Seido Karate

Promoting personal growth and self-improvement.

Seido Karate in Nelson welcomes men, women, and children of all ages and abilities. The club was established by Grandmaster Tadashi Nakamura in 1976 and follows a style of martial arts that focuses on personal battles within oneself. The club aims to develop confidence, coordination, discipline, and physical and mental fitness through self-defence techniques.

The Nelson training hall, known as the dojo or Shibu, is located behind Old St John's Church on Hardy Street. The dojo offers a variety of classes throughout the week, from Tuesday to Saturday, catering to different age groups and skill levels. For adult beginners, there is a class on Tuesdays at 5:30pm, while a Super Kids class for children aged 5-8 is held on Wednesdays at 4:00pm.

Sei Shihan Aaron Barber, a 6th Dan Black Belt, serves as the head instructor of the Nelson Dojo. Aaron has a rich karate background, having started his training at a young age under his parents' tutelage. He went on to train and teach in New York under the mentorship of Grandmaster Nakamura. Aaron is an accomplished martial artist, having competed in numerous local and international tournaments and achieving the title of Sogo (overall grand champion) in 1998.

Seido Karate Nelson also has satellite dojos in Stoke, Motueka, Richmond, Blenheim, Reefton, Hokitika, and St Arnaud. These dojos are led by experienced black belts who continue to promote the teachings and values of Seido Karate.

The club emphasises inclusivity and believes that Seido Karate should be accessible to everyone. Whether one is seeking personal growth, self-defence skills, physical fitness, or mental resilience, Seido Karate in Nelson is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their goals.