I've been training here for about 16 years. Great place to learn traditional karate in a safe and accepting environment.

From moment we found Todd and Jill practicing at Ohlone, we were greeted with encouragement. My son has developed discipline, respect, confidence, and body awareness at the dojo. The focus on physical fitness and mental well-being is evident in every class. The sense of community among students makes it feel like a second family. read more

Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do - Karate Near Me - Berkeley, California

*Classes offered 7-days a week* Outstanding place to learn, practice and master traditional karate. Everyone is super friendly, supportive regardless of level or ability, with no big-egos (that you can experience at other dojos). Any amazing community! The main instructor, Jun Shihan Todd, takes time to instruct the newcomers and everyone progresses at their own speed in an extremely supportive environment. Great for all ages and genders. At 57 years old, I can say Seido Karate has put me in the best shape of my (post 20 yro) life! read more

Excellent traditional karate dojo for all ages! Would highly recommend for anyone interested in getting healthy, managing stress, learning self defense and progressing in the study of the martial arts. Very friendly environment, lots of expertise. read more

Love this studio for my 5 y/o daughter. Todd is an excellent and patient teacher. Super nice person, too. His teaching style really helps our daughter come out of her shell and the overall class helps with her confidence. Highly recommend! read more

Great dojo for a well established karate style. There are classes throughout the week, so you can attend as frequently as you want. Students are all very friendly, and it is an enjoyable atmosphere to train in. The syllabus is clearly defined, so you know exactly what you need to do for promotions. You can push yourself at your own pace. The focus is on self improvement and refinement, so there are students of various ages and backgrounds. There are a few different instructors, each with their own slightly different way of teaching. Kyoshi Todd is the head instructor. He is very well respected throughout the Seido community, and has created a great place to learn and train. Osu. read more

This is an amazing dojo, a true gem! If you want to practice traditional karate in a respectful, welcoming environment, this is the place. I have been training here for about two years, and my two grade-school aged daughters attend the kids' classes. Over the years, I have trained in other dojos, and I cannot say strongly enough how special this place is. We work out very hard -- every class is an opportunity to push yourself beyond your limits! -- but aggression and macho showing off are not part of the culture. People of all ages, genders, sizes, and abilities can find a home here. Kyoshi Todd has built a community based on respect and mutual support, which is not always a given in martial arts. I have made great friends here, and my day is always better after practice. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, come try a class if you want to practice excellent martial arts with a genuinely kind group. read more

I've been training with Seido Karate for about 15 years, and I started at the Seido headquarters in NYC. When I moved to the Bay Area, I naturally wanted to stick with the Seido methodology, so I found East Bay Seido in Berkeley. Sensei Todd and the other teachers are lovely people - very friendly and kind, experienced martial artists, as well as being great teachers for both adults and children. My child attends the children's classes and loves Sensei Todd's games and structure. The adult classes are always challenging, fun and a great workout. This dojo is so awesome that my family continues to attend regularly, even though we live in San Francisco and the commute - especially during the weekdays over the Bay Bridge - is TERRIBLE. Still, it is worth it for the great community and excellent instructors. If I lived in Berkeley I would be here every day. For those of you living in the East Bay, this is such a treasure. read more

I trained at East Bay Seido for a few months around the beginning of 2011. I had returned to the Bay Area several months before and was trying to find a new martial arts school. Ultimately, I decided this was not the right place for me. First, I want to mention the good things at this school. The instructors and other students are very friendly, and there is a concerted effort to create a sense of family at the school. The instructors are knowledgeable, and on a regular basis you have the opportunity to learn from 5th-degree black belt who I believe is a regional director for the Seido schools. It's very tradition-based, with a lot of emphasis on proper etiquette and learning Japanese, which for the right student can be a satisfying part of the program. Lastly, the classes are very reasonably priced with ample classes offered each week. On the other hand, I didn't feel very challenged at the school. I have some background in tae kwon do, which is very similar to karate. However, I was treated the same as any other white belt, learning the basic techniques at a gradual pace. Understand, it's not that my ego was hurt, but when I regularly finished classes without breaking a sweat, I wasn't getting what I needed from the program. Also, the school has very bare-bones facilities, so it's rare that the classes would involve any equipment like heavy bags. Maybe just my opinion, but I needed a school where you could throw techniques with a lot of force to really refine the strikes. I think it could be summarized that this school is very focused on tradition and regimentation. That may work for some people, but I was looking for something different. read more

I'd always wanted to learn a type of martial arts, so when I stumbled across this dojo just a few blocks away from where I live, I decided to give it a try. Best decision I've made in a while. Despite the fact that I have no prior knowledge in karate or any type of martial art, and that I'm the only white-belt there, I have progressed fast in the past month that I was there. This is because the teachers are very clear in giving out instructions, and insightful when correcting my movements, and all the senior students (everyone else except me, basically) are super nice to me. Sensei Todd and other black belts make karate so beautiful, not only as a form of attack and defense, but also an art and an elegant way of carrying oneself. As a beginner, I like to attend classes two or three times a week, so that I gain muscle memory fast. This works out because they have general adult classes every day, seven days a week. I would highly recommend trying out East Bay Seido Karate for anyone who's interested in learning karate. read more

