Shihan Jan Dyduch 7^th dan

"In Oyama Karate nobody asks you about your religious persuasion, nationality or homeland. We all make one big family, we are all karate people. /... You are so lucky to have such a great Sensei and leader - Jan Dyduch. Just keep following him..."

Grand Master Shigeru Oyama 10^th Dan

   The founder and director of the OYAMA International Karate Federation is Shihan Jan Dyduch 7 ^th dan, from Krakow in Poland. He started off in karate back in 1974 in one of the city's Karate Kyokushinkai clubs. The following year he represented Poland at the 1^st World Open Karate Tournament (Karate Kyokushinkai), held in Japan.

His excellent performance was awarded by Kancho Masutatsu Oyama with Special Prize in Tokyo. In 1976 he became Polish Heavy Weight Champion in Karate Kyokushinkai and won the Gold Medal at the International Karate Kyokushinkai Tournament ("The Wawel Dragon Cup") held in Krakow. In 1977, after his return from India and Afghanistan, he concluded his career as a karate contender and embarked on a brand new one - as a karate instructor in Krakow.

   In 1979 he graduated with honors from the Department of History, Pedagogical Academy in Krakow. In 1980 he passed with honors the master examination for the 1^st dan in Kyokushin Karate, and in 1983 for the 2^nd dan. Apart from his sporting pursuits, he was also heavily involved as a high ranking activist in Poland's Kyokushin movement, e.g. Chairman of the Kyokushinkai Committee within Polish Karate Union, President of Karate Kyokushinkai Club in Krakow.

   In 1985 - 86 and in 1990 he trained extensively in the USA. In 1991 he met Grand Master Shigeru Oyama, 10^th dan, under whose persuasion he decided to leave IKO Kyokushin. As of 1991 he has been actively involved in promoting OYAMA style in Poland. In 1992, whilst visiting the Netherlands, he successfully passed a qualification test for the 2^nd dan in Oyama Karate, and very shortly afterwards for the 3^rd dan. In 1994 he was awarded the 4^th dan. In 1997 he was awarded the 5^th dan and granted the title of Shihan. In 2001 he was awarded the 6^th dan.    In 2004 in clear recognition of his technical prowess and training skills, as well as his outstanding Organizational talents shining through on the domestic and the international karate scene alike, Shihan Jan Dyduch was awarded the 7^th dan personally by the Grand Master Shigeru Oyama, 10^th dan.

   Shihan Jan Dyduch has successfully trained to date a great many excellent karate contenders and instructors, e.g. 5 Champions of various World Tournaments in Oyama Karate, several medal winners at the European Championships, and dozens of medal winners at Polish Championships and Polish Cup Final. He trained or promoted around 270 Oyama Karate black belt holders in Poland and East Europe.

   
In 2003 Jan Dyduch was also appointed President of the Polish Karate Federation by the leaders of nationwide karate organizations operating in Poland.

   In the end of 2004 Shihan Jan Dyduch became a Director of the OYAMA International Karate Federation, working under Grand Master Shigeru Oyama's patronage. In January 2005 World Kanreikai Karate that promotes sport karate internationally, elected him Director of European affairs also. In 2006 Shihan Jan Dyduch was re-elected President of OYAMA Polish Karate Federation.

   Master of Arts at History Department ( Pedagogical Academy in Krakow).
   Karate coach 2^nd class ( Academy of Physical Education in Poznan).
   Sports manager (Jagiellonian University in Krakow).
   Hobby: Trekking and diving.