Karate: We have all heard this word before. Many are quick to think about Tiger Schulmann’s karate, but there are many different karate schools out there and today I will discuss one in particular. Seido Karate is a traditional martial arts school that is founded by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura. He was formally a student of the kyokushin karate style where he obtains his black belt. The word “sei” means sincere way, and the word “do” means special place to study. Seido has become a special place to many, where they can study the sincere way.
First, let’s have a look at karate. Karate originated in Japan, and has become popular in the martial arts world. There are many karate schools, sharing many similarities, such as belt ranking, promotions, and techniques. Seido, although similar to other schools, has changed the way that karate was once thought of. Everyone would always take karate to exercise, get in shape, learn how to fight, and get stronger physically. Sincerity is what makes Seido different from the rest. Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura established Seido because he noticed that karate was more than fighting and getting stronger, he noticed that ones spirit, their enjoyment, and that family are important. Many Karate schools in the past, and many still as of today allow beginning students to participate in fight class (kumite). Although one may think that by doing so you can get stronger and become a better fighter, there are many risks involved. Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura saw that many of the black belts would inflict injury to the cocky beginners, and by doing so would either create a hateful environment, make many beginners leave, and would reject persons that were afraid to fight.
Kaicho established The World Seido Karate Organization because he believed in Sincerity. In Seido karate beginners are not allowed to fight, only when one gets to the green belt level can one fight. The reason for this is to establish a safety environment where one can learn to fight without fear of getting injured. The black belts in Seido are also taught that fighting is not the most important thing, but improving and helping others to improve is. Seido Started in Manhattan, and the main dojo (honbu) is located on w61 23rd street and 6th avenue. Currently there are many Seido schools in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and in other states and in other countries. Seido has become popular with families as well. Seido offers children classes, and offers classes to the deaf and blind, those classes offered for free. Seido has become a popular karate school, but still remains humble to the community. Seido has raised money from its tournaments and donated the proceeds, to the victims family of 9/11, as well as the FD-NY and NY PD, also donating some to the deaf, blind, and YAI programs, so that they can keep offering these free classes to the community.
Inside the dojo: Honbu is the main dojo. This is where the Grand Master Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura teaches. His son Kyoshi Akira Nakamura also teaches at Honbu. Inside there is a family atmosphere, where everyone becomes like a family, and helps one another. The children’s classes are taught by instructors selected by Kaicho and Kyoshi Akira to maintain the sincere way. In fight class there is no ego, because we are all taught to look out for one another, and help one another improve.
I have spent about nine years now at Seido. I have spent four of those years teaching adults and children. In the years teaching children I have noticed that Sincerity does work for everyone. The children feel safe, they are encouraged to show and perform their best. Many children as young as eight years old learn more than some adults. In the adult class, men and women are challenged to do their best and it pays off. Everyone enjoys the classes, and they all get to exercise and work out. I have seen families that take karate together, and all of them enjoy Seido. Seido also has a work out facility, where you can train with weights, and work on your karate material. Seido offers a free trail class to both adults and children.There is a work study program, where if you spend a couple of hours working at Honbu, you will receive half or full tuition, depending on the hours you work. The tuition information for Seido can be found on its web site (www.Seido.com).
If you want to take karate, first timers are welcomed. Please visit Seido karate, there are other Seido dojos in NYC, please look at their web site. At Seido you will not get discriminated on, and we will never force anything on you. Everyone that takes Seido will welcome you as a family member. Give it a try, take the free trail class. Also, if you know anyone that is blind, deaf or have special needs, please give Seido a try, those classes are free.
Any questions please feel free to contact me.
