Our motto

…Form is limitation, a necessary limitation, therefore ultimately we should be free of form. Being free of form mentally and physically will allow us to flow, adopt, and apply our techniques within any space, angle or instant in time, and from any starting position…[Sensei Avi Rokah]

Instructors

Andrzej Czyrka, 5 Dan

Andrzej Czyrka, 5 Dan

Head Instructor

Started karate in 1982 and has been training continuously ever since. A former member of the Polish Traditional Karate national squad, won Polish Championship many times between 1994 and 2000. Trained with many karate masters: Sensei Kwiecinski since 1985, Sensei Ilia Yorga since 1988, Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama since 1990 and Sensei Avi Rokah since 1992. Still learning how to use body efficiently, while developing ultimate fitness, improving posture, strength, balance and flexibility. Studies sport science and many movement disciplines and martial arts to enhance understanding of karate and to bring the best to his students' potentials. Platinum WBKA instructor.

Mario Kalli, 5 Dan

Mario Kalli, 5 Dan

Instructor

Mario began Shotokan karate in the early 1970's with the KUGB under SenseI Hideo Tomita. He regularly attended annual Gasshuku's at Crystal Palace under Japanese Masters Tanaka, Kase, Yahara, Shirai, Kanasawa & Enoeda, as well as many of the foremost British leading instructors. In around 2005 he began training with the legendary Master Hidetaka Nishyama, founder of ITKF - International Traditional Karate Federation, Sensei Wlodzimierz Kwiecinski & Sensei Avi Rokah & Sensei Andrzej Czyrka.

Testimonials

Sensei Avi Rokah, 8Dan

Sensei Avi Rokah, 8Dan

"Andrzej Czyrka is the ideal karate teacher and student, always questioning, always learning and always improving."

Nick Cromwell

Nick Cromwell

"While I have trained in karate for many years, Sensei Andrzej Czyrka has given me a new depth of understanding. I am very grateful for his insight"

Steve Palmer

Steve Palmer

"Varied programme for all grades and a safe environment to learn what really works!"

Blog

International Traditional Karate-Do Seminar with Sensei Avi Rokah, Krakow, 17-18.05.2025

Last weekend in Krakow, we witnessed an exceptional training opportunity under the guidance of Sensei Avi Rokah, 8th Dan from the United States. The seminar, organized by the Kraków Traditional Karate Club, attracted over 200 […]

Highlights of the 6th London Karate Cup

On 22-23 March, the Heron Hall Academy in London, Enfield, hosted three events: – TKFGB Judges Refresher Course,– 6th London Karate Cup– Best Competitor of 2024 Awards Ceremony (separate link: https://tkfgb.co.uk/tkfgb-best-karate-competitors-2024/)The events have been organised […]

My Karate journey – by Nick Cromwell

“What you have been taught by listening to others’ words you will forget very quickly; what you have learned with your whole body you will remember for the rest of your life” – Gichin Funakoshi […]

Ways to generate power in Karate – by Mario Kalli

There are many schools of thought regarding the practice of karate and although some are different in styles, all are concerned with applying the ultimate power of technique. Generating power in martial arts has evolved […]

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Budō (武道)?

Budō is a form of Japanese physical culture that has its origins in the ancient tradition of bushidō – literally, “the way of the warrior.” Practitioners of budō develop technical martial skills while striving to unify of mind, technique and body; to develop their character; to enhance their sense of morality; and to cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour. Thus, budō serves as a path to self-perfection. Budō as a general term refers to the modern Japanese martial arts disciplines comprised of jūdō, kendō, kyūdo, sumō, karatedō, aikidō, shōrinji kempō, naginata, and jūkendō.

What is Traditional Karate?

Traditional Karate, as an art of self-defense, evolved in Japan over many years. Its technical base is founded on the Okinawan principle of “Tode”, which itself is based an “Chonfa”, the fighting art of China, a weaponless form of self-defense. Its philosophical base is Japanese “Budo” which is common to many Japanese martial arts. The combination of Okinawan fighting forms and Japanese Budo philosophy eventually became Traditional Karate. Central to the technical structure of Traditional Karate is the concept of “Todome-waza” or finishing blow whereby a single technique totally disables an opponent. This high technical proficiency makes Traditional Karate a form of high art.

What is the difference between sport karate and traditional karate?

Sport karate is a good form of exercise and have the end goal of declaring a winner and a loser at the conclusion of a competition. The ultimate goal of training in Traditional Karate is not merely the perfection of fighting skills, but rather the total development of the human character where fighting is no longer necessary.

What is Todome?

A fundamental principle of Traditional Karate is the concept of “Todome waza” or “Finishing Blow”, which describes a technique, whether punching, kicking, striking or smashing blow, sufficient to destroy an attacker. Maximum impact, economy of movement and the ability to defend against multiple opponents is also highly stressed. Hand in hand with developing athletic ability and technical proficiency. Traditional Karate also emphasizes emotional self-control, correct judgment and calmness of spirit necessary to perform the techniques under stressful conditions.

Coming next

International Budo Karate Seminar led by Avi Rokah Sensei

Krakow, 17-18 May, 2025