Seido Karate Wellington

The Wellington crew as part of the NZ team have had a successful couple of days at Zenshin. As well as their medals they’ve all had a wonderful experience meeting other Seido karateka from all over the world, and connecting with new friends. Congratulations to Kaicho, Nidaime and all Honbu students for providing such a wonderful opportunity on the 50th anniversary of Seido Karate. OSU!
Here’s how the team did.
Isabel 1st Kata, 2nd Points
Sasha 1st Kata 1st Contact
Daniel 1st Kata, 3rd Points
Christine 1st Kata, 1st Points, 2nd Contact
Hatty 2nd Kata
Ian 1st Contact
Synchronised Kata - 1st Hatty, Daniel, Sasha

The Wellington crew is locked and loaded - Zenshin here they come! Senpai Ben and Senpai Sasha will also join the team. A special shout out to all dojo members who have supported fundraising efforts; provided training buddies and moral support as part of their build up - it has really helped. And a massive thankyou to Kyoshi Bruce, Senpai Dave and Senpai Aaron who led the intensive training regime over and above their usual dojo commitments - a fantastic team effort. And let's not forget the littlest team member - Miss Charlotte in the official role of Wellington Mascot. OSU!

A heartfelt and important message from Eiko Hanshi Renzie. Osu!

Osu.

As I reflect on the journey ahead, I am reminded that Seido Karate has always been about far more than the destination. It is about the people we travel with, the friendships we build, the spirit we share, and the values that unite us across the world.

Over the coming days, 37 members of the New Zealand Seido Karate family will make the long journey to New York City from Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin, Stoke, Hastings, Hokitika and Christchurch. That is something for New Zealand to be quietly proud of. It speaks volumes about the commitment, spirit and camaraderie that exist within our New Zealand dojos.

For me personally, this journey carries a little extra significance. Some time ago, I made the decision that this would be my final trip to Honbu. Life has a way of reminding us that every season brings change, and with that comes an appreciation that some journeys become more meaningful than others. That is simply part of life's natural rhythm. Knowing this makes the opportunity to once again train, laugh, reflect and reconnect with our international Seido family all the more special.

We look forward to gathering in Westchester for Zen Shin, celebrating the enduring legacy of Kaicho and the tremendous contribution Nidaime has made in guiding and strengthening our global Seido family. It is a chance to honour those who have gone before us while embracing the future of Seido together.

Most of our New Zealand team departs on Monday and Tuesday, while others will follow later in the week. To every one of you, I wish you safe travels and smooth journeys. We look forward to meeting friends from around the world in New York and Westchester and sharing another memorable chapter together.

My sincere gratitude also goes to everyone who has made this possible. To those travelling - thank you for your commitment to Seido. To your families, who support your training, encourage your aspirations and willingly let you disappear overseas for a time, thank you. And to the instructors, dojo members and friends who continue to support each participant throughout the year, your contribution is every bit as important. No one makes a journey like this alone.

Represent New Zealand with humility, respect and strong spirit. Train hard, enjoy every moment, and never lose sight of what a privilege it is to be part of a community that spans generations, cultures and continents.

Cath and I look forward to sharing one more Honbu pilgrimage with you all.

Safe travels, everyone.

Osu.

Eiko Hanshi Renzie Hanham

Same message - remember winter beach training at Foxton Beach. Put your name on the sheet on the dojo desk so we can advise Sensei Ryan of numbers. The water is guaranteed warmer than Wellington 🤣

Osu! Don't forget this Sunday is Seido Karate Manawatu's annual winter beach training at Foxton Beach.

If you want fish and chips to warm up afterwards please email [email protected]

It's a great day out and an awesome way to connect with other dojo's.

Plus it's not often you get to practice your Karate on a beach in the middle of winter ❄️❄️

A number of Seido students joined with others from around the region for an intensive weekend of Okinawan Ryukyu Kobudojitsu. Kyoshi Takuma Higashi 8th Dan, and grandson of Hanshi Nakomoto, traveled from Okinawa to share traditional knowledge using Bo, Sai, Tonfa and Nunchaku. Sei Shihan Peter, along with Sensei Raymond Check of Upper Hutt Rembuden Karate were awarded their 4th dan Black belts. Special thanks to Sensei Thanasi Balaphas and Sensei Peter Turner of Goju Ryu for facilitating the visit.

A busy Saturday with student promotions. Senpai Shaun Clark achieved his sandan in the wee hours; training since he was 6 years old and now at the grand age of 21 years. Congratulations Senpai Shaun! Following on was the general kyu grade promotion officiated by Senpai Christine who gave all the candidates a serious cardio workout 😅. Everyone rose to the challenge and deserved their new grades. OSU!

What a great display of Seido Karate at the North Is tournament today. The 150 competitors brought their energy, spirit and camaraderie to make a memorable day for all. Much gratitude to all the visiting dojos for your support, including Eiko Hanshi Renzie and all seniors who undertook judging. And a special mention to Team Wellington - the whole dojo pulled together to make this event possible. Congratulations to the Veteran champions - Senpai Christine Barraud and Senpai Ian Paulin and Women’s Sogo Senpai Sasha Sharma and Men’s Sogo Senpai Daniel Akerblom. OSU!!

Osu! We’re excited to welcome you all to the North Island Seido Tournament in less than one week! We hope everyone has been training hard, enjoying the journey, and looking forward to a fantastic event together.

🟦 Friday (📍Wellington dojo)
6:30–7:30pm
Registration, weigh-in and merchandise pickup
(Draws will be up at the venue from 7:30pm)
7:30pm - Judges briefing (at dojo)

🟦 Saturday (📍Venue: Renouf Tennis)
7:45am - Tournament doors open (event starts 8:45am)
8:00am - Judges briefing

Note:
• Bags, Bo, Sai and head gear are available at venue to borrow
• Café and coffee ☕ 🥪 will be available with proceeds to our New York team
• The venue can be quite cold, bring adequate warm layers

We look forward to seeing ALL competitors, families, officials, supporters and our amazing volunteer crew come together for a fantastic North Island Seido Tournament. Osu!

If you need a rules refresher, here is the link.
https://tournament.seidowellington.co.nz/rules/

Last 7 days to register for the North Is tournament - entries close 3 May.
It's going to be a goodie.
OSU!

Yes - it’s another day of cancelled classes at the Dojo. Stay safe and warm. Osu!