fee
Seminar fee: 300 PLN (meals not included). Payment details will be in email after registration.
Schedule
The schedule is indicative and may change.
| Friday (11 September)Dojo Tyniec, ul. Skołczanka 5 |
Saturday (12 September)Primary School no. 132, ul. Benedyktyńska 4 |
Sunday (13 September)Primary School no. 132, ul. Benedyktyńska 4 |
|---|---|---|
| — | 9:30 – 12:30Training I (3 h)
|
9:30 – 12:30Training III (3 h)
|
| — | 12:30 – 14:30Lunch break | 12:30 – 14:30Lunch break |
| 19:00 – 21:00Uechi Ryu Karatepre-seminar training | 14:30 – 17:30Training II (3 h)
|
14:30 – 17:30Training IV (3 h)
|
About the organisation and instructors
Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan
Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan is today one of the largest and most respected Kobudo organisations in Okinawa and worldwide. Shinken Taira (1897–1970) gathered kata and techniques practiced by old masters and founded Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai, whose mission was to preserve kobudo in the post-war era. He was succeeded by Eisuke Akamine (1925–1999), and the third president was his son Hiroshi Akamine. In 2011, Hiroshi Akamine founded his own organisation, Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan, which he leads to this day.
Thomas Podzelny, 6 dan Renshi
Sensei Thomas has been practicing Japanese martial arts for over 30 years: Ryukyu Kobudo (6 dan), Uechi Ryu Karate-Do (7 dan) and Aikido (6 dan). Since 1999 he runs his own Dojo in Erlangen (Germany) and teaches international seminars in many countries. He travels regularly to Japan and Okinawa to study the arts he practices at their sources.
Dominik Kućma, 4 dan
Sensei Dominik is a direct kobudo student of Thomas Podzelny and the organiser of this seminar. In 2023 he obtained the shidoin instructor licence and runs the only Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan Dojo in Poland. Apart from Kobudo, he also practices Shorin Ryu Karate under Kaicho Akamine Hiroshi, holding the 4 dan rank.
Registration
To take part in the seminar, please fill in the form below and complete the payment. Due to the limited number of places (especially when staying at the Dojo or borrowing training weapons), please register as early as possible.
Contact
The seminar is organised by Dominik Kućma. For any questions please contact him directly:
Email: dominik@kucma.pl
Phone / WhatsApp: +48 508 364 137
Facebook / Messenger: facebook.com/dominik.kucma