News

Seido Promotes Its First Hanshi

Each of these men trained for decades and have been instrumental in forming the strong foundation of Seido Karate throughout the world. "I am so proud of them," said Kaicho. "All Seido is honored to have such outstanding representatives. Hanshi means "a great teacher", explained Kaicho, but noted that these men also have "a big heart". Nidaime A. Nakamura (Vice Chairman and son of the founder) described their achievements as a "milestone in the history of Seido Karate."

Asked about the promotion test, Hanshi Martin said, "It was a great experience. The five of us: Kaicho, Nidaime and the three of us going for promotion, to train and work together totally focused on karate for three days. At the same time I was nervous and tense because it was a promotion, thus there was pressure. What helped was working with Andy and Renzie with whom I hadn't trained intensely for many years. It was only afterwards that it dawned on me about the enormity of what we had been doing, and testing for a new title and position never before seen in Seido, and our responsibility to that position."

Hanshi Renzie stated, "The promotion was held in upstate New York in what used to be a seminary. It was a lovely environment in which to face oneself. The promotion was emotionally demanding as we went through and were tested on various aspects of the syllabus. The days were long, starting early morning and finishing late evening. Both Kaicho and Nidaime showed considerable patience, not to mention tolerance as we went about our tasks. The promotion was conducted in a very gentle manner which I, for one, appreciated. We learned a new kata but for me the most memorable thing was spending time with the heads of Seido. I'm sure we all had our individual challenges but it was a privilege to share this journey with these gentlemen."

Hanshi Barber commented: "It was an honor and a privilege not only to be asked to take promotion but to spend time in a beautiful environment with Kaicho, Nidaime, Hanshi Charles, and Hanshi Renzie. We went through the entire syllabus from White Belt through to Senior Black belt so we all wore White Belts (including Kaicho) and went back to being very much students. It was a very humbling experience and one I will never forget. Especially to share with these two fine gentlemen. I have known and trained with Hanshi Charles for over 30 years and Hanshi Renzie for over 40 years. In a moving ceremony at the end of the weekend the three of us were promoted to Hanshi. A great honor and responsibility but as Kaicho says ‘there is no graduation." We have to keep on going."

"Congratulations and thank you!" to these ground-breaking senior students who continue to lead the way for all karateka in the World Seido Karate Organization.

Written by Shuseki Shihan Christopher Caile
Photo caption: The three senior Seido Karate students at the end of their weekend long promotion. Left to right - Hanshi Charles Martin (Honbu, NYC), Hanshi Renzie Hanham (Branch Chief, Christchurch, New Zealand) and Hanshi Andy Barber (Branch Chief, Nelson, New Zealand)