Seido from the start

   I think it is great to have a Seido blog.  This is my first contribution to any blog.

   

   My journey in Seido began in 1994 when my therapist told me that I should take up karate to learn how to yell.  I don't know how serious he was, but since he went on a vacation the next week, I decided to look into karate.  I visited several dojos around NY.  Seido seemed too big so I joined a small dojo near my office.  I stayed for a few months, but found it disorganized.  I went back to 23rd street and watched a class there.  It felt much clearer and focused.  I joined and have been here ever since.  I yell better now and also am much more in touch with myself on many levels.

   I found it very challenging at first since everything was so new.  I watched other people learn faster than me.  Once I learned to focus on myself and to stop comparing myself to people half my age, I found that I was, in fact, learning.  Starting karate as a 49 year old, age has been a factor for me,  but less so as time goes on.  

   As I moved through the belt levels,  I continued to be challenged and to acquire new skills.  Kumite was terrifying, and there were many locker room tears in the process.  However, someone told me that the only way to get better was to come to kumite every week.  The fear is gone now and although I am not to best or most skilled,  I do have some skills.

  When I promoted to black belt, a YAI student was part of our group.  His perseverance was inspiring so I got involved in the YAI program for developmentally disabled students.  The students are wonderful people who have varying skill levels, but each of them shows up and does their best.  To see them improve over the years is rewarding and they really appreciate the classes and the volunteers.   

  

My Seido Journey thus far

It has been a little over two and half years that I have been with the Seido program. I have just received my brown belt about three weeks ago but I still remember the first time I stepped into the beautiful Seido Honbu dojo and took the introductory class taught by Sensei Mark Lefkowitz (who has since moved to the Bay Area). I did not know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised to find out all of the intricacies of Karate, and see that it is not as linear as the image I had in my mind from watching the movies.

From that class on, I was hooked. I would come in and train 10 classes per week and I would work myself into exhaustion. Blisters would constantly form on my toes and soles and my muscles would be sore for days. I did not mind that though, because I just really wanted to get good.
I was pretty slow to pick up things, so I reasoned that if I took up a large amount of classes that my learning would accelerate. The terminology alone was quite hard, since there was so much of it, but I soon devised a method to learn it. It was very simple. I would just learn one new word per day. I would constantly repeat the word in my mind in both Japanese and in English. And after about a month I knew all of the terms.


I am a huge fan of Bruce Lee, I just love his style and just the incredible shape he is in. One of the first Martial Arts books I have read, other than Kaicho's Autobiography, was called "The Ultimate Training for the Martail Arts". In that book one of the passages was about Lee's training regimen. In that passage he said that getting into the top shape conditioning-wise would allow you to become a better practitioner. And I figured that if that was the case, I could concentrate more on my technique rather than on just trying to keep up with the physical strains.
So that is what I did. I would take up all three endurance classes per week and I would also do some light jogging in the mornings.

Getting into the whole endurance training was not easy though. I was so out of shape when I first joined Seido that I was nearly thirty pounds overweight. My first conditioning class that I ever took happened to be taught by Senpai Angel. As it turned out, that was probably the most physically demanding class that you could take. I felt incredibly winded and I had a very painful feeling around my kidney area. I had to stop for a minute because I just felt paralyzed.

Over time I saw that my technique improved. One of the most constructive tips that I received came from Senpai Jorge. I remember one time where I was stretching out on the side and talking to him and he pointed out one of the students in the class, and told me:
"See how low her stance is? That is how it should be done". From that day on, I would sink into the lowest stance possible. I must admit, it hurt a lot, but after a few months it was not so bad, and I would realize how much stronger my legs became. It took a lot of concentration and constant reminding to work on maintaining my stance low and just making sure that every bit of my technique was correct.


Kaicho always says that Karate is not just about physical training and kicking and punching, but I feel like the training does go a long way about teaching about other aspects of Karate. I feel like it has made me grow as a person in many areas outside of my training. I feel more confident, more focused, more aware of my surroundings, and also more giving, and the list goes on.

