Senpai Naoko | 3rd Dan

Senpai Naoko Noaki has been training in Seido karate since 2007. She was inspired to join after seeing how the instructors incorporated traditional Japanese discipline in her daughter, Haruhi’s, classes; the lessons reminded her of her everyday life back in Japan. She also wanted to have something that she and her daughter could both enjoy and share for many years. The two have been training side-by-side since Senpai Haruhi joined the adults program as an advanced green belt.

Senpai Naoko started teaching white belts in 2022 and stresses the importance of “basics, basics, basics” throughout a student’s entire karate journey. She also focuses in her teaching on the philosophy and inner mindset of Seido that emphasizes proper dojo manners and etiquette.

Along with fellow students at their rank, Senpais Naoko and Haruhi have competed in synchronized kata at Seido’s Annual & Benefit Tournament every year since the event was introduced — placing first in their division most years. 

When she’s not training or teaching, Senpai Naoko lives and works in New Jersey and enjoys spending time with her cat, silver Labrador, and Weimaraner. Her favorite kata is Tensho, which she likens to a small piece of music that continues to crescendo until it resolves in a peaceful ending.