Who am I

On the martial arts path, I am first and foremost a student, and my journey has been uninterrupted since 1984, when I began training in Kyokushinkai Karate in Warsaw in January. It was martial arts that taught me humility, patience, openness, and sensitivity to others. Over time, the dojo became a place not only for training and development, but also for an authentic encounter—with myself, with tradition, with the people who trusted me.

The Way of Aikido

I began my first Aikido training on August 28, 1987, under the supervision of Sensei Roman Hoffmann, Sensei Jerzy Pomianowski, and the late Bogusław Rumas. After just two years, I was asked to lead a beginner's group—an experience that awakened in me a sense of responsibility for others' development and a genuine joy in sharing knowledge.

In 1991 I completed the Aikido instructor course and together with Andrzej Bazylko we opened our own club, which we called BAST.Since 1996, together with my wife Aleksandra Sowińska (4^th Dan Aikido Aikikai), I have been running SOTO – the Far Eastern Cultural and Sports Center in Warsaw.

My graduation (Aikikai)

• 1^st dan – 12.10.1993, Christian Tissier
• 2^nd dan – 27.10.1996, Seishiro Sugawara
• 3^rd dan – 20.01.2001, Christian Tissier
• 4^th dan – 05.12.2004, Christian Tissier
• 5^th dan – 10.01.2010, Christian Tissier
• 6^th dan – 13/01/2019, Christian Tissier (celebration at Hombu Dojo, Tokyo)

Instructor qualifications:

• Fukushidoin – 23.02.2003
• Shidoin – 18.03.2006

For me, Sensei Christian Tissier remains a model teacher and mentor, with whom I studied for years in Poland, France (over 30 stays in Paris), and during international internships. I consider the opportunity to work with him a privilege and a foundation for my future path.

My experience and activities

• Over 38 years of daily training on the mat, both myself and with students.
• I have trained over 80 people with degrees of 1–5 dan.
• To date, I have examined over 2,300 students for Kyu grades and awarded 117 Dan grades.
• I organized and conducted 4 nationwide Aikido instructor courses (2009–2014) and issued 64 state certificates.
• Hundreds of seminars, shows, summer and winter camps (50–120 participants each).
• Close cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in promoting Japanese culture (2009-2017).
• I constantly support Aikido clubs in Poland, Belarus (Brest, Minsk) and other countries in the region — by training, consulting, conducting joint projects and examinations.
• In addition to Sensei Christian Tissier, I learned from many outstanding teachers, including: Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, Dojocho Mitsuteru Ueshiba, Katsuaki Asai, Hiroshi Isoyama, Masatoshi Yasuno, Masatake Fujita, Shigeo Tanaka, Katsuyuki Shimamamoto, Seishiro Endo, Yoshiaki Yokota, Hiroyuki Namba, Seizo Takimoto, Shigeru Sugawara, Yoko Okamoto, Tsuruzo Miyamoto, Kenji Hirasawa, Toshio Suzuki and others.

• During one of my visits to Japan in the spring of 2018, thanks to the kindness of Ichiro Toritani sensei, I had the honor of leading an Aikido training session at Kuwamori Dojo, the oldest Aikido Dojo in Tokyo.

The Way of Ken-Jutsu

I began my exploration of Ken-Jutsu by practicing Kata derived from Kashima Shin Ryu, initially taught within Aikido by my teachers, primarily Sensei Christian Tissier. A key moment came in 1997 during my internship with Sensei. Minoru Inabą w Warszawie. To spotkanie całkowicie zmieniło moje podejście, inspirując do wieloletniej nauki w Shiseikanie w Tokio.

Since 2007, I have been traveling regularly to Japan, where I have completed 18 training trips by 2025. I trained at Shiseikan Budojo and other locations, having had the opportunity to study with Inaba Sensei and teachers such as Miki Fukutoku, Tetsuya Udagawa, Hisashi Aoki, Shigeo Tanaka, and many others.

From 2010 to 2019, I participated in a special Ken-Jutsu leadership training program in Europe and Japan under the supervision of Sensei Inaba. In November 2019, I received the degree from Sensei Minoru Inaba. Okuden Kashima no Tachi is not only the highest technical distinction, but also a deeply personal message, symbolizing trust and the spiritual connection between master and student (achieved by a group of only four teachers from Europe).

Today I run my own Ken-Jutsu groups, organize and co-organize seminars in Poland and abroad, and share my experience with adults and older youth – both during group and individual classes.

Numbers that define me

• 41 years of non-stop martial arts training
• 6^th dan Aikikai, Okuden Kashima no Tachi
• Over 2,300 kyu grades, 117 dan grades awarded to students
• 4 nationwide instructor courses and 64 state instructor qualifications
• Over 80 students with dan degrees
• 18 training trips to Japan (2007–2025)
• Hundreds of seminars and camps conducted, both in Poland and abroad
• 22 people I took to Japan for joint training and experiences
• Countless hours spent on the mat – both as a student and a facilitator

My values ​​and message

In every training session and in every relationship, I prioritize an individual approach, mutual respect, and authenticity. I believe that true development begins with patiently building a solid foundation—in movement, character, and spirituality. I'm not looking for perfect students, but rather those who want to explore themselves, challenge their own limitations, and mature in harmony with tradition.

I am convinced that the greatest value lies not in the outcome, but in the journey—in repeating the simplest actions daily, overcoming stagnation, courageously asking questions, and drawing lessons from every obstacle. I believe that Ken-Jutsu and Aikido help us become not only more capable but also more complete, more mature people—regardless of age, experience, or starting level.

My greatest inspiration comes from my students—watching them grow, supporting them, discovering new paths, and enjoying shared successes. For me, the Dojo community is a never-ending adventure, one in which we journey together, yet each remains our own individual.

I invite everyone who values ​​tradition, peace, respect, and patience to the mat. Perhaps you'll find what you're looking for here—or perhaps I'll help you discover something new within yourself.