Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley – June (Summer) Newsletter
新たな季節、新たな精神 — New Season, Renewed Spirit
Cross-posted to email and on our website: www.gojuryu.net
☀️ Summer, Summer, Summer Time
季節の変わり目には新たな意志と共に稽古に励みましょう。
暑さの中にも鍛錬の道を忘れず、汗と共に精神（こころ）を磨いていきましょう。
As the golden sun of summer stretches over California and Japan, our dōjō 道場 stands vibrant with purpose. Summer is a time for deepened training, meaningful travel, and continued growth. Whether you are a brand-new white belt or a seasoned practitioner, your presence and spirit uplift our Seiwakai family. Let us advance together in both skill and heart.
The club is usually a bit quieter this time of year, as much of Menlo Park tends to travel during summer. However, before you head back to school or return from vacation, please take a moment to view the results from our most recent belt grading in late May and if you qualified, be sure to order your new belt (… AND congratulations!). If your name has a funny square next to it, there may be incomplete requirements that still need attention.
📘 SKSV Club Guide is Available on Google Books
Cover of Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojukai Club Guide
Our official club curriculum and handbook, the SKSV Club Guide, is available to all club members via Google Books. You’ll need to be added to the previewer list and log in with your Google ID to view it. This living document outlines etiquette, expectations, terminology, and grading criteria.
📌 If you received this message via email, you should already have access. If not, please send your Google-linked email address, and Sensei will add you again.
✍️ Tip: Keeping a personal Karate notebook will help deepen your learning and track your progress.
🖊️ Training Registration via Menlo Park Recreation
Summer session registration is currently active. Please register as soon as possible to reserve your spot:
- Monday Beginners – Register Here
- Monday Experienced – Register Here
- Wednesday Beginners – Register Here
- Wednesday Experienced – Register Here
🔧 For technical issues, contact: City of Menlo Park Recreation Services – www.menlopark.gov
🥋 Uniform Recommendations – Mugen (Ki International)
The first question we consistently hear from new students is: “Where can I buy a gi?”
We continue to recommend the Mugen brand from Ki International (Los Angeles) as the best value dōgi 道着 for beginners. The “Orange Label” line offers outstanding quality, fit, and comfort for all levels. We recently placed a custom order for our Japan training trip in July and are extremely pleased with the results.
🛒 Order Mugen Orange Label Uniform
📞 Contact: Ki International
✈️ Sensei Johnpaul Training Abroad (…again!) in Akita & Sendai, July 2025
Following an unforgettable excursion to Kyoto this past spring for grading with the Dai Nippon Butokukai 大日本武徳会, I will again be training abroad from July 14–27, this time at:
- The Seiwakai Honbu Dōjō 誠和会本部道場 in Daisen (Akita Prefecture) for the Gasshuku 合宿, and
- The JKF Gojukai 全日本空手道連盟剛柔会 Zenkoku Taikai 全国大会 (National Competition) and seminar in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.
📵 During this period, no classes will be held.
📱 Stay tuned on WhatsApp for travel updates, I’ll once again try to livestream or record a short training session from Japan!
🛫 Dates I’ll be away from the dōjō:
- Monday, July 14
- Wednesday, July 16
- Monday, July 21
- Wednesday, July 23
📅 Upcoming Seminars – Texas & Ohio
These national seminars are hosted by the two organizations through which we maintain official membership registration and they further qualify our cross registration to the Dai Nippon Butokukai and USA Karate:
JKF Gojukai 全日本空手道連盟剛柔会 and Seiwakai 誠和会 events are highly recommended, especially if you’re preparing for shodan 初段 (1st degree black belt) or higher!
🗓️ Schedule:
- September 19–21 – JKF Gojukai Seminar – Texas, USA
- November 7–9 – Seiwakai Pan-American Seminar – Ohio, USA
These are life-changing chances to train under elite instructors and immerse yourself in the highest levels of Karate-dō 空手道. Let Sensei know early if you plan to attend!
🌸 Welcoming Our New Members
To our newest participants: Yōkoso ようこそ (welcome!) to the Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley family. Your commitment and curiosity are appreciated. Feel free to speak with Sensei or any of the Senpai when-ever you have questions.
To our returning members: Thank you for your consistency, discipline, and the heart you bring to every class. Together we are shaping a dōjō culture that respects tradition and welcomes progress.
🌐 Weblinks & Digital Media
Training in Silicon Valley means embracing technology as part of our regional culture. 🔗 Stay Connected:
- 🌐 SKSV Landing Page: www.SeiwakaiKarate.com (by J Williams Designs)
- Gojuryu.net (our homepage)
- 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/seiwakaikaratesiliconvalley
- 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/BayAreaKarate
- 💬 WhatsApp Group Chat: Linked removed from online for privacy. Please see your email.
- ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/Gojuryu
-
- 🔍 Google Reviews: Leave or Read a Google Review
- 𝕏 (formerly Twitter): x.com/SeiwakaiKarate
📲 All members, especially those new, are encouraged to follow and subscribe to these channels for updates.
💬 As we step into this new season, remember:
Karate-dō 空手道 is not just about blocks and strikes. It is about refining the heart, cultivating humility, and building inner strength through constant practice.
Train sincerely. Support one another. Represent Seiwakai with dignity and gratitude.
また道場で会いましょう。
Let’s continue this journey, united in spirit and purpose.
頑張ってください – Gambatte kudasai!
– Johnpaul Williams
Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojukan
誠和会空手シリコン谷・指導者
📞 +1-650-394-6669 (text only for SKSV)
