Polander Academy of Martial Arts

Polander Academy of Martial Arts The place to learn Okinawan Kempo Karate - a Life Protection Art, passed down from ancient Okinawan warriors to our Grand Master Seiyu Oyata.

Train with dojo owner Hanshi Peter Polander, a 9th-degree Black Belt and senior student of Taika Oyata. This is not a sport. This is a Life Protection Art, passed down from ancient Okinawan warriors to our Grand Master Seiyu Oyata. Train with dojo owner Hanshi Peter Ciecwierz Polander, a 9th degree Black Belt and senior student of Taika Oyata at our Bethesda, MD location. Karate is a blend of phys

ical, mental and spiritual elements. It offers life-changing benefits, not found in any other activity. It is fun yet challenging, capable of honing you – gradually – into the best shape of your life. You will loose those unwanted pounds, firm up soft muscles and hold off premature aging. It is the perfect life long activity. It can be practiced at any age, does not require exceptional flexibility or natural talents, only a desire to improve your physical, mental and emotional condition. The wonderful team of instructors at Polander Academy (high ranking Black Belts with at least 15 years of Martial Arts experience) is dedicated to sharing their experiences and knowledge with you to bring about positive changes not only in physical fitness but also in awareness and attitude!

Fourteen years ago today, we lost our beloved Grandmaster, Taika Seiyu Oyata.Not a day goes by that his teachings, wisdo...
06/19/2026

Fourteen years ago today, we lost our beloved Grandmaster, Taika Seiyu Oyata.

Not a day goes by that his teachings, wisdom, and spirit are not present in our training. His influence reaches far beyond techniques and martial arts; it lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the countless students who continue to walk the path he showed us.

Forever in our hearts 🖤

Fot. Polander Academy of Martial Arts

Summer Camp in Zakopane, Poland 🇵🇱Join us July 29th–August 2nd for an unforgettable martial arts experience in the breat...
06/18/2026

Summer Camp in Zakopane, Poland 🇵🇱

Join us July 29th–August 2nd for an unforgettable martial arts experience in the breathtaking surroundings of the Tatra Mountains. Train, learn, and connect with fellow martial artists while staying at the COS Olympic Sports Center, with accommodations and meals included.

Enjoy three hands-on training sessions with 9th-Degree Black Belt Hanshi Peter Polander, along with instruction from several distinguished guest instructors.

Open to all ranks and martial arts styles.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to train, grow, and experience the beauty of Zakopane! Space is limited

🎉 Congratulations to Lenka Petrovic on her promotion to Junior Shodan! One of the highlights of yesterday’s event was ce...
06/16/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Lenka Petrovic on her promotion to Junior Shodan!

One of the highlights of yesterday’s event was celebrating this well-deserved achievement.
Lenka joined our dojo nearly four years ago and has worked tirelessly ever since. She is the kind of student every Sensei hopes for: focused, respectful, hardworking, kind, and always willing to help others.

We couldn't be prouder of all she has accomplished and can't wait to see where her martial arts journey takes her. Keep up the great work Lenka!
We'll be cheering you on every step of the way! 👏🖤

What an incredible seminar with Toru Kiyan Sensei and Takeshi Ikehara Sensei!We were honored to host these outstanding i...
06/16/2026

What an incredible seminar with Toru Kiyan Sensei and Takeshi Ikehara Sensei!

We were honored to host these outstanding instructors as they generously shared their knowledge and experience with students of all ages.
For a few hours, our dojo was immersed in authentic traditional Okinawan Kenpo training, enriched by fascinating stories from their own martial arts journeys and memories of how training was done in Okinawa decades ago.

Thank you, Senseis, for your expertise, energy, and the wonderful atmosphere you created.
You made this a truly unforgettable experience for everyone who attended.

Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

TODAY IS THE DAY!Join us tonight for a special Okinawan Kenpo Karate Seminar taught by visiting Masters from Okinawa!🥋 A...
06/15/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!
Join us tonight for a special Okinawan Kenpo Karate Seminar taught by visiting Masters from Okinawa!

🥋 Ages 5–10: 5:00 PM ($20)
🥋 Ages 11 & Up: 6:00 PM ($40)

Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience authentic Okinawan Kenpo training right here in the DMV! Learn directly from instructors who carry on the traditions and techniques of Okinawa's martial arts heritage. Registration is still open, and cash payments are accepted at the door.

We can't wait to see everyone on the mats tonight!

Just a quick schedule update!Today (6/11), the 6:45 PM Kata class is canceled due to Black Belt testing and pre-testing....
06/11/2026

Just a quick schedule update!

Today (6/11), the 6:45 PM Kata class is canceled due to Black Belt testing and pre-testing. All kids' classes will run as scheduled. Good luck to all our Black Belts! We can't wait to see your hard work on display!

On Monday (6/15), there will be NO regular classes as we host our special Okinawan Masters Seminar. This is a unique opportunity to train with visiting instructors from Okinawa!
Dragons & Tigers: 5–6 PM,
Juniors & Adults: 6–8 PM.
There will also be time for photos with the Masters and dinner afterward for anyone who would like to join us.

We hope to see you there!

So proud of all the students who earned their promotions last night! Outstanding job and incredible effort. You left it ...
06/11/2026

So proud of all the students who earned their promotions last night!
Outstanding job and incredible effort.
You left it all on the mats, and your success is a testament to months of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Congrats!! 👏👏👏

The Black Belt testing and pre-testing continue today. Good luck to all of our candidates as they take the next step in their martial arts journey!

Just one week away!We can't wait to welcome two distinguished instructors from Okinawa to our mats as they share their k...
06/08/2026

Just one week away!
We can't wait to welcome two distinguished instructors from Okinawa to our mats as they share their knowledge and experience in Okinawan Kenpo Karate.

This special event is a rare opportunity to train with visiting masters and deepen your understanding of the art.

Open to all practitioners. Don't miss this incredible experience!

What a fun dojo night out! We had a great time celebrating Rob's first Dojoversary at his beautiful home. Thank you for ...
06/01/2026

What a fun dojo night out!
We had a great time celebrating Rob's first Dojoversary at his beautiful home. Thank you for having us, being such an awesome host, and making everyone feel so welcome.
Most of all, thank you for being part of our dojo family, we can't wait to make many more memories together! 🥋😊

JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY! The Okinawan Masters are coming to the DMV!This is a rare opportunity to train with highly respecte...
05/25/2026

JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY!
The Okinawan Masters are coming to the DMV!

This is a rare opportunity to train with highly respected instructors visiting directly from Okinawa, the birthplace of karate.
Whether you're a beginner, advanced practitioner, young student, or seasoned martial artist, this seminar is open to ALL styles, ranks, and ages.

Don't miss the chance to experience authentic Okinawan martial arts, gain new insights, and train with masters who carry generations of knowledge and tradition.

📅 June 15th
📍 Polander Academy of Martial Arts
Opportunities to learn from Okinawan masters without traveling across the world are few and far between. Make plans now and join us for an unforgettable evening of traditional karate training!

Address

5017 Wilson Lane
Bethesda, MD
20814

Opening Hours

Monday 4:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday 4:30pm - 9pm
Thursday 5pm - 9pm
Friday 4:30pm - 9pm
Saturday 10:30am - 2pm

Telephone

+12403054040

Website

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