Kodokan Seiler Karate

Home
United States
Lakeville, MN
Kodokan Seiler Karate

Official members of the World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA). This is a traditional Okinawan martial art founded in 1947 by Shoshin Nagamine.

Self Defense. Practical Applications. Kodokan-Seiler Dojo is dedicated to the Preservation and promotion of Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do. Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do is an Okinawan martial art with a long history and tradition. It was founded by Shoshin Nagamine in 1947 and the lineage is currently headed by Yosh*taka Taira, 10th Dan. Practice in tradition methods for personal wellness and realistic

self-defense is the foundation of this style of karate, rather than a display for tournament or sporting competition. Kodokan-Seiler Dojo is a member of World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association, the organization created and handed down by founder Shoshin Nagamine. The chief instructor is Don Seiler. In contrast to the many options available for combat sports, we do not train individuals for sporting competition. Rather, we focus on instruction in the history and principles of Okinawan Karate-do, as a part of Okinawan culture, and the applicability of those principles in a life pursuing wellness and peace. This is done through instruction in the physical techniques of Matsubayashi-ryu as found in kata, bunkai (kata analysis or "breaking into parts") and kumite (a type of sparring, but in the context of personal defense - NOT sport). In addition, we engage in physical conditioning using Okinawan Hojo Undo (traditional training tools and techniques) and modern methods (weights, high intensity intervals, cognitive/ neurological conditioning). The final component is mental training for personal wellness and training effectiveness. This includes Zazen meditation practice/ sitting and Zanshin as an element of kata practice and also practiced through specific kumite exercises. The results are improved health, fitness, mental wellness and skill in empty-hand martial arts.

04/25/2026

Grateful for those who preserve and share our Karate-do traditions and legacy. May our efforts today serve as suitably for future generations.

01/03/2026

Happy New Year to all! We look forward to another year of practicing and spreading Karate-do. We invite all to practice Karate-do with us to build your health and spirit. We practice on Monday and Thursday evenings and on the mornings of the first and third Saturday each month. Members of our dojo are also visiting Okinawa in April-May of 2026. All are invited to join us on this trip as well.

Please send a message to this page or to Don Seiler for details of how to join in person or via Zoom.

An excerpt from a message sent to our dojo from Sensei Taira, WMKA Kaicho:
“The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse. The Horse is a symbol of "leaping forward" (Hiyaku). Since ancient times, the Ryukyu warrior class (Shizoku) considered this an important year to replenish their spirit and physical strength and to strive forward on the path of martial arts. Let us share in this good fortune and make this a year of great leaps forward for the further development of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do and the refinement of our techniques.”

12/18/2025

We are forever thankful for the time we had with Bill Sempel 10/10/1958 - 12/18/2016: husband, father, karateka, friend. He was a powerful and positive presence in our dojo and his spirit continues to inspire our training in the dojo and our actions everywhere.

12/12/2025

'I never imagined we could build such a vibrant Karate community here in the midcoast' Rockland karate dojo completes its very first International Karate Seminar Thu, 12/11/2025 - 9:00am Front row (left to right) David Troup, Tony Roberts, Scott Schnell, Don Seiler, Heinz Tessner, and Martin O'Malle...

$Practice at the dojo should be but a fraction of your total training. Practice can happen anytime, anywhere. Create a sp...$

08/29/2025

Practice at the dojo should be but a fraction of your total training. Practice can happen anytime, anywhere. Create a space at your home to train if you can. For many there isn’t the luxury of a home dojo and no interruptions, but kihon and kata are incredibly easy to adapt. Only 2 minutes? That’s one kata rep or thirty to forty smoothly executed cross decks, or a few squats/ pushups/ tsuki/etc.. it’s as good for you as drinking water and breathing! Of course, when you can, immerse yourself in solo training sessions long enough to allow you to transcend the stress of schedules, to-do’s, and other worldly concerns. Karate-do is about creating peace - and it does exactly that when practiced diligently and consistently!

12/13/2024

Please join us in congratulating Zak on his promotion to Hachi Kyu on December 12. Zak started training with us 3 months ago and has demonstrated outstanding effort and focus.

10/28/2024

Enjoyed a fantastic Karate-do practice at Taira Dojo along with students from Australia, US, and Europe. Taira classes are intense and physically challenging, but he has a keen sense of when to pause for small breaks. We did many basics including some hand conditioning that were new to me. Kata practice included Fukyugata Ichi, Fukyugata Ni, Naihanchi Shodan, Pinan Shodan, Ananku, Wankan, and Passai katas. Throughout kihon and kata practice Taira Sensei gave instruction/ emphasis on a few technical details. His explanations (translated by a junior brown belt student who speaks English very well) were clear and easy to understand even before his words were translated. The class was about 1 hour 45 minutes including breaks. I walked back to my hotel, threw my gi in the washing machine, showered, then slept solidly for almost 7 1/2 hours - best sleep since I arrived in Okinawa!

Address

17630 Juniper Path
Lakeville, MN
55044

Telephone

+19527697854

Website

http://www.kodokan-seiler.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kodokan Seiler Karate posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Kodokan Seiler Karate:

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Lakeville?