SEI DO KAN is a sports club located in Sydney that specialises in Japanese swordsmanship. The club was established in 2001 by Nakamura Taizaburo, Soke, Hanshi 10th-Dan Battodo, and it operates in direct lineage to his teachings. The Sydney School of Japanese Swordsmanship, which the club is a part of, was founded in 1996 by Hnas Fricke Kyoshi 8th-dan.
At SEI DO KAN, the focus is on practical and battle-proven sword techniques, specifically from the Toyama- and Nakamura Ryu Batto-do styles. The curriculum includes various elements of Japanese swordsmanship, such as kata (sword forms), suburi (sword swinging), kumi-tachi (prearranged sword partner drills), tanren (weight training), batto-giri (drawing one's blade and cutting a target in one swift motion), and geiko (sword partner practise/fencing).
The goal of the Sei Do Kan curriculum is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both the cultural and spiritual aspects of Japanese sword arts, as well as the necessary sword skills to become proficient in this martial art. The training sessions at SEI DO KAN consist of a combination of practical practise and theory, with Sensei Fricke sharing his vast experience as a qualified Natural Therapist, discussing health and fitness issues related to martial arts.
As of February 2023, the SEI DO KAN Dojo has reopened its doors at the Dundas Community Centre on Sturt St. in Telopea, NSW. The dojo offers two class times: 7:00-8:30pm for kyu grades (beginners) and 8:30-10:00pm for dan grades (black-belt class). Limited onsite parking and ample street parking are available for easy access.
Classes and kyu gradings at SEI DO KAN are conducted by Ben Chow, ABA Senior-Instructor and Go-dan, and Abraham Sie, ABA Branch-instructor and San-dan. Black-belt dan gradings are led by Hans Fricke, Kyoshi 8th-dan in Nakamura Ryu Battodo and Kyoshi 7th-dan in Toyama Ryu Battodo.
For more information, individuals can contact SEI DO KAN via email at japaneseswordsmanship@gmail. Com. The club also participates in various events and demonstrations, such as the Sydney Knife Show, where members represent the dojo and showcase their skills.
Hans Fricke, the head instructor at SEI DO KAN, has a remarkable martial arts background and a lifetime of achievements. He was inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (A. M. A.
H. O. F) and the World Karate Union Hall of Fame (W. K.
U) in 2010. He holds Kyoshi 8th-dan in Nakamura Ryu Battodo and Kyoshi 7th-dan in Toyama Ryu Battodo, among other ranks and certifications in different martial arts disciplines.
SEI DO KAN is a dynamic and dedicated sports club in Sydney that offers authentic Japanese swordsmanship training in a welcoming and supportive environment.