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October 26, 2007
World Seido Karate Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired: NYC
The Seido Karate Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired is now in its twentieth year. One of the jewels in the crown of the World Seido Karate Organization, the program has been featured on WNBC TV, New York One and other media outlets.
Begun in 1987 under the auspices of Kaicho (Chairman) Tadashi Nakamura, the program has afforded blind and visually impaired people from all walks of life the opportunity to train under the preeminent martial arts master of our time in a safe and supportive environment. Over the years no fewer than seven students have been awarded the coveted black belt by Kaicho, one of whom is now a chief instructor in the program.
The classes are offered free of charge and are taught exclusively by senior Seido members, all of whom have volunteered their services. Extremely dedicated to their students, these instructors take a personal interest in the progress and development of each and everyone of them.
The classes take place at the World Seido Karate Organization Honbu (Headquarters) at 61 West 23rd St. (between Fifth and Sixth)in New York City. There is a general class every Thursday 4:30PM – 5:30PM and another one on Saturday 12:00PM – 1:00PM. Both of these classes are open to beginners. In addition, there is a kumite (fighting) class every Wednesday 5:00PM – 6:00PM for more advanced students. Gi’s (uniforms) and fighting equipment are provided free of charge.
The students in the program are also invited to attend Kaicho’s weekly meditation classes alongside the general students, as well as the many special events such as beach training, summer camp and various seminars. And when they go for promotion they stand shoulder to shoulder with the general students, all of them being held to the very same exacting standards. Last but not least, students in the program compete enthusiastically every year against the general students in the annual fall tournament held at Hunter College, the proceeds from which go the Seido Juku Benefit Foundation – the nonprofit arm of the World Seido Karate Organization that funds the program for the blind as well as other similar programs.
The current head of the program is Senpai Steven Meltzer. He can be reached at 917-750-7712. The minimum age for acceptance into the program is 15. There is no maximum age. The training, however, is quite rigorous, and anyone who wishes to join the program must submit to a screening interview and provide us with a signed statement from a medical doctor certifying that their health will not be adversely affected by that training.
Posted by Nancy at October 26, 2007 03:56 PM