East Bay Seido Karate

When we moved to the Bay Area, we were looking for a dojo where you can learn Karate in a traditional way, where people respect each other and together strive for a better way of life. And this is exactly what we found at the Eastbay Seido Karate Dojo with Senpai Todd, Kyoshi Bobby and Senpai Ben. They are doing a great job. more

They teach traditional Japanese Karate which blends the learning of techniques and forms, meditation, self defense and an all around great work out. I'm probably twenty pounds lighter since starting my training. \r \r Senpai Todd is a great teacher and spends much of his class and spare time helping new students. In addition you become part of a global organization and family with dojos around the world. If you're in New York, weve got a dojo; Austraila, dojo; Japan, San Antonio, Los Angeles and many more cities all have dojos which will be happy to see you if you want to train while on a trip or if you move. I myself have trained at three different dojos. They're all great and you feel like family as soon as you walk in the door. \r \r If you want to lose weight, get in shape, learn self defense, feel connected to a group of wonderful people, learn a martial art and live near Berkeley, you should visit East Bay Seido on Bonita (off of University Avenue) a few blocks from the Berkeley BART. Look for the orange plum blossom emblem on the sidewalk. \r \r There are children's classes, evening classes and Sunday classes to accommodate busy work schedules. \r \r more

All ages, all sizes, all people are welcome at this very friendly, traditional japanese karate dojo. The Worldwide Seido Karate Organization is one of the most respected karate schools in the country, and it's founder Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura has the credentials to support it. The teacher of the Berkeley dojo is Senpai Todd Solly, who has trained in Seido karate for many, many years and is a well-balanced instructor -- he combines traditional kata, technique & conditioning, kumite (sparring) and meditation in a very accessible weekly schedule that allows students to grow and learn karate in a sensible fashion. The dojo etiquette is unparalleled and students quickly learn the importance of carrying a strong spirit and treating each other with respect. The training is hard, and students of all backgrounds and strengths come together to sweat and learn this traditional martial art in a very safe and well-run dojo. I highly recommend comparing other environments to Senpai Todd's dojo, and you will quickly realize that Seido Karate has a tremendous amount to offer to aspiring karate students. more

East Bay Seido is part of a world-wide karate system that emphasizes some of the things you wouldn't normally expect in a martial art. Instead of being fraught with the machismo, barbarian mentality, you'll find a warm, friendly community atmosphere, devoid of cliques and politics. Seido emphasizes technique, more than strength, and spirit (not the metaphysical kind) more than technique. The point being, you try your hardest, everyone's 'hardest' is different and you aren't made to feel that it's not good enough if you can't do it just like everyone else. This culture is the foundation in every Seido dojo around the world. I have tried many different systems and been to several different Seido dojos and have confirmed this, the honesty, sincerity and lack of ego is unparalleled.\r \r There is no silly 'black-belt' promise or commitment to some contrived goal required. You train as often as you are able; of course more often the better and you get out what you put into it. Just when you thought you had mastered the material, you have a promotion to the next belt level and find a mountain of new material to tackle! Goals are realistic and on-going: you'll never find yourself bored. The cost is the most straight-forward you can get, no contracts, no ""funny stuff"", it's not motivated by profit, so worries.\r \r Senpai Todd is one of the most patient, easy-going and motivating instructors I have ever worked for. His classes are generally vigorous, challenging and dynamic, and he has an uncanny ability at remember what everyone's material and limits are. He is excellent at explaining material and helping people learn what can be, sometimes, terribly confusing moves. The classes are comprised of a good mix of people as far as physical ability, ethnicity, gender, profession, age and motivation.\r \r So if you're looking for a motivating, fun and challenging time, swing by, try a free first class and get your sweat on.\r Pros: Excellent instrcutor, facilities, community Cons: Parking can be tricky in the evenings some times, make sure you arrive early enough to find a spot. more

I've been training at the Berkeley dojo for about a year now, and it's great. It's a great workout and very accessible to people of any athletic ability. Senpai Todd is an excellent teacher and extremely knowedgeable in all aspects of traditional Okinowan karate techniques, concepts and history.\r \r This is the type of thing for people who want more than just a workout, but want to get a good hard workout as well.\r \r There's even a meditation class on Tuesdays! Pros: Great group of people, great instructor more