SEIDO KARATE
at McBurney YMCA
125 W. 14th Street, New York, NY 10011
212-741-9210 www.ymcanyc.org
212-741-9210 www.ymcanyc.orgFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have attempted to answer the most frequently asked questions below. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Why choose one style of martial arts over another?
It all depends on what you are looking for - no one style is "better" than another. Each style of martial arts offers something different and only you can determine what is "right" for you.
- What should I look for when choosing a martial arts school?
First you should make sure you are comfortable with the class, the style, the schedule, the staff and the instructors. The best way to determine that is to observe a class or two at the school you are considering. If the school offers a free class, take one. If possible, try to avoid joining a school that requires long-term contracts.
- What does "Seido" mean?
Pronounced "say doh", Seido translates to "Sincere Way". It is a traditional Japanese martial art founded in 1976 by world renowned Grandmaster Tadashi Nakamura.
- Are you affiliated with the Seido school located on 23rd Street in Manhattan?
Yes. The Seido school (dojo) on 23rd Street in New York City is the world headquarters (Honbu) of our organization. This is where Kyoshi Pam and Kyoshi Dwayne train under Grandmaster Nakamura.
JOINING CLASS
- Do I have to be a member of the McBurney YMCA to train with you?
No. The Seido program is a fee based class with rates for both members and non-members. If you do not belong to the McBurney YMCA you may still sign up for Seido Karate and pay the non-member fee. Please see the Session Information page for rates.
- Do I need to be in shape to start class?
No. Everyone is welcome to train with us. We have both men and women in our adult class ranging in age from 13 to over 60 with all levels of ability and capability. Each student is encouraged to work at his/her own pace. Remember, it is always a good idea to consult with your physician before starting any exercise program.
The Seido organization also holds classes for people with special needs, such as classes for the blind, deaf and mentally impaired.
- How long are your classes and what do they consist of?
Adult classes are 90 minutes. Classes may consist of basic punching and kicking, kata (formal exercises), kumite (fighting-green belts and above only), meditation, pad work, stretching, and/or conditioning.
THE UNIFORM (GI)
- Do I need a uniform to start class?
No. You may try a class for free at no obligation during which you should wear loose fitting clothing (such as sweats and a t-shirt).
- Where do I get the uniform?
You can order your uniform from Kyoshi Pam or Kyoshi Dwayne. You may also purchase a uniform from any martial arts supply store, however, because we purchase in bulk, we receive discounts from most supply stores and we pass that discount on to you.
- Can I wear any color uniform?
No. Seido Karate is a traditional martial art which requires all students to wear only plain white uniforms.
THE BELTS
- What do the belt colors represent?
The belt colors are a ranking system that is meant to show a person's proficiency within a set curriculum. Each rank has a syllabus listing the techniques that are required to progress to the next level. The belts are not a caste system and do not mean a person is a "better" karateka just because he/she has attained a higher rank.
- If I have a belt in another style, can I wear that belt in your class?
No. The same would apply if a Seido member were to train in another style. Every style is different and has varying requirements within their system. When you join Seido, you join as a beginner (white belt).
- What is the order of your color belt rankings?
In Seido, the belt color in order from beginner (10 kyu) to senior (1st kyu) are:
White / Advanced White / Blue / Advanced Blue / Yellow / Advanced Yellow / Green / Advanced Green / Brown / Advanced Brown
After Advanced Brown you begin the black belt (Dan) rankings.
- How many degress of black belt are there?
There are 10 degress of black belt. You can tell what rank a black belt is by the number of stripes on his/her belt.
- Who is Kaicho?
Kaicho means "Chairman" and is the title of Grandmaster Tadashi Nakamura.
- What do the red belts represent?
The belts with red represent ceremonial belts which, in the Seido system, are given to the ranks of 5th degree and above.
- Who is Nidaime?
Nidaime (pronounced "Nee Dye May") is the title awarded to Kaicho's son, a 5th degree black belt and means "successor".
RANK PROMOTIONS
- How long does it take to move from belt to belt?
Each belt has a list of techniques (the syllabus) in which a student must demonstrate proficiency. In addition, there is a minimum number of classes you are required to take before being considered for promotion.
- Who makes the determination that I am ready to promote to the next level?
Your instructors, Kyoshi Pam and Kyoshi Dwayne. Protocol dictates that you do not ask your teacher to go for promotion as your instructor will know when you are ready.
- How long does it take to reach black belt?
There are no guarantees on the time. The average time in Seido Karate is around 5 years. However, there are many factors involved, such as athe time a person is able to commit to their training. One person may take 5 years, another 8 years and yet another may take only 3 years.
- What do promotions entail?
Students at McBurney Y go to the 23rd Street headquarters for their promotion. The adult promotion consists of a physical as well as a written test. The children's promotion does not involve a written test.
- What happens when I reach black belt?
There are 10 degrees of black belt. Reaching 1st degree (shodan) is only the beginning ("sho" means beginner"). We like to say that once you reach black belt, your training has just begun. It is also the time you start giving back - that is, sharing your experience by assisting and helping out junior students.
- Can family/friends observe my promotion?
Observers are not allowed for adult promotion. Parents are welcome to observe and record their children's promotion but must observe the rules and etiquette of the school (dojo).
- Why do you bow in class?
Bowing is a gesture of respect, not of subservience, and has no religious significance. We bow to show respect to each other and to our seniors in recognition of their dedication and knowledge.
- Do you practice fighting?
Yes. However, in the Seido system you do not begin sparring (kumite) until green belt. This provides the student with ample time to learn proper techniques. Full protective gear is required.
- Do you train with weapons?
Weapons training does not begin until black belt level. The long staff (bo), short staff (jo), as well as knife techniques are taught from first degree black belt level. The sai is taught from fourth degree black belt.
- What about tournaments?
- Can I train at the headquarters as well as at the YMCA?
Tradition dictates that you train solely with your instructors. That being said however, we encourage our students to take occasional classes at the headquarter (Honbu). Honbu is where you will go for your promotion and it helps to be comfortable with the dojo. Also, being able to train with Kaicho is a privilege and we encourage you to do so. We do ask that you try to choose a class that does not interfere with your Y training if possible out of respect for your teachers.
As a visiting student, you will be charged a fee for the day and your Seido membership card must be current. You can obtain a schedule of classes via the Seido website (www.seido.com). Please note that Honbu classes are often times rank specific so be aware of any rank restrictions when choosing a class.
TRAINING
Tournament competition is not a requirement in our organization. However, Seido does host various tournaments throughout the world. The headquarters holds one major tournament plus a smaller inter-dojo tournament annually.
Also, many students compete in non-Seido sponsored competitions.
