Aleksander Staniszew: The Beginning of Karate in Poland

Aleksander Staniszew is an exceptional figure in the history of karate in Poland. His contribution to the development of this martial art in our country is invaluable. As a pioneer of karate, he introduced original techniques and traditions from Okinawa to the Polish martial arts scene. His passion and determination in shaping karate in Poland contributed to the creation of lasting structures and the training of many karate practitioners.

Aleksander Staniszew is an exceptional figure in the history of karate in Poland. His contribution to the development of this martial art in our country is invaluable. As a pioneer of karate, he introduced original techniques and traditions from Okinawa to the Polish martial arts scene. His passion and determination in shaping karate in Poland contributed to the creation of lasting structures and the training of many karate practitioners.

Staniszew not only played a significant role in popularizing karate but also became an authority and mentor for numerous generations of karatekas in our country. His contribution to the development of this sport discipline is immeasurable and has left a lasting mark in the history of karate in Poland. Today, we will take a closer look at this outstanding individual, who undoubtedly serves as a role model for many.

How did Shorin-Ryu karate find its way to Poland?

Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate has been present in Poland for over forty years, making it the third oldest style of karate in our country. The beginning of Shorin-Ryu practice in Poland dates back to the opening of the first Shorin-Ryu Dojo in Pińczów in 1981. Sensei Aleksander Staniszew, who also practiced other martial arts such as Matsubayashi-Ryu, Kyokushinkai, boxing, and Ju-jutsu, established contact with representatives of Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate in the United States. Sensei Sid Campbell, the first American who founded the Shorinkan Dojo in the USA in 1964, and sensei Frank Hargrove, the President of the United States Shorin-Ryu Karate Association, played a significant role in introducing Shorin-Ryu to Poland.

On May 28, 1981, the first Shorin-Ryu section was established at the TKKF Center in Pińczów under the name "Centrum Shorin-Ryu Karate." On July 10, 1985, Centrum Shorin-Ryu Karate was officially accepted into the United States Shorin-Ryu Karate Association, and sensei Staniszew was appointed the Director of Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate in Poland. In 1986, articles about Shorin-Ryu appeared in the national press, and the profile of sensei Aleksander Staniszew was featured in the international publication "The 100 Year History of Shorin-Ryu Karate" on the occasion of its anniversary.

In 1989, sensei Staniszew conducted Shorin-Ryu training in the Federal Republic of Germany and Belgium, simultaneously winning a medal at the International All Style Karate Tournament in Nuremberg. Shorin-Ryu was officially recognized in the Monitor Polski as a practiced discipline in Poland. All of these factors contributed to significant interest in Shorin-Ryu in Poland, where karate practitioners from various regions of the country began attending training sessions in Pińczów, and Shorin-Ryu clubs were established in many provinces. Since 1990, Polish instructors have regularly participated in International Shorin-Ryu Camps conducted by renowned masters from Okinawa, several times a year.

Polish Shorin-Ryu Union

On April 12, 1991, Sensei Aleksander Staniszew registered the Polish Shorin-Ryu Karate Union at the Office of Physical Culture and Tourism in Warsaw. The founders of this union were Shorin-Ryu clubs, such as those in Pińczów, Kielce, and Miechów. Sensei Kenyu Chinen from Okinawa began a series of regular Shorin-Ryu Karate seminars in Poland at that time. In 1993, based on a program developed by Sensei Staniszew and approved by the Central Sports Center of UKFiT, the first Shorin-Ryu instructor courses began. In the same year, the Polish Shorin-Ryu Karate Union was accepted into the World Oshukai Dento Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate Do Kobudo Federation, an international organization based in Okinawa.

The State of Karate in Poland

Regular guest instructors from the USA, Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, Malaysia, and Japan conduct training sessions at the main Shorin-Ryu Dojo in Pińczów. In 1994, the first Shorin-Ryu Karate Polish Championships were held. In 1997, the Polish Shorin-Ryu team participated in training sessions in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, significantly strengthening Shorin-Ryu's position in both international structures and on the national karate map.

Currently, Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate in Poland features stable teaching programs, experienced instructor staff, regular nationwide monthly seminars, annual foreign trips for international training seminars, yearly visits by Okinawan master Kenyu Chinen (10th dan) to Poland, as well as organizing national competitions and participating in international tournaments on various continents.

A Few Facts

Aleksander Staniszew, born in 1955, is an outstanding representative of martial arts in Poland, particularly known as an authorized representative of Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and Okinawa Kobudo in our country. His extensive accomplishments include noteworthy achievements in the world of martial arts and exceptional education.

Staniszew holds impressive master ranks, including 9th dan in Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and 7th dan in Okinawa Kobudo. However, his education is an additional aspect worth noting. He graduated from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, earning a master's degree in metallurgical engineering. Additionally, he obtained a doctorate from the International University in Missouri, USA. To strengthen his qualifications in physical education, he completed postgraduate studies at several renowned universities in Poland, including the University of Physical Education in Poznań, the Higher Pedagogical School in Kielce, the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, and the College of Sport Coaches in Warsaw. As for his achievements, he received the title of Professor of Education from the Ministry of National Education.

In the field of education, he holds titles such as Professor of Education, Doctor of Martial Arts, Doctor Honoris Causa in the Philosophy of Martial Arts, Certified Physical Education Teacher, Sports Manager, Class I Karate Coach, Class II Karate Coach, Sports Education Manager, Shorin-Ryu Karate Sports Instructor, Shorin-Ryu Karate Recreation Instructor, and Ju-Jutsu Recreation Instructor.

