SEIDO KARATE
Karate literally means “empty hand” in Japanese. The kanji (Japanese ideograms) references not only the training for unarmed combat (no sword, in the case of Japan) but also the principle of “non-attachment” that is often espoused in meditation practices throughout Asia. Seido Karate-do, a traditional style of karate training, not only gets you fit in the physical sense but values too the cultivation of mental fitness. The traditions of East and West affirm the link between mind and body. Healthy body, healthy mind!
The hallmark of Seido practice is the development of the following characteristics in the Seido student. Healthy Adaptations: Altruism, humor, a forward-looking attitude, the ability to choose what you give your attention to, and the ability to sublimate your energy for positive purposes are healthy adaptations to life’s challenges. Seido’s challenging physical training and meditation programs can help establish healthy adaptations. Positive emotions: Our mind and emotions are powerful factors in our lives. Positive emotions are those that accept that life does not always proceed easily yet embrace the possibility that, through work and communication with others, our purpose will be supported. Seido places emphasis on participation with rather than domination over others in the class. A “Growth Mindset”: The growth mindset can be summed up in the adage “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Talent alone is not enough. Effortful study and purposeful practice are as important to goal achievement as the special abilities or talents you were born with. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to train at the Culver City Seido dojo, but your skills WILL improve! Perseverance: My father once told me that great stories were not written; they were re-written. The ability to work through frustration and disappointment is probably the key to all achievement. The Japanese expression “Nana korobi ya oki” points to the power of persistence. It translates as “If you are knocked down seven times, get up seven times and be willing to get up again and again.”
Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura
Seido Karate was founded by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura in 1976. It is Kaicho’s belief that everyone can benefit from the training Seido provides, as it places as much emphasis on the development of good character, compassion, and a receptive attitude toward life as it does on the building of a strong and capable body.
The roots of Seido Karate-do can be traced back through history to the Japanese Goju-ryu style of Master Gogen Yamaguchi – and even further back to Master Chojun Miyagi’s Okinawan Goju-ryu. Seido incorporates kata (solo practice forms) from the rich tradition of karate-do, as well as kata developed by Kaicho Nakamura himself.
Kaicho Nakamura was introduced to Karate by his elder brothers, who studied Wado-ryu and Goju-ryu; his own first training in Karate was under Sensei Kei Miyagi, son of the famous founder of Goju-ryu, Master Chojun Miyagi. He also holds a dan (black belt level) ranking in kendo (Japanese fencing).
Kaicho has also studied Zen meditation, and holds a degree in psychology.
All of these factors and influences have inspired Kaicho Nakamura to create a system of Karate training for self-development, self-defense, and physical fitness, that is rooted in the best budo traditions but also answers to the needs of modern people all over the world.