Member Login

Adult Program

The core curriculum consists of general classes, kata, kumite, and meditation classes. This includes both “general” (all belts) and “rank specific” classes, which focus on each belt level’s syllabus. Kumite class is for intermediate and advanced students. Meditation is an integral part of training in Seido and all members are encouraged to attend. Full gi is mandatory for all classes unless noted otherwise.
All Belts

Open to all levels from beginner White belts through Black belts. This traditional class consists of an overview of all hand and leg techniques, moving stances, self-defense, kata, and pad work. The format will vary slightly depending on the instructor. Assistant instructors will help any new students. Class length is 50-60 minutes.

White Belts

Open to White belts and Advanced White belts. This class teaches the fundamentals of Seido Karate and focuses on the White belt syllabus. Material includes basic hand and leg techniques, self-defense, pad work, and explanations of terms and protocol. This class not only provides a good physical workout, but also helps students to learn about Seido and feel welcome in the dojo. Class length is 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Color Belts

Open to Blue belts and up. This class has a faster pace and covers more material than a White belt class. It provides a high-energy workout, and partner work allows students to train with their peers as well as junior and senior members. Class length is 1 hour.

Black Belts

Open only to all Black belt levels and taught only by Kaicho or Nidaime. This class focuses on specific material from the Black belt syllabus from week to week on a 4-week cycle. This is one of the only classes not open to public viewing. Class length is 45 minutes.

Kata

Open to Advanced White belts and up. This class focuses on kata (formal exercises) for each belt level with a review of previous katas for more senior students. Basic techniques plus pushups, sit-ups, squats, and stretching are done between katas. Class length is 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Kumite

Open to Green belts and up. This is a sparring class that helps students practice the exchange and point system fighting styles. Mandatory equipment includes mouthguard, hand and foot protectors, headgear, and groin cup for men. Forearm and shin guards are optional. Class length is 45 minutes.
*Contingent upon Covid policies. Please check with your local branch. 

Kumite 101

Open to Advanced Yellow belts and up. This class is run at a slow pace for students who are new to sparring or need a tune-up. Advanced Yellow belts, although not permitted to spar, will have a chance to work on kumite drills and strategies. Green belts and up will practice drills and light sparring. Mandatory equipment includes mouthguard, hand and foot protectors, headgear, and groin cup for men. Forearm and shin guards are optional. Class length is 45 minutes.
*Contingent upon Covid policies. Please check with your local branch. 

Basic Kumite

Open to Green belts and up. This class is similar to Kumite 101, with a focus on basic sparring techniques and drills. Experienced fighters are encouraged to come and assist those who are new to kumite. Mandatory equipment includes mouthguard, hand and foot protectors, headgear, and groin cup for men. Forearm and shin guards are optional. Class length is 45 minutes.

 

Contact Kumite 1

Open to Green belts and up. This class is a prerequisite to Contact Kumite 2 and serves as an introduction to semi-contact sparring. There is NO actual free fighting, only partner drills. Mandatory equipment includes MMA-style gloves and shin protectors with instep pads. Optional equipment includes knee pads, groin cups, and chest protectors. Class length is 45 minutes.

Contact Kumite 2

Open to Advanced Green belts and up. Students must apply to attend this class and are encouraged to observe before doing so; consistent attendance is required. This class teaches semi-contact sparring with hard contact to the body and low leg kicks. Mandatory equipment includes mouthguard, headgear, 10-oz or higher boxing gloves, shin guards, foot protectors, and groin cup for men. Class length is 30 minutes.

Weapons

Open to Black belts only. This class focuses on basic usage and syllabus material for the Bo, Jo, and Sai, as well as knife self-defense. Class length is 45 minutes.

Meditation

Open to all students. Breathing exercises, seated meditation, and walking meditation (kinhin) are practiced in every class. A lecture on Japanese philosophy is given every third week of the month. Class length is 30 minutes.

Moving Zen

This class is open to all members and focuses on kata at a slower and more meditative pace. Following this, there is a short meditation class which includes a lecture every third week of the month. Class length is 1 hour.

Open Floor

The dojo floor is open for practice and workout. No sparring is permitted.

Pad Work

Open to Advanced White belts and up. This is a physically demanding class that works on proper target striking and pad holding, as well as footwork, combinations, and timing. Any type of glove is recommended, but not required. Shin guards are also recommended. Class length is 45 minutes.

Self-Defense

Open to all belt levels. In this 8-week course, students are introduced to basic physical techniques, strategy, and applications of practical ("street") self-defense. Material covered includes natural self-defense weapons and targets; self-defense strategy and footwork; releases from wrist grabs, chokeholds, headlocks, and other situations; defense against single and multiple attackers; fighting from the ground; safe and efficient falling and rolling techniques; and more. While the class is run on a rotating 8-week cycle, students are welcome to begin attending at any point. Class length is 45 minutes.

Yoga

At Honbu, we are pleased to offer a weekly yoga class for Seido members. Yoga has many benefits as a stand-alone practice, but is also an excellent complement to karate training. Our classes focus on poses that both enhance karate training and counter some of the effects of that training, as well as teaching how to calm the mind and relieve stress. These classes are for everyone, no experience necessary. Student can wear gi pants and Seido t-shirt instead of gi top. Class length is 45 minutes.

Children’s Program

Seido, meaning "sincere way," has special application to karate training for children, and kids’ programs are flourishing throughout the Seido system. These training programs are divided up by age, with the goal of students eventually moving into the adult program.

Pee Wee: Ages 4-6

This class includes all belt levels for this age group. The main objective is to teach good listening skills, physical and emotional strength, and discipline, all in a fun environment.

Junior: age 7-9

In the second phase in the children's program, a little more emphasis is placed on the syllabus, while still focusing on listening skills, self-discipline, and strength.

Youth: age 10-12

The "Big Sisters and Big Brothers" of Seido's children's program, these students are expected to learn, practice, and know their syllabus. At this level, teachers will prepare them not only to integrate into our adult program, but also to meet whatever challenges life may present them as young adults.

Teen: age 13-15

Teen classes prioritize preparing students to transition into our adult program. Special focus is given to advanced techniques, kata, and body mechanics.

Children’s Class Descriptions

Children’s General Class (please see your dojo schedule for the correct age group)
These traditional classes offer an overview of hand and leg techniques, moving stances, self-defense, and basic kata. They are organized by age group, and the class format will vary slightly depending on the instructor. Assistant instructors will help any new students. Class lengths are 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Children's Kumite

This class is for children who are Green belts or higher, and is focused on point-system sparring. Students are supervised by multiple instructors in a safe environment with little to no risk of injury. Mandatory equipment includes mouthguard, headgear, hand and foot protectors, and shin guards.

Jr. & Youth Endurance

Junior and Youth program students at any belt level can participate in this class. It is physically challenging and includes bag work, pad work, and obstacle courses. Although a tough class, children love it!

Youth: age 9-15

The "Big Sisters and Big Brothers" of Seido's children's program, these students are expected to learn, practice, and know their syllabus. At this level, teachers will prepare them not only to integrate into our adult program, but also to meet whatever challenges life may present them as young adults.

Teen: age 13-15

Teen classes prioritize preparing students to transition into our adult program. Special focus is given to advanced techniques, kata, and body mechanics.

See the Dojo schedules for more information on class times for each location:

NYC Dojo (Honbu) Class Schedule

Westchester Dojo (Johshin Honzan) Class Schedule