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.

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.

Info

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 London Shibu which is led by Sei Shihan Brandt Leitch. The London, Chiswick dojo was formed in 1991, and is headed by Jun Shihan Bede Brosnahan and Jun Shihan 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

Which class should I attend?

What should I wear?

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: You must make sure that you have suitable arrangements in place for dropping off and picking up the children before and after class. We cannot be responsible for the children if they do not attend class, or for longer than 15 minutes after 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 and has been located at the Arts Educational Schools in Turnham Green since 1994.

We are LOCAL, GLOBAL, SAFE and STRONG.

The club aims to serve our local community and to help our students develop their potential through the practice of karate in a safe and positive environment. Each individual student really matters to us and we pride ourselves on developing a diverse community of dedicated individuals with solid skills and a strong non-quitting attitude. Our dojo is notable for our international membership with people from over 20 different nationalities and backgrounds giving the dojo a cosmopolitan and friendly atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. Our membership covers people of all ages and we have a strong female membership. We have many social events to reinforce the kizuna (friendships) which have formed after many training sessions together.

We are honoured to have many regular guests from our wider global community of dojos and many of our students travel internationally and throughout the UK to gain training experience with other Seido dojos. We maintain very close ties with Honbu.

Our club is led by Jun Shihan Bede Brosnahan (6th Dan).

Instructors

Jun Shihan Bede (6th Dan black belt) heads up Seido Karate Chiswick and has over 40 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) has over 30 years’ experience, training in both New Zealand and USA before joining the Chiswick dojo.

Jun Shihan Robin (6th Dan black belt) Leads the children's programme. He has been training at Seido for over 30 years and takes the Monday evening Children's Class

Senpai Paul-Anael (3rd Dan black belt) teaches the core skills class on Saturday. He brings youth and bundles of energy to his classes.

Senpai Hayden (2nd Dan Black Belt)

originally from Australia, teaches the Children's General class on a Wednesday.

Senpai Morgan (2nd 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.

Senpai Mathew (2nd Dan Black Belt) teaches the Children's General class on a Wednesday.