Michael Bock – Traditional Karate, Martial Arts

About

Michael Bock, born on August 26, 1964, is a German national, married, and father of two children. He served for many years as a police officer and is now retired.

His professional career began at the Officers’ School of the Ministry of the Interior in Aschersleben, specializing in criminal investigation. From 1998 to 1999, he completed an advanced criminal police studies program in Berlin. Between 2000 and 2008, he studied at the Sport University of the American Community Martial Arts University in Virginia (USA), graduating with a Master of Science in Sport. Since 2023, he has been pursuing a PhD at the European Sports Academy in Brčko (District of Bosnia and Herzegovina), with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Achievements and Honors in 2025

In 2025, Michael Bock played a key role in organizing the 22nd ITKF World Shiai in Berlin, held on the occasion of his election as Technical President of the newly renamed ETKU (European Traditional Karate Union), the direct successor of the ETKF founded in 1991 in Italy. In the same year, he was confirmed in his position as Secretary General of the ITKF and officially elected as Technical President of the ETKU.

Michael Bock was also inducted into the OSS Order of the Scottish Samurai with the rank of Taicho (General), awarded by Grand Marshal Sir Ronnie Watt and Lord Charles de Bruce. Additionally, he received the Master Award at the 20th London International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

At the World Championship of the International Organization of Military and Sports All Round Competitions (MSAC) in Wroclaw, he achieved first place in both Kata Seniors and Practical Self-Defense, and was honored by the Ukrainian MSAC Federation.

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From an Interview with Swiss Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation …

If you had to name one particular sensei, who has influenced you the most?

That’s not so easy to say! Every master has his own purpose. Each of the masters has his own gifts and strengths, and I could write volumes about some of the people mentioned. I would suggest I just give you some keywords:

• Sensei Axel Dziersk – GDR (DDR) karate pioneer – tough school, but unfortunately no longer applicable today.
• Sensei Wilfried Achilles – did a lot for the development of karate in East Germany (GDR).
• Sensei Kwiesinski – a businessman through and through who always managed to captivate karateka.
• Sensei Dr. Ilija Jorga – distinguished by his mobility and creativity.
• Sensei Dr. Wladimir Jorga – the karate democrat.
• Sensei Sugiyama – the KI specialist.
• Sensei Nishiyama – “karate genius.”
• Sensei Okazaki – “the Shihan.”

You have practiced so many martial arts and achieved a high level in each one. How is that even possible?

I started judo at the tender age of 4, back in 1968. Judo is so wonderful—you can pull, twist, lever, choke, and of course throw. Karate added punching, kicking, and striking. Together, this makes for a great ju-jitsu, which I practice with Sensei Alexey Kunin, 10th Dan JJ in the AJJIF.

Along the way, I met Master Yoon_Sin-kil, 9th Dan Taekwondo. He showed me that there is no reason to be arrogant and rude. I learned humility from my friend and Sensei Stanislav Holodkov, 10th Dan Combat Karate, multiple world champion in full-contact karate, and I could always go to my friends like Sensei Peter Kalinin, 8th Dan Karate, Shihan Leone Bara, 8th dan in Okinawa karate, with questions.

Of course, my parents also had a big influence on me, especially my father, who got me into judo and sometimes forced me not to give up and to always keep at it. So that’s my secret: never give up. Of course, I try to pass this on to my children as well.

Which martial art is your personal favorite?

I don’t have a favorite. Just as there are no weak students, there are only weak teachers. A great boxer will defeat a weak karateka in competition, who will certainly beat a weak judoka, but the judoka will put a taekwondo practitioner in a headlock before the wrestler puts him in a headlock. What I mean is that there will always be a better and greater fighter, and better ones will always appear and be born. Every martial art has its important elements, beauty, and finesse. Everything is fine if you find the right teacher and follow your chosen path with full energy.

Another Interview (in german) with Michael Bock – Shunkukai Der Karate Podcast here

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