Sector 15A Dojo

The first ever test, that too for Black Belt, at Ukeireru Karate.

Senpai Manish Govil - Nidan
(New) Senpai Indrajit - Shodan

Over two days - yesterday and today. Well done both!

In the words of both parents and students, the dojo serves as much more than just a place to learn a Martial Art.

The community of great people, the support from each other, the inspiration from seeing each person strive to get better is what makes it special for both youth and adults.

Striding across two spaces, that of leadership development and Karate, has allowed me look beyond each and create this third space that combines both.

Proud of all those who stand together on this tough yet fulfilling journey.

Creating a legacy, impacting lives, building a community that thrives on love, affection and growth.

Typically, one gets to have love shared by people once one passes away as they share fond memories of the person.

Today, I had this love shared with me (while still being there in flesh and form) by the entire Seido Karate Noida community who came together to celebrate their teacher's achievement.

Kept as a well hidden secret from me for almost a month, the key instigator being Senpai Rohan with co-conspirators Senpai Manish Govil, Senpai Isha and Senpai Manish this was a big event organized by all of them in partnership with many others.

I always say that running after rewards, awards and appreciation have never been my thing.

Continuing to inspire and set an example for my students to live well and continue to grow have been the driving force.

So, this came as a big surprise, with a feeling of joy, being blessed and gratitude to be someone loved so much.

Current students, old students, parents, family members turned up for the event.

An amazing invite, the splendid cake prepared painstakingly by a parent ( Shweta Nag Joshi ), flowers and gifts from many of them... and bombarding me with their love through sharing of stories, appreciation and what role I/ Seido Noida have played in their lives.

Thank you and thank you all. I can't say enough of that.

🙏

As a student of Karate, it has been over thirty years of learning, practicing and loving the art form.

The weekend saw me cross a milestone in this journey. By being promoted to 6th Dan after a test conducted in London by Eiko Hanshi Renzie Hanham from New Zealand.

Thank you Kaicho and Nidaime A. Nakamura. Thank you Eiko Hanshi Renzie.
Thank you Sei Shihan Brandt Longfoot, Jun Shihan Stuart Wilson, Jun Shihan Bede.

And fellow promotees... Jun Shihan Matthew, Jun Shihan Tina Teaspoon and Jun Shihan Hardeep Singh Panesar

Thank you Jun Shihan Stuart for your amazing hospitality, full support and for ensuring that my trip became memorable in more ways than one.

Osu!

Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan... with Kaicho all through!

30 years... After the family I was born into, this has been my second longest association with another human system!

A brown Belt who moved to Adv Brown today sent me this message (in the pic) after the test. (It was a Mae Geri and not Hiza... it just felt like Hiza to him 😂).

I am Still doing Kumite in my 48th year running.

Most instructors choose to instruct from the sidelines.
Many people say to me that you are crazy to keep doing this.

What's the point in standing on the side.
The teacher must jump in to inspire.

Else, an easy assumption is that beyond one's 30s, one cannot do such rigorous training.

Will there be a time when one will need to step out?

To answer this, I quote the dialogues from Top Gun Maverick (Top Gun sequel).

Rear Admiral : The end is inevitable, Maverick. Your kind is headed for extinction.

Maverick : Maybe so, sir. But not today.

(Sounds a bit dramatic... I guess once in a while it is perhaps okay to be so 🤣)

We had the Kyu promotion test for a few students today. After a long gap...with the Dojo going through the recovery phase after the impact of covid.

A great job by everyone.

And a powerful message from Senpai Rohan, Nidan about the Dojo. Talking about the essence of who we are.

Thank you Senpai Rohan Thawani
And thank you Senpai Manish Govil and Senpai Manish Gupta to be there to support.

Osu!

My Journey as a student of Seido Karate had started in 1993. So, this is the 30th year of falling in love with the art and the philosophy of Seido.

So much so that it redefined me and defined my professional and personal decisions in life.

I chose to walk the tough path of working as a professional AND teaching Karate to others for over twenty years (21 this May).

Over these years, I have had the privilege of training personally under (Grandmaster) Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura.

It is also a matter of pride that all of my Black Belt promotions have happened directly under his guidance and watchful eyes. Starting from Shodan (1st Dan) during his visit to India in 2001 to all others during my various visits to New York, last one being Godan (5th Dan) in 2016.

It has been a trying, stretching, tumultuous roller coaster of a ride over the years, yet a very fulfilling journey.

