Posted by Shihan Radek Ambroziak
From February 1–8, 2026, the Husaria Szczecin Dojo, owned by The Country Representative & The Branch Chief of Poland: Shihan Radek AMBROZIAK, held a winter training camp. The head instructor was Kai Ogasawara Senpai, a World Heavyweight Champion, whose presence set a high technical, physical, and mental standard for the entire camp.
The program was designed with uchideshi in mind, ready for full immersion in training and daily work on details.
Each day of the camp consisted of 3–4 training units, conducted in the spirit of classical, demanding keiko. Training began early and ended late in the evening, and fatigue was a constant companion – precisely the kind that allows one to push one’s limits.
A great deal of emphasis was placed on kata:
•precision of technique,
•stability of postures,
•correct breathing,
•rhythm and intention of movement.
Kata was not treated as an end in itself, but as the foundation for real combat. Each element was then analyzed for its application in kumite – from hip movement, through distance, to timing and reaction to the opponent.
Kumite was a natural extension of the form work. The fights were demanding, dynamic, and without compromise, but also conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Senpai Ogasawara consistently emphasized that:
•Kata techniques emerge spontaneously in the fight,
•Movement is economical and conscious,
•Decisions are made under the pressure of fatigue.
For many participants, this was a turning point – when theory ceased to exist, and pure action remained.
One of the highlights of the training camp was the trip to Dojo Kołobrzeg. Training in a new location, with a different energy and different training partners, proved to be an incredibly valuable experience. It was not only an opportunity for hard work but also for integration within the karate community. Training together demonstrated how much can be gained by stepping outside one’s own dojo and comparing one’s skills with others.
The next step was a visit to the Chojna Dojo. The training sessions in Chojna were very rigorous and combative. Fatigue, pressure, and new opponents forced everyone to dig deep – both physically and mentally.
Despite the enormous effort, a great atmosphere prevailed throughout the week. Shared meals, post-training conversations, and mutual support made the training camp not only training-oriented but also formative.
Demanding keiko, challenging kumite, and the presence of a world-class champion created the conditions for real development. The Hussars’ Winter Training Camp 2026 was a time of hard work, but also a confirmation that the path of budō leads through discipline, community, and constantly pushing one’s limits.
