Spring 2026 – Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Newsletter

By Johnpaul Williams – Director, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojūkan

Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley competitors medaling at the Silicon Valley Open.

This past quarter, we finally returned to local competition and were incredibly pleased with our club’s results. All five competitors who participated secured medals! This was a proud moment for our dōjō and a well-deserved victory for each athlete. Bravo to you all.

As the seasons change and we move into spring, it is time to renew our focus and dedication on the tatami. We are thrilled to announce the start of our Spring 2026 quarter of traditional Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō training. Whether you are stepping into the dōjō for the very first time or you are a returning senior student preparing for your next milestone, this quarter is packed with world-class training opportunities.

For this new Spring session, prepare to welcome more guests to the floor, and get ready to rigorously sharpen up your Kata Anan and Pachu (consider that a big hint!).

Spring 2026 Class Schedule & Registration

Our upcoming training block officially begins on April 6th, 2026, and will run continuously through June 3rd, 2026. Training will take place at our standard location inside the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center in Menlo Park.

Registration is currently open. To secure your spot on the floor, please visit the City of Menlo Park portal using the link below. Once on the page, simply search for “Karate” in the keyword section to find our beginner and advanced class listings.

For a complete look at our upcoming sessions and international events, please review the SKSV Menlo Park Karate Calendar.

Seiwakai Gojuryu Seminar in Northern California

Major Event: Seiwakai Northern California Seminar with Vassie Naidoo Hanshi

This April, we have the distinct honor of hosting a premier event that should not be missed by any serious practitioner. We will be welcoming back Vassie Naidoo Hanshi for the Seiwakai Northern California Seminar and Black Belt Testing.

• Friday, April 17th at 6:00 PM: The weekend kicks off right here at our Menlo Park dōjō at Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley.
• Saturday, April 18th & Sunday, April 19th: Training and evaluations will continue at our sister dōjō in Pleasanton at Tri-Valley Karate.

This is an incredible opportunity to refine your mechanics, deepen your understanding of Gōjū-Ryū, and train under elite international leadership. Expect to meet your colleagues from across the bay and dress your best for the event.

Seiwakai and JKF Gojukai training schedule in Japan August 2026

Looking Ahead: Summer Training in Japan

In addition to our local events, preparation is well underway for our next international journey. In the latter half of August, a delegation from our dōjō and our sister dōjō in Pleasanton will travel to Japan for immersive, world-class training and testing. These trips are the lifeblood of our organization, ensuring our techniques and high technical standards remain directly tied to our authentic Japanese lineage.

More logistical details are available for those who wish to attend. This annual training is open to all club members regardless of rank and grade, and it provides an unforgettable cultural experience.

End of Quarter Kyu Grading (Shinsa)

For our dedicated colored belt students, all your hard work this quarter will culminate in the first week of June. We will be holding our official Kyu level gradings to evaluate your progress.

Students will be recommended for advancement based on consistent attendance, technical execution of kihon and kata, and proper dojo etiquette. Ensure you are utilizing the SKSV Club Guide to verify you meet all the necessary syllabus requirements for your next rank. Please contact Sensei if you are not already on the previewers list and need club member access.

Road to the 2027 World Masters Games

We are incredibly proud to announce that Sensei Johnpaul has been officially chosen to represent the USA and compete in the Kumite (sparring) division at the prestigious World Masters Games in Kyoto, Japan, scheduled for May 2027! Additionally, he is currently pending selection to compete in the Kata (forms) division.

Training for this elite global athletic event is already underway. When you step onto the floor this season, know that you are training alongside leadership that continues to test their skills on the world stage.

Dōjō Resources & Reminders

• Equip Yourself Properly: As we prepare for intensive seminar training and regular kumite drills, it is mandatory that all students bring their full protective gear to every class. If you are missing gear, review our guide on How to Build Your Bogu Bag.
• Visiting Karateka: With global events bringing international travelers to the Bay Area, we anticipate welcoming guest practitioners to our floor. All visitors—whether auditing or participating—must sign in at the front desk. Participating guests are subject to a $25 drop-in fee and must complete a facility waiver.
• Community Growth: If our training has positively impacted your martial arts journey, please consider taking a moment to leave us a Google Review. Your feedback helps our traditional community grow.

Connect With Us Online

• Subscribe on YouTube: Watch our latest training videos
• Follow us on Facebook: Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley Gojukan 誠和会空手シリコン谷剛柔館
• Follow us on Instagram: @SeiwakaiKarateSiliconValley

Message from Sensei

“Spring represents growth, but true martial growth only comes from consistently tending to your foundation. Approach this new quarter with an empty cup and a fierce dedication to your fundamentals.”

– 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)