Seido Karate Hong Kong

Let's train in the park and enjoy the sun! OSU!

The Seido honeymoon: remember - when it feels as though it's over, it doesn't have to be over! Osu!

Hanshi Andy Barber and many senior karateka have so often over-heard newer students of Seido karate effusively declaring "Seido has changed my life!"
We've probably all said (or thought) something along the lines of: "I love Seido, I love karate!" We talk of the fitness and calmness we've gained - and the weight and the shyness we've lost. We rejoice in our new friendships, the support karateka give to one another, and how happy we feel, less-stressed, through training within this special new community we've discovered.
Yet, over the decades, Hanshi says many of the students who use the biggest superlatives are the ones who are no longer training in Seido karate.
"It’s a human condition. Often when we are exposed to something or somebody new, we feel it’s exciting and rewarding and that it’s going to change our lives. We want something to rescue us and thrust us quickly into a different life," he says. "Initially the progress when training in Seido karate seems amazing and fast. Led on by the enthusiasm and encouragement of the excellent instructors and more senior students, the new student quickly learns to punch and block, block and punch, and kiai (shout). Something starts shifting within them, within their psyche."
Students soon realise, quite rightly, says Hanshi, that they feel they would now have a good chance at defending themselves.
"This is not arrogance, but a quiet building of their confidence. That's immediately empowering and a great boost to self-esteem and confidence in everyday life and in interacting with others."
However, that rapid spike in confidence and enthusiasm can diminish and fade with time, particularly when a student comes to realise the present class he or she is doing is very similar to the last time they trained. There is repetition - and more repetition.
"Understanding that it’s an ongoing practise with the basic technique being an application and a way to polish and better understand yourself and life, is the key," says Hanshi. "There are no special tricks or props. Just train and follow the path (Karate Do). The process is the goal; the goal is the process.
"The real development happens when one is training for training's sake with no purpose or goal in mind.
"We say 'Osu Shinobu' (patience) the destination is reached without aiming for it."
There are many excuses given, Hanshi says wryly - "we all known them!" Students leaning towards giving up their training grumble about the hot weather, the cold weather, their injuries, their disappointment in not feeling the excitement and enthusiasm they once felt - and they speak of "trying something different and new."

In Zazen (meditation), too, students can sometimes hold the the romantic notion of training like a monk, calming the mind, smelling the incense and hearing the gong. But then the instruction comes: "Just sit and don't move."
"The student is essentially left on their own to face themselves - and that can be scary!" Hanshi says. "Again, it's about trusting the process (Karate Do).
"From our childhood, we are taught to be goal-orientated. We hear in our minds: "if we do this, we can expect that ..." The advertising on television and the internet is aimed at conditioning us to feel just a bit dissatisfied, so we're left with thoughts of needing more, needing change, needing things to happen more quickly."

The Martial Arts way is to choose a path/way (Do) and stay on it, Hanshi says.
"As in life, sometimes it's easy going; other times the path is a bit steeper - but there is no doubt it will enhance your life.
"There is a memorable saying: 'The greatest battle one must face is the one within one’s self'"

Osu,
Hanshi

Osu!

Local dojo re-opens doors after major renovation | South Sydney Herald South Sydney Herald DARLINGTON: The Australian headquarters of Seido Karate has recently re-opened its doors after a major renovation, and this month launched its full program of classes. After 21 years in the area the dojo has become a local institution, with 320 students and satellite programs at Crown Street Public....