Seido Karate Northland - Wellington

26/03/2026

Last night we held our first dojo grading for 2026 with 10 students seeking promotion. There should have been more on the dojo floor tonight but some had to withdraw due to COVID and injuries.

Our grading candidates comprised of: 6 ungraded White Belts two families: two dad’s both training with their son and daughter, two Blue Belts (both dojo dad’s) and two Green Belts one commencing college and the other who finished college last year.

The age range: 8 to mid 50 years old. However the consistent showcased tonight was EFFORT and FOCUS ... and that was something to behold and was very special to be a part of.

The grading was officiated by Senpai Honor and she did a remarkable job, well done Senpai!!! I’m sure that those who successfully promoted tonight will be fast asleep knowing that they earned their respective grades tonight. The instructors and I look forward to teaching you your new syllabus on Monday.

Thank you to Kyoshi Bruce, the students of this dojo, and to the parents and friends who supported their loved ones tonight.

I am VERY PROUD of everyone’s grading efforts and the partner contributions tonight, such a fantastic grading and grading group.

OSU
Kyoshi Garry

Group photo: Raquel Zheng
Photo acknowledgements:
Senpai Cheyenne & Kyoshi Garry

05/03/2026

Tonight we celebrated our dojo 9th Anniversary. The 9 years have flown by so I guess the saying: "Time flies by when you are having fun" is correct.

A FUN class for all lots of games, block/punch challenges and grade kata demonstrations … with the class finished off with lot’s of cake eating!

With many countries at war with other or tensions on high alert across the globe I am glad to be able to play my small part and provide a safe environment for individuals and family members to come and train together.

Thank you to the dojo Senpai and students, past and present, that have supported me through out this incredible 9 year journey.

To the current dojo members I can also not thank you enough for your continued training efforts in classes. Your desire to regularly attend classes and improve makes leading this dojo EASY and ENJOYABLE.

Thank you to the students and families who baked cakes and to the three Yellow Belt students from Seido Wellington Dojo for joining this anniversary class and displaying wonderful karate and a great sense of humour throughout the class.

A dojo t-shirt was provided to all students of this dojo. Words on the front are words collated by students as to why they train here at Seido Karate Northland, Wellington Dojo.

Osu
Kyoshi Garry

Photo acknowledgements:
Group photos: Melissa Roux & Louise McKenzie
Other photos: Kyoshi G and Senpai Cheyenne

ALL photos property of SKNW.

22/01/2026

“We’re back”.

Classes have officially started for 2026, with our dojo Kagami Biraki class held last night. Thank you to everyone for the energy and to the parents in attendance as we welcome in the year.

New karate goal(s) have been written down and set by each student, and the Senpais' and I, look forward to assisting you to achieve your goal(s) throughout the year.

I look forward to welcoming the other students still on holiday into the dojo soon.

ALL New Beginners or Seido Karate students new to Wellington who are interested in joining this dojo email Kyoshi Garry: [email protected]

OSU
Kyoshi Garry Szeto

14/01/2026

Osu FYI Students 🙏

13/12/2025

Sat 13 December SKNW Dojo end of year grading.

CONGRATULATIONS to the “Sweet 16” who graded today. The grading started with nerves and anticipation from the 16 grading candidates as 5 ungraded White Belts, one 9th Kyu, four 8th Kyu, four 7th Kyu and two 6th Kyu invited to attempt promotion.

Conditions were perfect for a day at the beach but maybe not so ideal for the grading candidates who had to endure hot conditions on a sunny and windless Wellington day.

I am pleased to advise this dojo has six new Blue Belts (8th Kyu), three new Advanced Blue Belts (7th Kyu), five new Yellow Belts (6th Kyu) and two new Advanced Yellow Belts (5th Kyu) joining the ranks for 2026.

Thank you to the dojo members who supported your fellow karateka and a special shout out to Senpai Esera for your attendance and contribution to today’s promotion. Huge shout out to Greta and Xanadu (Seido Upper Hutt) for taking time out of your busy day to support the grading candidates.

It goes without saying but without the dedication and support of the dojo Black Belts extended to me throughout 2025, this year would have been even more challenging for me. I can not thank and acknowledge Senpai Cheyenne, Senpai Molly and Senpai Honor for your continued support to me personally and to the members in this dojo. Sincere gratitude to you ALL.

Enjoy the break ahead everyone and I look forward to reconnecting with you all in 2026 and teaching the new syllabus.

Look out for the timetable changes and take the time to refresh, recharge and refocus your goals over the Summer break.

Osu
Kyoshi Garry Szeto

Photo acknowledgement: Senpai Cheyenne
Group photo: Dom O'Neill

24/09/2025

Save the date – March 6, 7, 8th 2026.
Nelson Shibu celebrating 35 years at Teapot Valley Camp!
More information to come!
Osu!

08/09/2025

Osu
Our very own Senpai Cheyenne in action back in 2014 …. ENJOY

Osu
Kyoshi

09/08/2025

Osu!

Osu! Because some people are asking … Seido Shibu Christchurch Camp will be held this year (2025) from Friday 28th November to Sunday 30th November. Put it in your calendar now 🙏😅

20/07/2025

Osu CONGRATULATIONS to Senpai Natasha who successfully achieved her black belt yesterday.

If my maths is correct it has been a 47 year journey from when you first started your karate journey under your father Eiko Hanshi Andy so it was a fitting tribute and an added layer of pressure for you to attempt promotion on the anniversary of his passing … I am sure he was smiling down on you and willing you through every step of your grading experience 🙏

Thank you to Sei Shihan Aaron and all members of Seido Nelson Shibu Dojo and the wider Seido Nelson Karate community for the hospitality extended to my dojo members: Senpai Cheyenne, Zoe, George, Agatha, Stuart and I who came to support Senpai Natasha.

Special thank you to Sei Shihan Neroli for officiating the grading.

Enjoy the month off. Take the time to put balance and perspective back with your life and know that it said that achieving the rank of Shodan is the just beginning of your Karate understanding …

Osu
Kyoshi Garry