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ImageCayuga Lake Seido Karate competed in the 33rd Annual Seido Karate Benefit Tournament on October 17th, held at Hunter College in New York City.

Twelve members from the Lansing and Trumansburg programs, including the two Senseis (instructors), competed in a variety of events during the day.  These competitors ranged in age from 8 - 45 years old and hold ranks from advanced Yellow Belt (5th Kyu) to Black Belt (4th Dan).  Most were competing for the first time.  Accomplishments of the group were many and varied upon competing in one or more of these events;  Kata (forms), Kumite (free fighting), and Breaking (of boards and blocks).

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Local competitors included;  Ben Maza (8), Ryan Bosanko (10), Toby Green (10), Nico Streb (age 10), Dylan Barber-Spangenberg (11), Josiah Boggs (16), and adults Debbie Bosanko, Jen Maza, Senpai Seth Weisel, Sensei Gail Lajoie, and Sensei Robin McColley.
 
Notable accomplishments included:
  • Ben Maza - 2nd Place Kumite
  • Dylan Barber-Spangenberg - 2nd Place Kumite
  • Josiah Boggs - 3rd place Kata
  • Debbie Bosanko - 3rd place Kata
  • Sensei Robin - 3rd place - Women's Heavyweight Kumite
  • Sensei Gail - 2nd place Women's Masters Kata and 2nd Place in Lightweight Breaking

One of the most exciting events from the spectator viewpoint, was Breaking.  Black Belt competitors kicked, punched, and elbowed their way through multiple wooden boards as well as cement blocks.  One experienced Black Belt broke a board with just one index finger extended.  I am told that precise alignment of the finger, strength, and total focus are the keys to breaking the board and not your finger!

Seido Karate is a traditional Japanese style of karate, founded in 1976 by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura. 

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The Lansing and Trumansbug programs, started in Jan. 2006, now include approximately 80 students.  The programs are instructed by Sensei Robin McColley and Sensei Gail Lajoie. The Senseis have trained in Seido Karate since 1993, and continue to train regularly with Grandmaster Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura at Seido Honbu (headquarters) in New York City.  Both Senseis hold the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt.  Sensei Robin is a two-time Sogo (overall) Women's Seido Tournament champion and Sensei Gail has been a top competitor in kata and kumite.

The Lansing Karate program is run through the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department.

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