Beginner’s mind · 初心
Once you think you know, you are finished. You don’t learn anymore.
— Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei

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…
All essays
26 pieces
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Fast is not slow…but faster: why training speed matters in Traditional Karate – Part II.
Read essay: Fast is not slow…but faster: why training speed matters in Traditional Karate – Part II.Part 2 – The Solution and Application Once you recognise that slow and fast practice are not the same, your whole approach to training begins to…
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Fast is not slow…but faster: why training speed matters in Traditional Karate – Part I.
Read essay: Fast is not slow…but faster: why training speed matters in Traditional Karate – Part I.This three-part series explores a simple but often misunderstood truth: techniques performed slowly and techniques performed at speed are not the same. Drawing on motor learning…
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International Traditional Karate-Do Seminar with Sensei Avi Rokah, Krakow, 17-18.05.2025
Read essay: International Traditional Karate-Do Seminar with Sensei Avi Rokah, Krakow, 17-18.05.2025Last 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…
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Highlights of the 6th London Karate Cup
Read essay: Highlights of the 6th London Karate CupOn 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…
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My Karate journey – by Nick Cromwell
Read essay: 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…
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Ways to generate power in Karate – by Mario Kalli
Read essay: Ways to generate power in Karate – by Mario KalliThere 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…
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Bornemouth, 16-17.06.2018
Read essay: Bornemouth, 16-17.06.2018Thank you for having us last weekend TKC Okami. Two days filled with training, fun, great BBQ on the beach and grading. It’s been a great…
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1st Traditional Karate London Cup
Read essay: 1st Traditional Karate London CupOn the 20th of May our Club hosted TKFGB’s National Squad training and the 1st Traditional Karate London Cup. The training session led by Sensei Lukasz…
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Last session before Christmas
Read essay: Last session before ChristmasOn 22.12.2017 we had the last training session before Christmas, coupled with exams. Five of our members took the challenge and succeeded on their way to…
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4th Boston Cup, 1.10.2017
Read essay: 4th Boston Cup, 1.10.2017Over the last weekend around 70 competitors took part in the 4th Boston Traditional Karate Cup. We are very proud that our senior members were second…
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TKFGB National Squad training
Read essay: TKFGB National Squad trainingLast Sunday members of our Club partcipated in the TKFGB National Squad training. The session took place in the beautiful village – Bourton-on-the-Water (Gloucestershire). Led by…
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3rd Young Talents Tournament – Boston, 12.02.2017
Read essay: 3rd Young Talents Tournament – Boston, 12.02.2017About 70 people participated in the TKFGB National Squad training conducted by the World Champion, Sensei Łukasz Radwański, 4 Dan. Afterwards the 3rd Young Talents Tournament…
Testimonials
What others say
Andrzej Czyrka is the ideal karate teacher and student, always questioning, always learning and always improving.

Avi Rokah
9 Dan, USA
On the same path since 1983 – in the same dojo for many years, as a team, as friends. We’re still in touch, though sadly not as often as I’d like. It is with joy, admiration and respect that I follow your achievements in karate. Thank you for being there, thank you for being how you are…

Mariusz Kazanowski
3 Dan, Poland
I have a deep and sincere admiration for Andrzej, both for his total physical commitment and for his insightful analyses and profound understanding of the principles of traditional karate — a true example to follow.

Sylvain Jouan
4 Dan, France
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.

Nick Cromwell
3 Dan, UK
Varied programme for all grades and a safe environment to learn what really works!

Steve Palmer
1 Dan, UK
Osoba oddana tradycyjnemu karate, nieustannie rozwijająca ciało i umysł. Posiada umiejętności techniczne i praktyczne na światowym poziomie oraz ogromną wiedzę i doświadczenie.

Rafał Wajda
4 Dan, Poland
Beyond his technical ability, Andrzej is known for his friendly and humble nature. He leads by example, inspiring those around him through his discipline, integrity, and quiet determination. He embodies the true spirit of Budō, showing that mastery is not only about skill, but also about character.

Giedrius Dranevicius
7 Dan, Lithuania
A formidable mentor and coach with a pioneering spirit, with the ability to translate the traditional principles of budo into an effective fighting system. He leads by example and it is my honour and privilege to train under him.

Mario Kalli
5 Dan, UK
New here
Where to begin
If you’re new here, start with a curated selection of foundational articles that introduce the key principles of Traditional Karate as taught by Nishiyama Sensei and followed by Sensei Rokah.