2005
Congratulations to Chris Ayers
on His Successful Promotion to Shodan
Senpai Chris Ayers promoted to shodan in June, in the third annual special promotion for out of town Seido students at Seido Honbu in New York, under the direction of Kaicho Nakamura.
2004
Seattle Seido Celebrates Kagami Baraki
The Seattle Branch of the World Seido Karate Organization celebrated Kagami Baraki on Sunday, January 4, 2004. Seido members met at the Phinney location of the Pacific Northwest Budo Association, and after a brief warmup did the traditional "one technique for every year" for a total of 2004 techniques. Spirits were high and the kiai were loud. The workout was followed by an extended meditation and a short but informative lecture on the history and experimental nature of the traditional martial arts. Afterwards everone retired to Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe for breakfast and animated conversation (pictured above.) Happy New Year, everybody!!!
2003
forground: Senpai Tina Carter, Kaicho Nakamura, Sensei Akira Nakamura. background (l-r): Mike DeLillo, Paul Heppner. |
Two New BlackbeltsIn early October Seattle Seido sent two new candidates for black belt promotion to World Seido Honbu in New York; Paul Heppner, who has been studying Seido Karate for nearly 6 years under Kyoshi Tanaka; and Mike DeLillo, who also has an advanced ranking in Shotokan Karate. Mike has been studying Seido for several years under Kyoshi Tanaka. Mike and Paul's promotion was facilitated by the expert supervision and assistance provided by Senpai Tina Carter, whose advice is always much appreciated. |
New Black BeltsSeveral members of Seattle Seido participated in a special promotion for out of state and international students, the first of its kind ever held at World Seido Honbu in New York. The special test was administered by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura on June 6th, during the week of the annual black belt clinic. Senpai Bob Sailer promoted to Nidan. Promoting to Shodan were William Elston and Markus Mielke. Senpai Paul Barry attended the clinic, and provided assistance and advice for the black belt candidates (Thank you Senpai Paul!) What made this promotion so unique was its truncated time frame. In the past visiting candidates would promote over several days, with the kumite test held early Sunday morning. The special promotion took place on one day, with formal testing beginning at 10 AM, proceeding throughout the day, culminating in a kumite test that began at 6 PM and ended at 7:30. The arrangement made for fewer sleepless nights, and concentrated the anxiety and stress of promotion into one day. (It also insured that when the kumite test began, with regards to their respective resources of adrenaline, they were |
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2002
Seido Juku 5th Anniversary All Japan Tournament
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| Ako Lindley receiving 2nd place award for 3rd kyu kata competition at the All Japan Tournament in Tokyo. |
The Tokyo Branch of the World Seido Organization hosted the All Japan Tournament as a part of their upcoming 5th Anniversary celebration. The event was attended by Seido karateka from all over the world, and it was said by Shuseki Shihan Charles Martin, speaking at the Sayonara party following the tournament, that "it set a new standard for international tournaments." Seattle Seido was represented by two members, William Elston, 1st kyu, and Ako Lindley, 3rd kyu. Ako placed 2nd in kata, with a score of 45. William did not place, with a score of 43. There were many highlights, both in kata, point-fighting, and demonstrations of advanced self defense, breaking, etc. The tournament was presided over by Sensei Masaru Inden, head of the Tokyo Branch, with direction and advisement from Kaicho Nakamura.
In addition to the tournament the Japanese Branch had organized two bus tours. The first was a full day tour of the areas surrounding Tokyo, the second a half-day tour of Tokyo itself. The two members of Seattle Seido were able to attend the second tour, which included a group photograph in front of the Imperial Palace, a tour of Asakusa with a traditional Japanese lunch, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. There were also two excellent dinners; the All Japan Tournament Reception Dinner, and the Sayonara Party. Both were full of heartfelt speeches and toasts, and translated from Japanese into English.
The Japanese Branch of the World Seido Karate Organization, and especially the Tokyo Branch and Sensei Inden, must be commended for the exceptional amount of effort and hard work that was put into this event. Months of planning, organizing and preparation went into an event that lasted but a few days. However the memories, good feelings, friendship, and Seido spirit that resulted from their work will last forever.
World Seido Karate Organization
26th Annual Benefit Tournament
Several members of the Seattle Branch of the World Seido Karate Organization flew to New York to participate in the 26th Annual Benefit Tournament. The tournament was accompanied by special seminars in focusing energy, joint locks, tournament kata, point fighting, dynamic kicks, self defense, and a surprise class in combat techniques by Shihan Eli Bitran, who annually instructs the Israeli Army in combat fighting. These classes were held at Seido Honbu. The tournament was held at Hunter College, in the main gym.
Several of the Seattle group placed in competition. The Seattle Branch participants were; Markus Mielke, 2nd place advanced brown belt kata; William Elston, 3rd place advanced brown belt kata; Ako Lindley, 2nd place adanced green belt kata; Chris Ayers also competed in kata and kumite, which can be seen in slide show format by clicking on the accompanying image. Although it was an off year, the event was still very exciting, with many excellent participants, high spirits and great fighting. The tournament was followed by a dinner party at the Limerick House Bar, next door to Seido Honbu.
The World Seido Karate Organization Annual Tournaments are a great place to see some great karate, learn new techniques, and meet fellow karateka. So start planning and preparing for next year!!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Senpai Paul Barry, Senpai Emory Nichols, and Senpai Steve Preszler on the occassion of their successful Sandan promotion, at Seido Honbu in New York in early October.