His journey in martial arts includes many years of practice, starting in the 1970s with Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate and continuing since 1973 in Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, which continues to this day. From 1974 to 1991, he also simultaneously trained in Kyokushinkai Karate, Ju-Jutsu, and Seibukan Shorin-Ryu Karate.

His most significant achievements include introducing original Okinawan Karate and Okinawan Kobudo martial arts to Poland. In 1981, he established permanent structures for the functioning of Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and Okinawa Kobudo in Poland. Through his passion and determination, he produced over 300 black belts and participated in more than 150 international Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo training sessions, including multiple visits to Okinawa from 1997 to 2023. He served as a correspondent for the American martial arts magazine "The Fighter International" from 1987 to 1991 and won a bronze medal at the International All Style Karate Championships in West Germany in 1987. He has conducted numerous national and international karate and kobudo internships and led Shorin-Ryu Karate training in Belgium, West Germany, France, Japan, and Canada. He introduced Shorin-Ryu Karate (W.O.F.) to India, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. He organized numerous international sports and training events in karate, including the first multi-style seminar with masters from Okinawa in Poland in 2002. He is also the author of many articles in domestic and foreign publications on teaching methodology and the history of karate and kobudo. He has published two books on karate: "Lekcja Karate" and "Bunkai Kata." He collaborates with the Central Sports Center and the Academy of Physical Education in the training of physical culture instructors, having educated over 500 instructors. As the founder of the Polish Union of Shorin-Ryu Karate since 2006, he has continuously served as the Secretary-General of W.O.F. with headquarters in Okinawa. He is also the Director of the World Cup in various continents, such as Europe, America, and Asia. He is the originator and Chairman of the National "Sensei" Award Chapter, awarded for outstanding achievements in karate. In 2021, he received the prestigious 9th-degree master rank and the title of Hanshi. His profile and contribution to karate were honored at the exhibition "They also studied at AGH" organized on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow in 2009.

Thanks to his outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of karate, Aleksander Staniszew has been honored by various institutions and organizations. The awards he has received include a prize from the World Karate Committee under the leadership of the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture in 1997 and two-time recognition with the Silver and Gold Cross of Merit by the Presidents of Poland in 2002 and 2013. The Polish Olympic Committee awarded him the Bronze Medal "For Merit to the Polish Olympic Movement," and the Kielce region awarded him the Badge "For Merit to the Kielce Region."

Furthermore, Aleksander Staniszew was awarded the title of Honorary Personality of the City of Pińczów in 2007 and received the title of Honorary Professor of Education granted by the Prime Minister of Poland in 2009. His contributions were also acknowledged by being named the Honorary Ambassador of the Świętokrzyskie Region by the Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship.

In the sports world, Staniszew has been recognized as the Most Popular Coach of Pińczów County in the Sports Plebiscite editions of 2009, 2010, and 2011 - Świętokrzyskie Sports Stars. Additionally, he was named the Person of the 25th Anniversary in the Education of the Świętokrzyskie Region and the Person of the 25th Anniversary of Pińczów County in 2014. He also ranked third in the "Golden Ten" ranking of the People of the 25th Anniversary of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship.

In 2016, Staniszew was nominated for the prestigious "Świętokrzyska Viktoria" award in the Personality category. His numerous accolades and awards serve as evidence of his exceptional achievements and the influence he has had on the development of karate and the sports community in Poland.

Currently, Aleksander Staniszew holds several significant positions in the field of karate, both internationally and nationally. He is currently the Secretary-General of the World Oshu Kai Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate Do Kobudo Federation, which is a significant position within the international organization based in Okinawa, Japan. Additionally, he serves as the President of the Polish Union of Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo, highlighting his central role in shaping the karate community in Poland. Furthermore, Aleksander Staniszew is also the President of the Pińczów Shorin-Ryu Club, demonstrating his commitment to the development of karate at the local level.

In summary

Aleksander Staniszew has made a significant contribution to the development of karate in Poland, and his merits are undeniable. As mentioned earlier, he is one of the pioneers of karate in Poland, being the first to introduce original karate techniques from Okinawa to the Polish sports arena. His efforts have contributed to the popularization of this martial art in the country.

Moreover, as an instructor and examiner for karate sports instructor courses, Aleksander Staniszew has trained over 500 instructors who continue his work, passing on knowledge and skills to the next generations of karate practitioners. It should be noted that he not only teaches karate techniques but also emphasizes the importance of moral values, ethics, and the spirit of this martial art. As a result, his students not only become better karatekas but also better individuals. His involvement in international training and seminars, especially in Okinawa, has strengthened Poland's position on the global karate stage and created opportunities for the exchange of experiences with masters from different parts of the world.

Staniszew is the initiator of many international sports and training events related to karate in Poland. Thanks to these events, Poland has become a meeting place and a platform for the exchange of experiences for karate practitioners from various countries. His academic titles and educational activities in the field of martial arts and physical culture have contributed to raising the level of knowledge and competence among individuals interested in karate.

Through his work and mentorship, Aleksander Staniszew has contributed to the education of many talented karate practitioners who have achieved success on both the national and international stages, winning numerous medals and accolades. His years of dedication, passion, and commitment to the development of karate in Poland have gained recognition both nationally and internationally, making him an integral figure in the history and development of this martial art in our country.

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