Meditation

Kaicho T. Nakamura distilled the bushido-warrior spirit of the samurai into Seido karate.

Seido is unique… because it stresses the unity and inseparability of karate and Zen.  This is not a new idea.  Rather, it is a return to the origins of the martial arts. -Kaicho T. Nakamura

The samurai combined kendo (the way of the sword) and butsudo (the way of the Buddha) in their value system, incorporating Zen and a warrior spirit.  In Seido, one of the key elements is the calming of the mind through seated Zen inspired meditation called zazen.  There are no religious undertones to this practice in the dojo.  Instead Seido karate meditation is meant as a sincere practice, one that permeates the physical practice and lives of students.  

At the beginning of each class students use meditation and breathing to clear their minds and prepare for vigorous training.  At the end of class students reflect upon strengths, weaknesses and challenges in training.  This reflective meditation can permeate students lives giving them focus and a 'non-quitting spirit' for any task or difficult period.

Meditation practice is to inspire in students the sincere daily practice of zazen as part of their training.  The founder of Seido Karate, Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura has written:"What a karate class does for your body, meditation does for you mind.  Just as karate practice will strengthen and discipline your body, meditation practice will strengthen and discipline your mind… Each time we meditate, we work on our breath.  We concentrate on the breath, maybe counting our breaths to keep focused… We monitor the frequency of our breath, letting it naturally slow down, freeing it from the constant goading of our ego, our anxieties, our pride.  Control the body; control the breath; control the mind."