Sensei Carol | 4th Dan

Sensei Carol Halstead has been training in Seido karate since 2001. She began assisting in the YAI special needs program in 2004 as a green belt and is now the chief YAI instructor. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, classes moved from an off-site location to Honbu, a move that Sensei Carol credits with greatly strengthening the program.

She has participated in many of Seido’s Anniversary & Benefit Tournaments and usually runs the “grip team,” which is in charge of ensuring a smooth transition between the events of the day. She also regularly serves as the tournament DJ.

Sensei Carol enjoys learning how to connect with students who have neurodivergent challenges and stresses the importance of adapting to each individual's needs. Everyone learns in a different way, so an Ah Ha moment for one student — when they finally get something and really understand it — will be completely different for another student. The ability to open a window to that moment, along with the spirit and attitude of gratitude among YAI students, are what she finds most exciting and gratifying about teaching.

In her classes, Sensei Carol aims to inspire a can-do spirit. She encourages students to train without self-judgment and to challenge themselves in every class to try their hardest with all their energy. When a student surprises themselves and accomplishes something they didn't think they could do, they feel so proud of themselves. To see that is a wonderful thing.

When she's not teaching or training, Sensei Carol works as an actress, a yoga teacher, and a shiatsu therapist. She enjoys creative cooking and learning about the flavor profiles of different world cuisines, loving on her kitties Sasha and Coco, and getting out in nature.