Adult beginners should attend either Monday night at 7:00pm or Saturday morning at 10:30pm. There are designated classes on Monday night for beginners. After you have tried a couple of classes, you can start attending on Wednesday night.
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Seido Karate provides a variety of strenuous exercises designed to teach you the skills of karate, while at the same time progressively increasing your fitness and strength.Initially the focus is on karate basics - hand and arm techniques, kicking, and blocking.
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As students become more experienced, they are expected to cope with more complex combinations, pre-arranged sparring techniques with partners, self-defence exercises, the various kata (forms), and finally free sparring.
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History of Seido
Seido is a traditional style of karate, formed on 15 October 1976. Since then Seido has grown substantially, with clubs in many countries, including six in the United Kingdom. UK headquarters are in High Wycombe and are run by Jun Shihan Roger Thyer-Jones. The London, Chiswick dojo was formed in 1991, and is headed by Jun Shihan Bede Brosnahan and Kyoshi Matt Sherratt.
Seido karate stresses above all Kaicho Nakamura's philosophy that karate should teach 'Technique before Strength, Spirit before Technique'. If you train with us, you will undoubtedly become stronger and develop sound karate technique, but most of all, Seido aims to build students with a strong spirit and attitude towards karate, and life. This 'non-quitting' spirit is a modern interpretation of the bushido (martial way) of the Japanese samurai.
The physical training in Seido karate emphasizes four key areas. First and foremost is basic karate technique, the foundation of all karate training, and which is practised by all students in the club. Basics lead into practise of the principles and techniques of self-defence, kata (Japanese martial forms), and finally, for more senior students, sparring.
Seido provides a wonderful environment for learning karate. The discipline and etiquette of a Japanese-based martial art creates a serious and respectful atmosphere in the dojo, and yet there is a genuine friendliness between students. If you feel you would like to visit us, please come and join in and give it a go - or simply watch a class if you would like to see what Chiswick Seido is like. We look forward to having you along!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect?
Probably the most unusual aspect of a martial art for a complete beginner is the etiquette in the dojo (training hall), and the constant use of the word 'osu'. The word 'osu' has many meanings. It comes from 'oshi shinobu' which means 'have patience', but we use it to mean 'hello' and 'yes' - and many other things too. At the beginning of class we kneel down to formally begin the training. A series of bows will follow. There is no religious significance to the bowing whatsoever. It is simply following the Japanese custom of bowing out of respect for our seniors; in this case, those who have trained longer than us in karate.
What to do when I arrive?
Take off your shoes and come into the room. Please go up to any of our black belts or students, explain you are there for your first class, and they will help you. We have all been beginners at some point and know that it can be a nervous experience. All we ask is that you try your best.
I’m not sure if I'm fit enough
We have people of all shapes, sizes, ages and capabilities. Many people join karate to gain fitness and there is no expectation or requirement to be at a certain fitness level when you start. Over time you’ll find that your Karate fitness improves but all you need to worry about is doing YOUR best in class. We do ask that if you have any medical conditions that you inform the instructor and follow any medical advice you’ve been given. If there are certain exercises you can’t, or shouldn’t do then these can be substituted for something more suitable.
Remember: Spirit before technique, technique before strength
Fees
Adults
You are welcome to train with us by taking a trial class free of charge. For new members there is a one-off joining fee of £50 which includes your Gi (karate uniform), belt, Seido patches, registration and insurance.
Ongoing fees are £30 per month and include our insurance with the National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools (NAKMAS)
Children
Fees are £20 per month which includes all lessons, plus a one-off joining fee of £35 which includes your first Gi (karate uniform), belt and Seido patches. It also includes our martial arts insurance and WSKO membership.
There are discounts available for families with multiple family members training - please speak to one of the instructors for further details. Children can start training once they are 7 years old.
IMPORTANT: We are a small non-profit dojo with limited resources. We do not have sufficient numbers of instructors to supervise the children for any time period after the classes have finished. We do ask that you all make sure that you have suitable arrangements in place for dropping off and picking up the children before and after class. We have had recent instances of children not attending class when they come to Arts Ed. Again we cannot be responsible for the children if they do not attend class. We would ask therefore that you have in place arrangements to ensure that the children are adequately supervised to the point that they reach the door of the dojo, before and after class. We will greatly appreciate your assistance in this respect.
Chiswick Dojo
Seido Karate London was founded in 1991 by Sensei Julie Hughey, Kyoshi Ceri Evans and Kyoshi John Esposito.
We started training in Fulham at the Sands End Community Centre, and moved in 1994 to the Arts Educational Schools in Turnham Green.
Although the founding members have since returned to their native New Zealand their legacy remains with our current dojo heads, Jun Shihan Bede Brosnahan and Kyoshi Matt Sherratt, who are also originally from New Zealand.
We are a non-profit making club, and our instructors are not paid to teach. Our fees are therefore extremely competitive.
Nowadays the club is notable for the wide range of students we have training with us. For example, countries represented in the dojo include France, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, and, of course, England. This, plus the good range of ages and the fact that we have a strong female membership, gives the dojo a cosmopolitan and friendly atmosphere. After training, we often end up at the local pub to reinforce the kizuna (friendships) which have formed after many training sessions together.
Instructors
Jun Shihan Bede
(6th Dan black belt) heads up Seido Karate Chiswick and has over 30 years’ experience in martial arts. He has a wide range of experience coaching and mentoring through his work. Jun Shihan Bede started training in New Zealand under Hanshi Renzie Hanham and regularly trains at Honbu under Kaicho.
Jun Shihan Matt
(6th Dan black belt) heads up the children's program which has grown significantly over the last few years. Kyoshi Matt has over 30 years’ experience, training in both New Zealand and USA before joining the Chiswick dojo.
Kyoshi Robin
(5th Dan black belt) has been teaching the children's program since it was started at Chiswick. He has been training at Seido for over 25 years. Kyoshi Robin takes the Monday evening Children's Class and runs the Globe dojo in east London.
Senpai Francois
(2nd Dan Black Belt)
originally from France, has more than 10 years experience and is an instructor in the adults program.
Senpai Paul-Anael
(2nd Dan black belt) teaches the basic skills class on Saturday. He brings youth and bundles of energy to his classes.
Senpai Hayden
(1st Dan Black Belt)
originally from Australia, teaches the Children's General and Sparring class on a Wednesday.
Senpai Morgan
(1st Dan Black Belt)
is another instructor with New Zealand roots, having trained there before moving to London and teaches the Children's Class on a Saturday morning.