Looking forward to the next 30!

In the pic with Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura and Nidaime A. Nakamura in 2016 during my visit to New York for 40th anniversary celebrations of The World Seido Karate Organization, conducting a session for over 100 Karateka from across the world, and my promotion to Godan.

Calling all existing, old, new, about to join, yet to join, still contemplating to join, returning, wondering when to return students... inviting you for a joint workout this Saturday, 14th January.

Let's renew our dedication to our own personal growth through the practice of Karate.

Outdoor Class Today Morning!

Inside Japanese Martial Arts: The True Role of Kata in Karate Black Belt columnist Dave Lowry delves into kata's three pillars. "Grasp these concepts and you’ll find it easier to see the place of kata in your training and to make informed judgments about its practice," he says. Decide for yourself.

Seido Karate Noida is 19!!!

Birthday cake... A surprise from my dear students!

In case you missed it, the new Cobra Kai series launches on Netflix tonight. The stars Ralph Macchio & William "80s Bad Guy" Zabka met with our founders, Kaicho & Nidaime A. Nakamura during filming at our World Seido Karate Headquarters - Honbu in NYC. Osu! 🥋🎥🎬

All Dojos are welcome!
Join us for a Seido Karate Class
with Shuseki Shihan Eli Bitran
Tuesday, April 7th
8:30PM (Israel Time, GMT+3)
6:30PM (London, GMT+1)
1:30PM (New York, GMT-4)
Join us via ZOOM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/798252097?pwd=dHhvWE92c0VIQ1hobVJpRS8zQVdlQT09

Leadership Insights from The Martial Arts



I shared the following story with my students as the meditation lecture today. It is about my Director at school, Mr. M N Kapur. First Padmashree recipient in education, Ex principal Modern BaraKhamba.

This was when he was Headmaster of Mayo College Ajmer in Pre 1947 era. Most of the students studying there were from royal families or Wards of Britishers.

One of the Britishers, a high ranking official, was visiting the school one day and was mounted on a horse. He continued to speak with Mr. Kapur about his son's progress from the high pedestal.

Mr. Kapur had turned to face him and said, "Sir, we can continue this conversation if you choose to dismount from your horse. Else, we can continue at some other time."

An example of Courage, self respect & conviction. How many people would've had the gumption to speak like this in those times. Exceptional people are made of a rare mettle.

Bushido - Samurai code also teaches us these values.

As leaders, in tough times, do we choose to do the right thing, which requires courage. Or, do we give into the temptation of material benefit and stray away from the path. Over last few years, we have seen so many high profile cases where people strayed badly.

A big class today with many more students. Cross country and cross continent. Including our first Black Belt - Senpai Kuldip (living in a different city in India), Senpai Harjas (now in California) and Senpai Pooja (from our home ;).

Amazing experience! So happy that we are able to do this.

Live Classes Through Digital Platform

We continue to have all our classes virtually through an online application. It has been a great experience.

And many of the old students have also returned/ shown interest as they can now connect from different locations.

Amongst the first few dojos to start online, more and more are now following suit globally. Happy to know that we are fighting back.

Beating COVID-19!

As you try to work and live life from the confines of your home, with kids stretching your patience and extra calories beginning to stretch the waist line, try doing some Karate.

No equipment and no special requirements. Only some clear space, a digital device and an internet connection.

Burn those calories, stress and lack of social connect away. Join us at 7pm today.

In line with the global containment protocol for preventing the spread of COVID-19, we decided to close the physical classroom and go virtual. It was an interesting experience.

I have conducted many sessions digitally for corporate training but this was different since it required active physical movement all through.

And it definitely requires lot more of self motivation and will to engage in the training.

All the women power in the class today. With the Black Belts.

Thank you for being a part of Seido Karate Noida. Your presence makes us better. And it truly represents what we stand for - acceptance, respect and love.

Colours in bloom at the club where we have our dojo. It is one of the finest places around Delhi NCR.

18 years this May! Seido karate noida @ Club Sector 15A Noida

Happy Birthday Kaicho!

Seido Karate Noida Senior belts' dinner.
This year we had the dinner today, 22nd February on Kaicho's Birthday. Celebrating our founder's Birthday together. It was a lovely evening... Talking, sharing and enjoying good food with great company.

OSU!!!

Senpai Govind and Senpai Rajesh from GK2 dojo who had joined us today at Seido Karate Noida for a special joint class. Thank you Senpais.