Winter/Spring 2026 – Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Newsletter

By Johnpaul Williams – Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojūkan

Classes are officially in session! Join us for the highly anticipated 2026 season of traditional Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō training in Menlo Park, California. Register online, view our expanded international calendar, and prepare for a year of world-class martial arts development.

Yōkoso (ようこそ) — A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Karateka

To those who have recently stepped onto the tatami for the first time: Welcome to the Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley family. Beginning a martial arts journey takes immense courage, and we are honored you have chosen to train with us. As you navigate your fundamental kyu grades, remember that every senior student and black belt in the room once stood exactly where you are today.

With the world’s eyes turning toward the Bay Area this season, you are joining our dōjō at a truly exciting time. Never hesitate to ask questions—our Senpai (senior students) are here to guide your progress.

To our returning members: Thank you for continuously demonstrating the true “Goju” spirit by mentoring our newcomers and preserving the high standards of our tradition.

新たな季節、新たな決意 — A New Season, Renewed Commitment

2026 is a monumental year, bringing the world to Silicon Valley. As the region prepares to host global events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup, our dōjō remains a steadfast pillar of consistency and tradition. This quarter, we are focusing heavily on the “Goju” (Hard/Soft) balance. We will stay firmly grounded in our technical fundamentals while remaining flexible and welcoming to the international guests who will undoubtedly visit our mats. Proper breathing mechanics and technical presentation will be paramount.

Quarterly Highlights & Updates

Our journey of continuous improvement requires staying up to date with the latest resources:

• SKSV Club Guide (REV.260121): Please ensure you have reviewed the newly updated digital handbook for all current dojo standards and etiquette.
• SafeSport Compliance: A mandatory reminder for all instructors and senior students to renew your SafeSport certifications within the next 30 days.
• Japan Itinerary Finalized: The August 2026 training and testing schedule for Akita (Omagari Daisen-shi) and Yokohama has been officially set.

Menlo Park Class Schedule & Semester Overview

• Current Session: January 5 – March 25, 2026
  • Reminder: All class registrations must be finalized through the City of Menlo Park portal.
• Upcoming Local Highlights:
  • March 13: USANKF Referee & Judges Clinic with Charles Sweigart (San Jose)
  • March 14: Local Competition at Pioneer High School (San Jose) — All students are highly encouraged to participate!
• Location: Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center, Menlo Park, CA
• Weekly Class Times:
  • Beginners (White–Orange Belts): Mondays & Wednesdays at 5:45 PM
  • Experienced (Green Belt+): Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
• View the Full SKSV Calendar Online

Visiting Karateka & Drop-In Protocols

Our training facility is centrally located in the Bay Area, just 19.1 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 20.6 miles from San Jose Mineta International (SJC). Given the influx of tourism for 2026 global sporting events, we anticipate a high volume of international martial artists joining us.

Our club boasts a multi-generational history in the Bay Area, known for its deep lineage, elite instruction, and groundbreaking accomplishments. We proudly welcome visitors of all levels—whether you are a legendary 8th Dan or an enthusiastic yellow belt.

Mandatory Facility Rules for Visitors:
Because our dōjō operates within the City of Menlo Park Parks and Recreation program, strict safety and registration protocols apply to everyone entering the facility, as minors participate in multiple programs here.

• Training Participants: You must stop at the front desk to sign in, complete a liability waiver, and pay the standard $25 drop-in fee before stepping onto the floor.
• Auditors (Spectators): Even if you are just watching, you are strictly required to stop at the front desk and sign the visitor log (no fee required).

2026 International Karate Calendar

Upcoming Seminars & Shinsa (Testing):

• April 10 – 12: Seiwakai Northern California Seminar with Vassie Naidoo Hanshi – Pleasanton, CA
• June 5 – 7: 3-Day Pan-American Seiwakai Seminar with Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi – Toronto, Canada
• August 19 – 25: Seiwakai International Seminar – Omagari/Akita, Japan
  • Aug 25: Early finish for Dan Testing and Celebration Party
  • Aug 26: Travel to Yokohama
• August 27 – 30: JKF Gōjūkai Seminar, Dan Testing, and National Tournament – Yokohama, Japan
• October 9 – 11: JKF Gōjūkai Seminar & Testing (Veras/Sato/Masuda) – Houston, TX
• November 13 – 15: Seiwakai USA Annual Seminar – Albuquerque, NM

Club Shinsa (Testing) & Advancement

The next grading evaluations for Kyu grades will be held in late May and early June. Instructors will recommend students for advancement based on:

• Consistent attendance and dedication
• Demonstrated technical readiness
• Proper dojo etiquette and martial mindset

Required Uniform (Dōgi) & Equipment

All students are expected to wear a clean, white karate dōgi for Shinsa. For daily practice and seminars, we recommend the following:

• Standard Training: Orange Label Mugen Dōgi from KI International.
• Japan Training & Competition: Traditional Shureido label.
• Protective Gear: You must bring your protective gear to every single session. Click here to learn how to build your mandatory Bogu Bag.

About Our Style: Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō

Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley specializes in Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō (剛柔流空手道), a traditional Okinawan-Japanese empty-handed martial art shaped by discipline, profound balance, and humility. Our comprehensive curriculum rigorously covers kihon (fundamental mechanics), kata (pre-arranged forms), kumite (sparring), and bunkai (practical applications).

All etiquette, terminology, and grading criteria are detailed in the SKSV Club Guide. This living document is available to all members via Google Books (requires Gmail login for authorized access).

• Instructor Tip: Maintaining a personal Karate notebook will significantly deepen your understanding and help track your mechanical progress.

Stay Connected

• Official Website: gojuryu.net
• SKSV Landing Page: SeiwakaiKarate.com (Design by J Williams Designs)
• Academic Resource: Gōjū-Ryū Karate-Dō Desk Reference
• Video Training: YouTube.com/Gojuryu
• Community Feedback: Leave a Google Review

Message from Sensei

“Karate isn’t something you do — it’s something you become. As the world gathers in our backyard this year, let our focus remain sharp and our spirit remain humble.”

– Johnpaul Williams
Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojūkan (誠和会空手シリコン谷・指導者)
+1-650-394-6669 (Text only for SKSV inquiries)