Long ago, I trained at Seido's New York headquarters, which is known as Honbu. There was no Bay Area branch when I moved out West. I tried other styles for a while, finally giving up after The Taekwondo Incident. Stumbled upon Seido Berkeley several months ago and joined right away and have been nothing but happy with it. Senpai Todd is a brilliant martial artist and a phenomenal teacher. We train so hard and yet have so much fun. Except for Honbu, I can't imagine training anyplace else. read 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. 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. There's even a meditation class on Tuesdays! read more

Osu. Seido (Japanese: sincere way) evolved from Kyokushin karate from Japan. Kyokushin was founded by karate teacher versed in Okinawan, Korean, and Japanese contact karate, late Mr. Mas Oyamas (AKA Choi Yeong-eui). Seido karate emphasizes kata, safety, and accessibility for the entire family. I am grateful to have trained, from 2008 to 2015, in this karate dojo, attended to by well-meaning karate-ka. Practical and sincere karate hones one's ability in becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable thus being able to be more calm and act clearly, for the good. Real karate helps us to become stronger, in order to be more gentle and kind. This Seido dojo has a business to run, having to pay liability insurances, thus retaining enough students may outweigh concerns of some sincere students that seek more practical training: "Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in self-defense," said the late sensei Motobu Choki. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motobu_Ch%C5%8Dki I wish this dojo and all its karate-ka continued success. Osu. read more

I'm pretty sure I'm the newest student at East Bay Seido (been training for about a month), but I'm already more than ready to drop five stars right here. I don't have much color in my belt, so I can't offer the expert's perspective (see other entries here for that!), but I can speak for how well East Bay Seido treats early recruits. I'm a Cal student, so I can get martial arts at the RSF -- but I go to East Bay Seido instead, because of their attention to spirituality, their strong sense of discipline and tradition, their welcoming atmosphere, and their individual and personal investment in each student's progress. They've got the perfect mix of friendliness and rigor at East Bay Seido, which is a rare and essential combination. It's how they manage to run classes in which everyone, at every belt level, is constantly pushing his or her limits. Everyone helps each other: they're patient perfectionists, and amen to that. I leave every class thinking, "I can't believe I actually did that!" Because of work schedule woes I've been bouncing between different class times, and so I've now taken at least one class each with Kyoshi Bobby, Senpai Todd, and Senpai Ben. And so I can say with conviction that no matter when you walk in, you'll be pleased. Each instructor runs class with power, energy, intensity, and -- most importantly -- clarity, which is superimportant for a novice like me. All the instructions are given in direct language, so you're never confused, and the instructors never skimp on individual attention or correction. read more

I have been training at this dojo for a little over a year and a half. I am very grateful to Kyoshi Todd, the Senpai, and all of the other students for making my experience here so rewarding, challenging, fun, and expansive. Seido translates to sincere way, and the emphasis is truly on doing your best and developing a 'non-quitting spirit'. All teaching is based on a solid foundation of traditional principles and techniques, rooted in the Kyokushin tradition. Seido's founder, Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, brought Kyokushin to the States before branching off to form Seido. At 75 years old, he is still leading from the NYC based Honbu! Visit seido.com to learn more! I highly recommend this dojo to anyone looking to form a dedicated practice - whether for physical fitness, self-defense, or effective fighting techniques. All good things develop with patience and dedication. ;) "My purpose in founding Seido Karate was to show what I feel is the true essence, the kernel of true karate-do: the training of body, mind, and spirit together in order to realize the fullness of human potential." - Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura read more

East Bay Seido Karate is fantastic! I cannot imagine a better place to do karate :) I initially joined because my friend recommended it - she has been a member for years. I was new to karate, but had done a little bit of taekwondo, some judo, and a couple years of capoeira before. Everyone in the dojo was extremely welcoming and friendly, and the teachers were fantastic in integrating me as a newby into a group of mostly black belts and advanced color belts. Everyone in the dojo, teacher or not, seemed eager to practice with me and to share, no one ever got bored of my questions, and I never became overwhelmed either. The dojo follows traditions and routines, which gives the class a nice structure. Everyone shakes everyone's hand before leaving and often people say a few nice words. People bow when entering or leaving, there are little meditations at the beginning and at the end. I find it just the right amount to give the practice structure and some significance, without feeling artificial or unpersonal. You also get your own Ki with your first month's payment! Kyoshi Todd was incredibly nice in scheduling a make-up promotion for me when I was traveling during the regular promotion. Because the dojo is a little expensive for me as a student, I also tried the RSF karate, but there is no comparison. At RSF, I routinely had some small injuries, nothing major, but back pains, knee pains, a stiff neck... It all felt very much like a class, I was constantly called out for not doing things right. Everything was very perfectionist and a little narrow-minded, there didn't seem to be much room to enjoy karate, to grow together as a group, or to grow as a person. So I went back to Seido Karate - everyone welcomed me with open arms, people still new my name. The practice seems so much more wholesome, the community is much friendlier, it feels healthier. Plus, they organize all kinds of trips and outdoor practices... A great place! read more