I feel more confident in the fact that I can give my opinion when in the past I would feel more timid because I would be afraid to express myself.

I feel more focused on the tasks at hand, whether it be at work or just in my daily rituals. And I also feel more focused about my long term goals.

Whenever I walk around or go for a drive, I feel like I know where everything is around me. I think the dojo etiquette of bowing to seniors and knowing their ranks and just knowing when and where they are on the floor has a lot do with it.
The Saturday Kata class taught by Nidaime has definitely taught me about being aware of my physical surrounding especially when you are wedged in between a pole and three other Senpais.

The feeling of giving is true because I love to share my experience with people and pass down what was taught to me at some point. I know it may not be much, but I do what I can.

That being said, I do not think that I have learned everything. It's quite the opposite. Every day that I step into the dojo I try and have a beginner's mind. I know I have to not only learn new material, but I have to remember everything that I have learned up until now. I need to constantly keep reminding myself about lowering my stance, polishing my technique, saying a loud Osu every time an instructor gives a command and having a loud Kiai.
It is Ren-ma (constant polishing) which is one of the fundamental principles of training. And it also helps to examine the things that you think you know. You need to think about why you are doing those things? Why are you in this stance or that stance? Why are you doing this strange combination? Why does this block seem weird to you? How can I apply this one technique in a situation? What are those situations? Why is the Kata called that name? How does that name apply to the Kata?
Those are the type of questions I constantly ask myself.


This is only a tip of the iceberg on my journey thus far. I do want to say however, that being part of Seido Juku it is important to think about the fundamental principles that you learn as a white belt and carry on with you on your journey.

Love, Respect and Obedience.

Those three words are what I always think about during my Journey and I try and take them to my heart and make them become a part of myself. The more I train here, the more I begin to understand and realize the meaning of those words. It is no accident that their symbol is actually sewn onto the sleeve of your gi.

All of this is very important, but I feel like if you are serious about Karate and want to become a better Karataka, the most important thing that you need to remind yourself is that the training never stops. It is a life-long journey and you can never reach the end.

Keep on training! Osu!

Walking Meditation 2008

On Wednesday evening, Seido Honbu hosted the annual Walking Meditation, where Seido students and instructors walked to the local shelters to deliver clothing, toys, and dry goods to those in need. At least 30 of us showed up to participate. It was quite a mixed crowd with Sei Shihans, Jun Shihans, Kyoshis, and Senseis as well as color belts of all different ranks. After a couple of pictures upstairs, Kaicho, along with Nidaime,led the procession into wet and rainy streets of downtown Manhattan. The first stop was a co-ed church shelter that couldn't be more than two avenues down 23rd street and half of the group--each with a bag in hand--delivered their goods to the appreciative residents. My group walked ahead to a shelter for women on 30th street to deliver clothing such as winter coats, sweaters, pants, and scarves to its residents. I must admit, I was not prepared for what I saw when I got there. I thought that it would be dropping the bags off in the lobby and going on my way but we were all met by at least a dozen women hovering around the entrance eagerly receiving these donated goods (some very gently used designer garments, some of the ones I donated still had the tag on them as I never wore those pieces). It was definitely an experience to make another person's day, especially when I wasn't expecting my participation or donations to really make a big difference. For those of you that missed the chance to share some holiday cheer, there will be another walking meditation on Dec. 18th (yesterday's 2nd walking meditation was postponed due to extremely nasty weather) when more clothing ,and this time, toys for children will be given to local shelters. I encourage all who can to take advantage of this unique experience and if you can't make it, to donate something!

Seido 2009: Some Thoughts on the Coming New Year and Kagami Baraki

It seems like just yesterday I was white belt sweating it out in Kagami Baraki--the traditional new year workout with Kaicho where at least 200-250 students and instructors of all ranks were on the dojo floor training together 8 am on the first Sunday in January. This year it's on the second Sunday in January 2009--the 11th. I am now an advanced yellow belt, still training, still learning new things and trying to improve past material. This year, Kagami Baraki means that there is evidence of the principle of everything coming full circle. A great 2008 has come to a close. We have all worked hard and now we greet a new year where we are beginning fresh. A new year and the journey continues. Hope to see everyone at Kagami Baraki!

