A historic weekend in Poland: The first Zen-Kyokushin seminar in Europe with Soshi Kazuyuki Hasegawa and Shihan Shigeo Niitsu
Bydgoszcz in Polen wurde im November 2025 zum Zentrum der internationalen Zen-Kyokushin-Welt. Unmittelbar nach dem ersten Zen-Kyokushin European Cup fand dort das erste europäische Zen-Kyokushin-Seminar unter der Leitung von Soshi Kazuyuki Hasegawa und Shihan Shigeo Niitsu aus Tokio statt.
For Shinzen Dojo Berlin, this weekend was a milestone: we were not only allowed to participate but also to provide organizational support and, together with our umbrella organization Senkyoku-Shin, set a strong sign of cohesion, development, and the future of our Kyokushin.
What does Zen-Kyokushin mean?
World Zen-Kyokushin is the international organization under the leadership of Soshi Hasegawa. It stands for the connection of tradition, respect, authentic Kyokushin, and friendship between countries. In this organization, we are like a big family – different nations, different stories, but united by the same spirit: Osu no Seishin, perseverance, mutual support, and the striving for personal development.
Shinzen Dojo Berlin is proud to be part of this community and to actively help shape the development of Zen-Kyokushin in Europe.
Saturday: Seminar Day One with Soshi Hasegawa
1. Opening speech by Soshi
Der Seminartag begann mit Worten, die in Erinnerung bleiben werden. Soshi sprach über die Geschichte des Kyokushinkaikan, seine persönliche Zeit unter Sosai Mas Oyama und die Hintergründe der Zen-Kyokushin-Organisation. Alle Teilnehmer hörten aufmerksam zu – ein Moment, der die Wurzeln und den Geist unseres Karate noch einmal besonders lebendig machte.
2. Presentation of the black belts
An emotional highlight was the presentation of the original black belts and Dan certificates to four Polish karatekas who had waited a long time for this moment:
- Wiesław Niezurawski, 2nd Dan
- Darek Malinowski, 2nd Dan
- Mariusz Kondraciuk, 1st Dan
- Sebastian Malinowski, 1st Dan
They received their well-deserved black belts as well as original certificates directly from Soshi from Japan – a sign of great recognition for many years of dedication and tireless training.
3. Technical training with Soshi
Afterwards, training followed. Soshi demonstrated various advanced techniques, including his characteristic calf kick, which many at the seminar saw in this precision for the first time.
4. Small city excursion
In the afternoon, Sensei Remus led us with Soshi through the old town of Bydgoszcz – a special moment, as such personal encounters tremendously strengthen the bond between dojos and countries. During this, we met the Armenian team, who were also taking a city tour.
5. Preparation training for the examinations
Later followed a special training session in preparation for the upcoming Kyu and Dan examinations. Kihon, kata, and light kumite were practiced so that all participants were optimally prepared.
Sunday: Branch Chief Meeting Europe
On Sunday evening, an important meeting of the European Branch Chiefs took place. Organizational topics, future plans, as well as the development of Zen-Kyokushin in Europe were discussed. Shinzen Dojo Berlin was represented and actively involved – another step to sustainably strengthen the structure of the organization.
Monday: Second seminar day and examinations
1. Training with Shihan Shigeo Niitsu
Monday morning was led by Shihan Niitsu from Tokyo Hachioji. He showed precise, traditional training in the best Japanese style, which was both technically demanding and inspiring.
2. Technical Kyu and Dan examination
Afterwards, the technical examination followed under the leadership of Sensei Jaroslaw Remus and Sensei Sergei Ilyushin from Russia. Kihon, Ida-Geiko, and kata were the focus – precise, structured, and very demanding.
Our participants passed:
- Senpai Son Le – Technical part 3rd Dan
- Senpai Yusuf El-Madani – Technical part for 1st Dan
- Senpai Julya Frolova – Technical part for 1st Kyu
- Senpai Paul Kniep – Technical part for 2nd Dan
In addition, there were numerous new Kyu candidates from Poland, Finland, Ukraine, Romania, and Germany who also showed excellent performance.
3. Evening seminar dinner
On Monday, a joint dinner also took place – another moment for exchange, friendly conversations, and international connection.
Tuesday: Kumite examination
The final day was dedicated to full-contact kumite. Separated by Kyu and Dan applicants, the candidates fought their fights.
- Sensei Son absolvierte 30 Kämpfe
- Senpai Yusuf fought 10 rounds
- Senpai Julya passed her 10 rounds confidently
- Senpai Paul fought 20 rounds for his 2nd Dan
Everyone passed successfully. The times and round divisions were strictly monitored by Shihan Niitsu.
Particularly moving: The last round of Sensei Son was fought by Shihan Niitsu personally – a special honor.
Great recognition for Shihan Remus
A big thank you goes to Shihan Jaroslaw Remus, who not only organized the European Championship weekend but also passed his own 5th Dan with 50 fights. We pay the highest respect for this extraordinary achievement.
Ranking system in Kyokushin – briefly explained
So that our members understand the context of the examinations:
- 1st Dan and 2nd Dan – Title Senpai
- 3rd Dan and 4th Dan – Title Sensei
- 5th Dan – Title Shihan
- From 6th Dan – higher Shihan levels
- Highest levels – Soshi or organization leaders
All Dan levels require years of dedication, discipline, and mental maturity.
New friendships, strong experiences
This weekend was more than a seminar. We have gained new friends from Poland, Finland, Ukraine, Russia, and Romania and experienced once again how strong the international Kyokushin community is.
The hospitality of the hosts from Poland was extraordinary. We thank all participants for their heart, their energy, and the time spent together.
Conclusion
The first Zen-Kyokushin seminar in Europe will remain in our memories for a long time. For Shinzen Dojo Berlin, it was a weekend full of growth, inspiration, and community.
We sincerely thank:
- Soshi Kazuyuki Hasegawa
- Shihan Shigeo Niitsu
- Shihan Jaroslaw Remus
- all Branch Chiefs
- all participants and supporters
We are proud of our examinees, proud of our dojo, and look forward to the upcoming events within the World Zen-Kyokushin organization.
Shinzen means friendship
And exactly this friendship has made this weekend palpable once again.
Osu.
