Bassai Dai Karate Ireland - JKA Galway

Seichūsen (正中線) = The Centerline

Seichūsen is the imaginary line that divides the body into two equal halves and is one of the fundamental principles of traditional Karate.

From a biomechanical perspective, performing techniques close to the Seichūsen reduces the moment arm of the limbs, allowing movements to become faster, more precise, and mechanically more efficient. Proper body alignment also optimizes the transmission of force generated from the ground through the legs, hips, and trunk to the point of impact.

Beyond protecting the body’s most vital targets, the Seichūsen enhances balance, stability, and control, enabling every technique to be executed with maximum efficiency and minimal unnecessary effort.

In Karate, power is not simply about strength. it is the result of proper alignment, physics, and biomechanics working together.

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【生カメラ_7月5日配信】メインコート 個人戦・団体戦組手決勝「第68回全国空手道選手権大会 68th JKA Championships」 ※ライブ配信では、回線の状況により、映像や音声が乱れたり中継が中断・停止される場合がございますので何卒ご了承ください。公益社団法...

Make the most of your summer.
Stay active, build confidence, learn new skills and have fun.
Join us today at 5:00 PM!
Everyone is welcome.

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Ireland 🇮🇪
ie
Dōjo affiliated with JKA Shotokan Ireland
Galway

Brazil 🇧🇷
Bassai Dai Karate Brasil
Dojo affiliated with
Campinas-SP

The Seiken (正拳)—the striking surface formed by the knuckles of the index and middle fingers was not chosen by tradition alone, but by efficiency.

From a biomechanical perspective, it provides the optimal alignment of the fingers, metacarpals, wrist, forearm and arm, allowing force to travel through a single, stable kinetic chain. This alignment minimizes torque, reduces the risk of injury and maximizes energy transfer to the target.

From a physics standpoint, the Seiken concentrates a significant amount of force into a relatively small contact area, increasing pressure without compromising the structural integrity of the hand. It represents the ideal balance between power and safety.

Anatomically, the second and third metacarpals are the strongest and most stable bones in the hand, making them better suited to withstand compressive forces than the outer metacarpals. This is one of the reasons why impacts delivered with the little-finger side of the fist are more likely to result in the well-known “boxer’s fracture.”

Ergonomically, the Seiken is the hand’s most natural and stable closed-fist position, providing exceptional precision, consistency and control. Through regular training, the bones, tendons, ligaments and neuromuscular system adapt, creating an even stronger and more resilient striking structure.

Although Karate employs many effective striking surfaces…including Shuto, Uraken, Tettsui, Hiraken, Ippon Ken and Nukite…none combines structural stability, power, precision, safety and efficiency as completely as the Seiken.

The Seiken is therefore far more than a closed fist. It is the practical application of anatomy, biomechanics, physics and ergonomics, refined through generations of experience, making it one of the finest examples of scientific efficiency in Traditional Karate.

Ireland 🇮🇪
ie
Dojo affiliated with JKA Shotokan Ireland

Brazil 🇧🇷
Bassai Dai Karate Brasil
Dojo affiliated with

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Another sweaty one this morning in our YMCA dojo in Dublin city centre. Guests and drop-ins always welcome, so if you're visiting Dublin over the summer, you'll find us here on Tues & Thurs @ 7pm and Sat @ 11am.

In Loving Memory of Paul Clancy (1977–2026)

Paul Clancy was one of Galway’s finest Gaelic footballers and the most decorated player in the history of Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn.

A two-time All-Ireland Senior Champion with Galway (1998 and 2001), he was admired for his talent, strength and leadership. After his playing career, he continued to serve the game as a coach and later as Chairman of his beloved club, helping guide it through one of the most successful periods in its history.

But beyond every title and every achievement, Paul was remembered as a man of character—a devoted husband, father, son, friend and mentor. A man whose humility, loyalty and kindness left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Although we never had the privilege of meeting Paul personally, his story and the love shown by his family, friends and community have deeply touched us.

They remind us that the greatest champions are not defined by the trophies they lift, but by the lives they enrich.

Trophies fade.
Records are broken.

But kindness endures.
Integrity endures.
The example we leave behind endures.

As a karate dojo, we believe the highest purpose of sport is not simply to develop great athletes, but to help shape people of character. Paul Clancy’s life is a beautiful reminder of that truth.

Today, we bow our heads in respect to a man whose legacy reaches far beyond the playing field.

To Paul’s family, his friends, and everyone at Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn and throughout the Galway GAA community, we offer our heartfelt condolences.

May Paul Clancy rest in peace. May his life continue to inspire all who believe that the true measure of greatness is not what we achieve, but what we leave behind.

— Bassai Dai Karate

Another chance to train with Sensei Kawasoe in Scotland.
Sensei Oishi and Sensei Kobayashi.
See you there
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