Osu!

November Madness--Jun Shihan Walter: International Man of Mystery's Surprise 60th Birthday Party and other happenings at Honbu

Osu guys, as many of you know, things have been quite hectic for the last month so I haven't been available to share as many posts as I had planned in the month of November. However, I have plenty of great post for December :)

So, let's start December off with a long over due recap of last month!

Jun Shihan Walter, a much respected veteran instructor at Honbu, was given a surprise 60th birthday party on Thursday, November 13th. There had been much of a buzz around the dojo all week prior with instructors--including Kaicho himself--telling their students and students each other that there would be a surprise celebration for Jun Shihan Walter. Considering just how many people study at Honbu, I was a bit skeptical that this news would travel from person to person without reaching Jun Shihan Walter himself but surprisingly it didn't and those of us who attended were part of a pretty awesome surprise.

After I got out of blue and yellow belt class at 7:30, I changed and headed upstairs. Despite the fact that a senior belt class was going on as normal, anyone could see that a party was in the makings with small clumps of people working on decorations and coat racks quickly being filled. Kaicho cut the class 15 minutes short and jokingly encouraged everybody to hurry up, get changed and "put on their make-up" for the party. At 8 pm on the second floor of the dojo (Kaicho's meditation class is usually held up here on Thursdays at 8 pm)at least 100 people wrapped themselves in a blanket of hush and waited for Jun Shihan Walter, who thought he was expected at 8 pm to attend dinner with Kaicho and his wife. After a few minutes--and a couple of stragglers and false alarms--Jun Shihan Walter arrived to a chorus of "SURPRISE" and a non stop round of cheering and applause.

I must say that it was much bigger than I expected it to be and a lot of planning went into it so congrats to those who put it together. Everything from the glossy pictures--posted on the columns and mirrors of the dojo--of Jun Shihan Walter with the hilarious speech bubbles inserted and the two cakes with trick candles, all the way to the great assortment of snacks and drinks and birthday card that showcased the "many personalities" of the Jun Shihan.

Also, in the month of November, I began my training as an advanced yellow belt. I was presented with my stripe on election day (a day that felt like a million bucks already) and participated in my first step by step kumite class, taught by Senpai Luke. Though there is no contact for advanced yellow belts, I must say that I was nervous but after a couple of these classes (I've done 3 so far), I am more comfortable with the techniques such as back fists to the head area and reverse punches. I do need to work on my kicks as I'm starting to see just how difficult it is to move around and kick. I think that's something that I can develop over time so I will try to make this class--which meets Tuesday, once a week--as much as possible as it is the only kumite class I can take until I reach green belt. I have decided to make YAI classes at least twice a month so I'll probably alternate each week.

Overall, I've been training steady about 3-5 classes a week and my focus is improving my kicks (technique, balance, strength of kicks, etc.) because as Kyoshi Billy says, technique can get worse over time instead of better--a surprise to many who may believe that by merely coming to class they will get better. That's a reality check that merely going to class and learning the techniques without really aiming to do them accurately obviously isn't a good habit. In my opinion, it is a waste of time and I have been guilty of going through a class, so exhausted from earlier in the day, that I tend to drag my techniques without the best effort. In fact, while there are many classes running back to back available to color belts, I typically take one because I'd rather pool my energy and focus into one hour long session as opposed to two or even three classes where I know I may be too tired to really apply myself fully in those classes. I congratulate all of those warriors who take 2-3 classes in one night--it takes a great deal of energy and focus. Maybe one day I'll be there too, but for now, with the exception of Saturday back to back kata and endurance (too good a workout to miss), I'm going to do a class at a time.

