Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley – Winter 2025 Newsletter
New Year, Renewed Focus (新年、新たな目標)
By Johnpaul Williams – Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley
Traditional karate tournaments are back, and SKSV is in the house!
As we step boldly into the new year, our dōjō is alive with renewed energy! Many of us are returning to the tatami after the winter holidays, and we are thrilled to see new members joining our ranks, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the training floor.
Let us make 2025 a year defined by purposeful training. Let’s prioritize safety, deep respect, and mutual support as we grow together, both physically and mentally.
Stay Connected – Join Our WhatsApp Channel!
To ensure all new, returning, and current members stay up to date with sudden announcements, schedule changes, and general dōjō discussions, we invite you to join our official WhatsApp channel. This is the absolute best way to stay reliably informed and connected with our local karate community.
WhatsApp Link: Link redacted from the public website for privacy. Please check your club email for the direct invite link.
What’s on Deck for This Season
1. SKSV Club Guide Available on Google Books
The comprehensive Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Club Guide is now available on Google Books, exclusively for registered club members! This living document is vital for understanding our curriculum, etiquette, and grading requirements.
(Hint: If you are unable to access the document, please speak with Sensei to request inclusion on the authorized previewers’ list. Also, keeping a personal notebook for your karate journey is an invaluable habit!)
2. Training Registration & End of Quarter Updates
The city’s registration system is live online! Please use the links below to secure your spot for the upcoming classes at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center:
- Monday Beginners – Register Here
- Monday Experienced – Register Here
- Wednesday Beginners – Register Here
- Wednesday Experienced – Register Here
Important Schedule Notice:
The current quarter ends next week, with the final training dates on:
- Monday, March 17
- Wednesday, March 19
The new quarter begins on:
- Monday, April 7
- Wednesday, April 9
Take this time during the brief break to review and refine your techniques before the new session begins!
3. Karate Uniforms from Mugen (Ki International)
Dōgi (uniforms) from Mugen (Ki International) in Los Angeles are now shipping much faster after navigating some previous supply chain delays. We continue to highly recommend their “Orange Label” uniform for its superior quality, heavy-duty stitching, and overall value.
Order the Mugen Orange Label Uniform Here
If you have any questions regarding sizing, feel free to reach out to Ki International directly.
4. Authentic Shureido Belts Have Arrived!
Great news! Our custom Shureido (守礼堂) belts have finally arrived from Okinawa. If you placed an order during the last batch, please contact me before class to arrange pickup.
For those interested in ordering a Shureido belt for the future, let me know so we can begin coordinating the next international order. These belts are globally renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and heavy-duty durability. They truly are a worthwhile lifetime investment for any dedicated martial artist!
5. Upcoming Karate Events & Tournaments
- AAU Referee Training on Zoom – Sunday, March 8 at 8:00 AM
Interested in understanding how matches are scored or becoming an official? This online referee training session is a great opportunity to develop your knowledge.
More Info Here - Tibon’s Fighting Arts Invitational (In-House Tournament) – Stockton
A great local competition opportunity in Stockton! Registration details will be available soon. Stay tuned for updates on our WhatsApp channel. - 32nd Annual IKF Karate Championships – Sacramento
The prestigious IKF Sacramento Karate Championships will be held this coming June. This is a massive event featuring high-level competitors from across the western region.
More Info & Registration
6. Dai Nippon Butokukai – Kyoto Training in April
I will be out of the dōjō and out of the country in late April, traveling to Kyoto to attend a major Budo seminar and international demonstration with the Dai Nippon Butokukai (大日本武徳会).
Days I will be away from the dojo:
- Wednesday, April 23
- Monday, April 28
- Wednesday, April 30
Our highly capable Seniors and Senpai will be leading training during these sessions. Please be respectful of their leadership—they are sharp, experienced, and deeply knowledgeable!
7. Summer Training in Japan – Plan Ahead!
It’s never too early to plan for summer training in Japan! This year, our international delegation will begin in Daisen (Omagari), Akita Prefecture, followed immediately by the JKF Gōjūkai Seminar and Tournament in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.
All current Seiwakai members in good standing are welcome to participate in the Seiwakai gasshuku (seminar). (Please note: Individuals who wish to participate in the subsequent JKF Gōjūkai seminar and tournament must be formally registered members of the JKF Gōjūkai, which requires membership in a member club such as Seiwakai).
Schedule Overview:
- July 16–18: Training days in Daisen (Omagari), Akita
- July 19: Rest and recovery day
- July 20–22: Advanced training, with formal grading testing for qualified students on July 22 (afternoon)
- July 23: Travel via Shinkansen to Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture) for the JKF Gōjūkai Seminar
- July 24–25: JKF Gōjūkai Seminar (9:00 AM–12:00 PM, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM)
- Testing for qualified students: July 25 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM)
- July 26–27: National Tournament at Sendai Budokan
A Warm Welcome to New Members!
To all new members—welcome to the Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley family! We are excited to support your journey in discipline, strength, and camaraderie. Please never hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from our senior members.
To our returning members—thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion. Let’s make 2025 a year of profound growth and excellence—together!
Wishing everyone an amazing start to the year. Let’s train hard, support one another, and achieve greatness in 2025!
頑張って – Gambatte!
Ready to Begin Your Karate Journey?
Karate is not just for children! Adults train for many reasons: fitness, confidence, mindfulness, or reconnecting with a long-lost passion. Whatever your reason, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley welcomes you.
- Traditional Karate with modern application
- Certified instruction with international lineage
- Safe and supportive environment for all ages
– 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)
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