Yo Poznan!

If you’ve somehow been living under a rock, GOATS stands for Greatest Of All Time. But here in Poznań, it’s also a cheeky wink at our city’s two iconic billy goats — those legends head-butting each other every day at noon on the Town Hall clock tower like it’s the UFC main event. So when we came across a martial arts club literally called GOATS, we knew we had stumbled on gold.

Meet the Sensei: Maciej Drążewski

After hitting up the founder, Maciej, it took about 10 seconds to realize this dude is built different. World-level karate athlete. WKF Kumite certified coach. Five-time National Champion and 11th in the world at some point. And, because life just isn’t fair, he’s also a physiotherapist.

And he’s not just collecting trophies for the shelf, he’s raising podium crushers. His students are competing nationally and internationally, representing Poland at European Championships and climbing podiums. So we sat down with the man himself and student Kasia for a street-level chat.

Here’s how it went down…

Hi Maciej, first up — how long have you been a karate coach?
Around 10 years.

When was the first karate chop?
I was five… but I quit after the first lesson. Came back four years later and got hooked.

Respect. So… do you break bricks?
Hahaha, no — but I do break desks on some karate shows to impress the beginners.

What vibe do you want people to feel at GOATS?
Professionalism for sure — and here we push you to your limit.

What’s the best excuse someone gave for missing class?
Not really an excuse — but I didn’t see one student for a week, then spotted him posting karate pics on socials. I called and he told me: “Trust the process.”
I sort of respected it.

What’s one rule in your dojo you’ll never negotiate?
No mess. I like the place tidy!

Difference between men and women training karate?
Women are more aggressive — believe it or not.

Your karate style?
I used to be chaotic and aggressive in fights. Now I’m way calmer and strategic.

Favourite move?

Definitely ashibarai. That sweep is magical — it turns a fully grown adult into a confused pancake in half a second. Beautiful moment for everyone… except the guy on the floor.

Do you know straight away if a new student has big potential?
Usually, after a few lessons. But sometimes they prove me wrong — hard work can change everything.

So what’s more important: skill, strength, or hard work?
Hard work for sure. A student who works hard can beat a more skilful fighter who’s lazy.

Biggest student success so far?

I’m proud of them all, but Kasia and Olivia especially. Kasia won silver for Poland and Olivia Gold for the USA in 2024 in the Continental Championships. Kasia also qualified for the World Championships in Cairo the last week of November 2025.

Serious! So… could Kasia beat me up?
Hahaha — for sure! She is a trained fighting machine, and you are not!

Prediction for Kasia at the World Championships?
Always gold. We’re going there to win.

What goes through your head when watching your students fight at competitions?
Panic — but controlled panic. Mostly pride!

That karate shout — the Kiai. Do some fighters have annoying ones?
Hahaha, for sure. Some sound like they’re being attacked by a bee, others like they just stepped on Lego. There’s always that one guy who celebrates a point like he’s trying to make the scoreboard shake.

Can any of your students beat you?
Hahaha — never! Otherwise, we’re playing till I win!

Ever had to use your skills on the street?
Not often — it’s always better to walk away. But there was an incident in Berlin when a random guy spat at my fiance… Let’s just say it didn’t end too well for him. Hahaha.

Why karate over other combat sports?
Karate is super traditional and shapes you into a good person.

Like you, you mean?
Hahaha — sure!

Are flying kicks just for the movies?

Hahaha! Let’s try it and find out…

Most frustrating thing about being a coach?
Some students expect instant success. But it takes time and hard work.

So what’s the long-term vision for GOATS?
Having ten students in the world’s top 10 — that’s the goal, and I’m working toward it. Plus 2500 students at GOATS by 2030 is another one!

Last question — be honest… could you kill me in 10 seconds?

Ten? Bro… I could do it in seven and take a water break. But don’t worry, I only do that to people who don’t take their shoes off on the mat.

The Last Round

What’s the best way for future champions to get in touch with you?

Call me: +48 505 875 735 or message me on Facebook. You can also check the website: www.goatskarate.pl