All in all, December will a busy month at Honbu, especially Saturday, December 13th where promotion and the Honbu Holiday party will take place all in one day (as well as Kyoshi Billy's Xmas party happening at Body Evolutions that same evening. There will be a modified schedule to get used to after Christmas. Don't ask me to recall it all! I'm just glad to be able to stay in shape and train with all of the holiday dinners, drinking and parties!

Finally, congrats to Max who received his brown belt on Monday after working hard to complete several weeks of make-ups :)

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

October 2008 Kyu Promotion at Honbu

It's the day after kyu promotion at Honbu and I'm feeling pretty good minus the stiff neck from the fender bender that Max and I were involved in last night while on the way home (nothing serious, we're fine, I just got a bit of whip lash but luckily we were wearing seat belts and the driver wasn't going too fast).

Yesterday's promotions kicked off with the white belt promotion at 11:30 and at 12:30, blue through advanced yellow--the group I was part of--began their promotion. Firstly, I couldn't help but notice the size of this group compared to prior promotions. There had to be 45-50 of us at least and we were packed along the sides of the first floor of the Honbu dojo like sardines when I came in around noon. The Saturday kata class instructed by Nidaime was going on so there wasn't much room for stretching until we were called upstairs. Yet, we were quite the ball of energy--blue belts, advanced blue belts, yellow belts, advanced yellow belts--attempting to stretch, doing short, modified versions of our katas, and speaking in nervous and excited voices of what was to come in just 15 minutes. I myself was off to the side stretching my legs when Nidaime authoritatively cut short the discussion of the boisterous group. The group, now very quite and some a bit surprised because they had no idea that they had had gotten so loud was called upstairs a few short minutes later. Upon going upstairs to the second floor of the Honbu dojo, we began the written portion of the test. For me, the written test for yellow belt was fair enough--I was lucky to recently start visualizing all of my material mentally from start to finish with all of tournament practice as this test was in my opinion more descriptive. But enough about the test, those of you who have yet to take the yellow belt test will just have to find out when the time comes ;) and those of you who have taken it however long ago may be able to see where I'm coming from in my assessment :)

Next was the hour long physical portion of the test (The promotion is roughly 2 hours). For me, I found this promotion for me to be challenging enough and I really pushed myself in this one--as I try to push harder with each one. There is sometimes this tendency when engaging in any periodic event to relax too much after enduring a couple of them and develop a fatigue about the activity but I can honestly say that I was very focused and stayed on my toes regardless and many of us testing that day can definitely say the same. Because once you allow yourself to develop a nonchalant fatigue about your training and promoting, it will affect your motivation, your physical skill/progress and mental growth from the activity. As a person I respect very much once said with many things in this world, "If you pay for it, you'll get it"--so really, it's up to you to make the most of it, give your best and give it some type of meaning. Some martial arts schools (whether it's karate, mma or tae kwon do) have fell into the pitfall of becoming highly commercialized and consumed with keeping students at all costs and generating a high profit even if it means compromising the integrity of the style or way. Now, I won't bury my head in the sand when it comes to Economics 101 as I went to b-school but there is a point where people must understand that this is karate, that it is something that is beautiful and strong and has been around for hundreds of years and that they owe it to the style itself (and ultimately to themselves) to learn and do their very best and grow from it. And I feel that Kaicho, other senior instructors and Seido karate in general is reinforcing this principle.

After the physical test for promotion ended, we all gathered around Kaicho, Jun Shihan Walter, and other very senior members of Seido and had a brief but intimate group discussion that was very much a mirror of the spirit at Seido Honbu and Seido dojos everywhere. Before I knew it, it was all over! A flurry of yellow and blue belts heading downstairs while the physical portion of the green through brown belt promotion started (Max tested today for brown belt :))

Well, promotion results go up Friday, October 31st for all kyu belts so I will know the official results of my test to promote to advanced yellow belt. It was an eventful day and it was over way too soon. Stayed tuned for future entries that include pieces on the dynamic Seido YAI program and notes from Seido instructors and Seido students all over the world this coming November!

Osu Everyone,
Danielle