A martial arts dojo with a perfect mix of formal Japanese etiquette and professional instruction in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. They have classes for all ages (4+), experience levels, and abilities. But that is just the beginning! Supplementing the daily core curriculum instruction, there are weekly classes offering sparring, Zen meditation, and advanced-belt material. Seminars in board-breaking and street self-defense are offered periodically, as are opportunities to participate in beach trainings, weekend retreats, and tournaments. I joined East Bay Seido with a fair amount of previous karate experience (in another style) and was able to move up the beginning ranks at a slightly accelerated pace which I appreciated. On the other hand, my two daughters started as complete beginners when they were 5 years old and are still enjoying it as teenagers. (As an added bonus, they get PE credit at Berkeley High, thanks to an arrangement through one of the instructors who is on the faculty at BHS.) The Seido curriculum (which has its direct roots in Kyokushin) is comprehensive, and includes basic kicks/punches/blocks, kata, sparring, and self-defense techniques. Grappling, take-downs, and weapons are introduced at more advanced levels. There is a strong emphasis on etiquette and safety. (Free sparring is only allowed at Green Belt and up - after about a year of training.) The children's classes include a variety of games to keep everyone engaged and having fun while learning the material. Requirements for advancing in rank are standardized throughout the Seido organization and are clearly posted. Some other things about East Bay Seido that I especially appreciate: - Although it's not a non-profit, the dojo does not exist to make money. All of the instructors (including the owner/Chief Instructor) have outside jobs; Seido Karate is a passion, and it shows in the atmosphere and camaraderie of the place. - One reasonable monthly fee; take as many classes as you wish, at your convenience and at your own pace. Daily regular classes for adults. No contracts. - Being part of a world-wide, well established organization. Your hard-earned black belt will mean something outside of Berkeley. This also means there are many opportunities to train with Seido practitioners from around the world, when traveling or when visitors come here to Berkeley. This includes training with the grandmaster and founder of Seido karate himself if you ever visit NYC. Come check it out! read more

I've been attending East Bay Seido's Berkeley Dojo for about 7 months now. I don't think I could recommend it more highly. The main instructors, Kyoshi Bobby Henderson (who drives up from Santa Cruz to teach on Wednesdays) and Senpai Todd Solly (who seems to live at the dojo, he's there so much, even though he has a very busy life) are incredibly disciplined, focused, and knowledgeable. They are also excellent teachers, encouraging and tough minded. The fact is, seido is a beautiful martial art that requires patience and effort, and they, along with all the more advanced students, work together to push you to improve yourself through this art. The dojo is small and cosy in a cool part of Berkeley, and it can ALWAYS use more members. I would encourage anyone to go and experience East Bay Seido. read more

I started training in Seido Karate in Chicago and was delighted to hear that when I moved out to CA that there was a dojo for this style of karate. This is truly an art that encompasses mind, body and spirit. The Japanese style includes formal bow in and other traditional etiquette as well as a weekly meditation class and sparring class. The dojo is moderately sized with a small number of students (maybe 15 right now) so there is lots of individual instruction. In both Chicago and here in Berkeley I experienced a great compassion and accommodation for special needs and older students, even though this is a fairly physical art. Senpai Todd always offers a trial class for new students, so if you get tired of running mindlessly on the treadmill like I did, stop by the dojo. read more

East Bay Seido is all I was looking for and more in a dojo. Seido Karate is taught as a traditional Japanese martial art with an emphasis on respect, patience and paced learning. Sempai Todd is an excellent teacher whose classes are focused on mastering the techniques at each student's level. He has created a community in which students truly support and challenge each other. read more

Great and friendly place to learn karate. Welcoming and very solid learning environment.

Great workout. Wonderful people. If you are looking to learn traditional karate in a positive atmosphere, stop by and watch a class, take a free introductory class, or do both. That's what I did. read more

This is a great place for kids and adults to learn Karate. My ten year old daughter has been taking classes for a year and my 14 year old just began. Sensei Todd and Senpai Jill are very professional and caring with the children. They make it fun and challenging at the same time. I just began the parent classes and am learning with the girls. The Seido philosphy is great. Check out their website! read more

i can't begin to tell how much Seido has improved my life. i'm more fit than i've ever been both physically AND mentally. learning the curriculum under Senpai Todd and Kyoshi Bobby is beyond what i was looking for in a dojo. Seido's approach to practicing karate is as much an intellectual pursuit as a physical one. i looked all over and visited many dojos in the area. one step inside the east bay Seido dojo and i knew i found the right place. read more