Seido WordWide

Seido Karate is a global organization based in New York City and founded by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, a world-renowned karateka and ninth dan (degree) black belt with over 60 years of experience in practicing and teaching martial arts.

Seido Headquarters New York

Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura and Nidiame Akira NakamuraSeido seeks to develop a ‘non-quitting’ spirit in each student. No matter what the obstacle or difficulty— emotional, physical, financial—we want students to feel empowered to overcome any challenge. This is the modern interpretation of the bushido spirit of the samurai. This is what the sincere practice of karate can develop in an individual regardless of age, ability, or background.

Seido’s Founder and Chairman: Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura (9th Dan)

Seido’s Vice Chairman – Nidiame Akira Nakamura (8th Dan)

In the fall of 2008, Kaicho formally named his only son as his rightful successor and bestowed on him the exclusive title within the World Seido Karate Organization of “Nidaime” (“ni” for second, or next in line).

New Zealand Headquarters in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch Seido DojoThe dojo was founded in 1965 by one of the pioneers of Kyokushinkai in New Zealand, Doug Holloway. Following Sensei Holloway’s departure in 1969 to further his studies, the dojo was headed by Renzie Hanham.

Head Instructor: Eiko Hanshi Renzie Hanham (8th Dan)

Christchurch Seido Dojo website

What does Seido mean?

The word KARATE itself is made up of two Japanese characters – “kara” which means ‘empty’ and “te” which means ‘hand’. This suggests an openness of attitude and spirit that karate students should aspire to.

Kaicho wanted to recover the ‘original face’ of karate and underpin physical training in the art with a strong philosophical foundation. The meaning of “Seido” reflects this desire. “Sei” means truth, honesty, or sincerity. “Do” means the way, road, or path to follow.

The round patch we wear on the left sleeve has the Seido emblem. The flower design with the five petals is Nakamura’s family emblem and the three circles enclosed inside the petals stand for love, respect, and obedience. As you will see as you train with us, we constantly strive to develop these principles.