Toma

Seidokan is a traditional Okinawan fighting art that includes: the kicking, punching, and blocking techniques of karate; the throwing and joint-locking techniques of Aiki-jujutsu; and the traditional weaponry of Okinawa, (i.e. the Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Kama, and Nunchaku, as well as the sword techniques of the Samurai). It is a most unusual art requiring open minded students with a desire to develop strength, flexibility, and dexterity.

Seidokan's founder, Master Shian Toma, was born on the island of Okinawa in 1929. He first studied karate at the age of 16 in the city of Osaka, where he lived for a year during World War II. Upon his return to Okinawa he began to study from Shinzato Sokishi for over 20 years. Master Sokishi taught only four Kata; Seisan, Sanchin, Chinto, and Bo. Toma Sensei readily admits that he spent over a year learning and practicing Seisan Kata before being allowed to go on to the Sanchin Kata. Perhaps this is part of the reason why most of the old Okinawan masters are so strict as to the precise execution of Kata.

During the early 1960's Toma Sensei became affiliated with the All-Japan Karate Association, then under the guidance of Grandmaster Zenryo Shimabuku. From Grandmaster Shimabuku, Toma Sensei learned the majority of the Kata that he now practices and teaches. These Kata are: Wansu, Ananku, Passai, Pinan's 1-5, Naihanchi, Passai-sho, Gojushiho, Kusanku, and the weapons previously mentioned.

In the mid 1960's, Toma Sensei began studying under Grandmaster Seikichi Uehara. Grandmaster Uehara was then, and is still the head of the Motobu Ryu. Motobu Ryu is a little known Okinawan martial art that, to the untrained eye, strongly resembles Aikido in it's unarmed techniques, but is most similar to the more ancient Japanese Samurai Aiki-jujutsu throwing and joint locking methods. From Grandmaster Uehara, Toma Sensei learned the intricate throwing, joint locking, and quick draw sword techniques that are now a part of Seidokan Karate. So Seidokan, like most traditional Okinawan karate, is really a mixture of several different styles including; Shorin Ryu, Motobu Ryu, Goju Ryu, and other minor influences. Seidokan is currently taught throughout Okinawa, Japan, the U.S., Greece, England, Spain, and Africa.


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