Tomasz Zając

President and Chief Instructor of the Nowy Sącz OKC

Tomasz Zając is a pediatrician and an alumnus of the Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland's oldest medical school. He is one of Poland's most outstanding Shorin Ryu karate practitioners. With over 40 years of experience in martial arts, he holds a 7th dan in Shorin Ryu and a 3rd dan in Okinawa Kobudo. As a first-degree trainer, he conducts training sessions and ensures the health and safe physical development of the Nowy Sącz Okinawa Karate Club members. His deep understanding of medicine, combined with his knowledge and experience in karate, guarantees high-quality and practical training sessions. He is also an engaged and respected community leader, supporting local and regional initiatives that promote health and holistic development for children and youth.

Sensei Tomasz Zając is a direct student of Sensei Aleksander Staniszew (9 dan karate) and serves as the primary translator for Sensei Kenyu Chinen (10 dan karate) at seminars in Poland. He is the founder and chief instructor of the Nowy Sącz Okinawa Karate Club. With his extensive knowledge, experience, and authority, he has promoted over 15 black belts, and the club has seen more than 3000 Karate and Kobudo practitioners come through its doors. He has been learning Karate and Kobudo under Sensei Chinen for many years, attending international workshops and seminars in Okinawa and Europe.

By collaborating with professors from the University of Physical Education and researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences, he integrates scientific foundations into the training curriculum, making our club a distinctive venue that harmonizes tradition with modern advancements.
In addition to Karate and Kobudo, he is passionate about the culture and heritage of Okinawa and Japan. His dedication to promoting the values and philosophy of karate, combined with his deep fascination with Japanese culture, makes him an inspiration for all club members. His work not only hones the technical skills of his students but also helps them understand and appreciate the rich cultural heritage associated with martial arts.
His dedication to advocating the values and philosophy of karate inspires the initiatives undertaken by our foundation.

Danuta Tobiasz

Instructor and Karate Master

Danuta Tobiasz, a first-degree trainer, has dedicated 30 years to mastering martial arts. She holds a 5th dan in Shorin Ryu Karate and has won multiple Polish Championships and a Bronze Medal at the World Cup. Her accomplishments in sports reflect her relentless determination, discipline, and passion for karate.

Like Sensei Tomasz Zając (7 dan karate), she has been learning Karate and Kobudo from Sensei Aleksander Snaniszew (9 dan karate) and Sensei Chinen (10 dan karate) for many years, participating in international training camps and seminars in Okinawa and Europe. She conducts training sessions at the Nowy Sącz Okinawa Karate Club, bringing in her extensive experience and skills acquired on international stages. Under her guidance, students learn combat techniques and values such as humility, calmness, and self-awareness. Her dedication to young karate practitioners' physical and mental development is invaluable. With her unique approach to training, she is a role model for all club members and the guiding spirit of the foundation.