News

2009 Annual Black Belt Clinic & Meeting -- A huge success!

This year's Seido Annual Black Belt Clinic & Meeting Weekend, held June 5-7 in New York City, took its theme and inspiration from a simple photograph taken in 1984. As part of clinic that year, 134 black belts gathered to pose for a photo in New York's Battery Park.

This year, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of that photo, black belts once again convened for another picture-this time on the steps of NYC's post office headquarters on Eighth Avenue. Professional photographer, Senpai James Porto, took great pains to make sure the lighting and arrangement of students was just right.

Afterwards, the black belts made their way back to Honbu to begin their training. In lieu of the rank-specific seminars conducted in recent years, it was decided this year that we would go back to the traditional format of practicing basic technique. The intense workout-a black belt Kagami Biraki of sorts-was led by Kaicho. At its conclusion, Kaicho addressed the group thanking everyone for their dedication and consistent support while reminding us that setting the example of following proper conduct is a responsibility of our senior leadership.

It was also during this weekend that Kaicho shared his exciting announcement that Seido's newest location in Elmsford, NY will become "Johshin Honzan". He and Nidaime wanted to share the news first with Seido's black belts about this unprecedented designation for the World Seido Karate Organization.

Due to the overwhelming response and feeling of togetherness from the weekend's Black Belt Clinic & Meeting, Kaicho and Nidaime made the decision to combine Gasshuku and Black Belt Clinic into one event beginning next year (2010) and every other year thereafter.

Other Black Belt Clinic Weekend events had Kaicho and Nidaime presiding over a successful all-day promotion Friday where several out-of-town students were rigorously tested. There was also a welcome party at Honbu for the many visitors who had come to be a part of the weekend.

Seido's Branch Chief and Head Instructor Meeting are also a part of this weekend each year. It provides an opportunity for Kaicho and Nidaime to meet with the leadership of the World Seido Karate Organization to address important issues and review their ongoing responsibilities.