The Seido Karate YAI Program: A First Look

Osu Everyone,

Recently, I've taken time to familiarize myself with the Seido Karate special programs and in this three part series, I'd like to introduce you to the Seido Karate YAI program. This month, you will get an overview of the program itself, meet the instructors, the students and learn why you should get involved.

For those of you who know little about it, The Seido Karate YAI program serves the New York City Community by teaching adults with some form of mental disability Seido karate. Located at the Young Adult Institute, in the heart of downtown Manhattan, the Seido Karate YAI program has been in existence for over 20 years and is run week to week by a group of dedicated Seido karate volunteers (who range from color belt students to high ranking black belt students). Currently, the program is host to 18 students--who exhibit some of the strongest spirit I have ever seen in their training--on Tuesday and Thursday each week.

Last week Thursday, I had the pleasure of volunteering at my first YAI class. I first heard about the program through Max, who has volunteered as an instructor for quite some time. In addition, I met Senpai Barbara--a senior instructor for the program--as well as many of the students at the October tournament. Putting this all together, I needed little convincing to volunteer :)

First off, I must say that this is truly a crucial part of Seido training and I understand why it is required for all individual promoting to senior color belt levels. The experience of teaching another person is a learning experience in itself that is greatly underestimated. Have you ever tried to teach anything else to anyone else even if it was as simple as making a sandwich? Well, by breaking down something you've come to do more or less fluidly to help another learn how to do it, you are simultaneously a.) teaching that other person, b.) re-learning it from a different angle, and c.) getting to know that person and d.) under going a pretty deep self reflection process. Despite all of that happening at once, a certain peace and harmony accompanies the process and you accept it as it is in the here and now.

Secondly, the YAI group is a very focused group. And its a powerful feeling to be in the room with a dozen a half students who are giving it all they have. Their eyes do not waver from you if you are right in front of them--and this can be uncomfortable to people who are not used to being front and center--but you eventual realize that they are showing their appreciation and respect for you and for what they are learning. And this was a point for me when I re-learned the word "osu" and why I said it--which is important because for many of us, "osu" may ebb to a mere mumble while moving about the dojo at points in our training. And on that same train of thought, while assisting the Senpai and color belt volunteers in leading the stretching (a first for me) and learning to do things mirror image (reverse of students I am facing) I made a few mistakes. I was a bit ashamed, afraid I let the students down but I was amazed and humbled by the patient glances I got from the students that said "We understand, its okay" and the encouragement they gave me, being new to YAI. It was a special thing that you have to experience. And it was the embodiment of the term "osu".

I plan on volunteering at YAI this coming Tuesday and I will have much more to write about--as well as some photos. The next YAI article will focus on the interviews I have had with YAI instructors and hopefully a few words from the students. At the end of the month, I will have an article that is dedicated to you--yes, YOU--and why you should join! In addition, Max Gubin, who is now a contributing author for The Seido Journey blog, will share his experience as a YAI volunteer.

Osu