New beginnings for an old club
The new dojo for Seido Karate Nelson was officially opened last weekend. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.
Sei Shihan Aaron Barber and Seido Karate Nelson have a new place to call home.
The new dojo at 320 Hardy Street was officially opened and blessed over the weekend, adding another chapter to the club’s storied history.
After the passing of his father and club founder, Andy Barber, last year, Aaron says it was obvious that the duty now fell to him to carry the torch.
“It’s fair to say when he was sick and he passed, it became apparent that it was my time to step into that role.
“They’re big boots to fill, definitely. But his teaching lives through me, his son, and his students.
“It feels like it’s meant to be.”
He says the support from club members has made him feel like he’s not doing things alone and there’s anticipation for the future rather than nerves.
Aaron grew up on the mats, having amassed over 40 years of training experience and holding a sixth-degree black belt.
He’s travelled the world teaching Seido Karate and now wants to pass on that experience to the 100-odd members who make up the local club.
“It’s always been about inclusion, any ability can train.
“What I want to concentrate on is the sense of community, encouraging families to train together.”
Having seen the martial arts space evolve and change over the years, he says they are committed to remembering where they came from.
“I think with MMA, there’s some disrespect shown amongst fellow competitors. . . and in some ways it puts a black mark on the sport.
“A big thing for us is the traditions set for us over the last 50 years of courtesy and respect.
“There’s a lot of different martial arts out there now and one of our key differences is that we maintain the true essence of a Japanese martial art.
“In general, if we can get back to the true essence of martial arts and grow into the future as it has for the last 50 years in Nelson.”
The celebration of Kagami Biraki and opening of the new Nelson Shibu was attended by 90 students with a short class. As part of the new year, students also polished their Kagami (mirror), set new goals for their karate practice, and for their life.