SEIDO NEW YORK, THE BIGGER PICTURE Manhattan, New York, The Big City, Honbu, New York, The Big Dojo. Home to the Founder of Seido Karate - Kaicho Nakamura - a man still instructing and spreading his knowledge on a weekly basis to Karateka from All Over The World.

On meeting the man you feel humbled in his presence. There is a certain aura surrounding him that you can't quite explain, but you feel respectful to him for taking the time to part with his wisdom on the Seido philosophy.

This being my first trip to The Big Apple, I was keen to soak in the atmosphere, both within the Dojo and amongst the bustling city streets. With this my first full day was spent in the company of Sensei Jesse (a Manhattan Resident) who kindly showed Kyoshi Roger, Sensei Mike, Senpai Stewart, me and six further Karateka some of the city's famous sights. This was a wonderful start to the week, giving me plenty of time to get to know my fellow students from High Wycombe and Dover.

Monday Morning was an early start up at 6.30am (well for someone on 'holiday'), down to the Dojo by 7.30am, ready for our first morning class. This first class brought together all the coloured belts for a general training session (usually for most, before going off to work!), and with 30plus pupils in this and every morning class it showed the true commitment required to follow the Seido way of life.

Another class or two would follow at midday, after some much needed nourishment from the local diner, just like in the movies, sitting in a 'booth', drinking coffee or orange juice, mulling over the menu of 'eggs over easy', 'hash browns' or 'pancakes', choices, choices.

In the evening a varity of classes were available from 5.00 until 10.00pm, how shall I choose tonight 1) conditioning, 2) self-defence, 3) kata, 4) technique or 5) meditation. I can't decide, so I'll just have a go at all of them. Whichever one I chose would be rewarding, hard physical work, but rewarding. Meeting new people, genuine friendly people, finding out about their lives, finding out what sparked their interest in the Martial Arts, everyone would take time out to chat, never too busy.

During my time at Honbu fellow Karateka from High Wycombe, Senpai Dennis and Senpai Steven, and from Dover Senpai Nigel were all taking Promotion (Once again Congratulations on passing). This allowed me to take part in some of Seido's more privileged classes. The first class took place at the YAI, where mentally handicapped Karateka showed us the true meaning of courage and determination.

The second one took place at the Blind Institute, where all invited students were blindfolded and then joined the class with a greater understanding for the obstacles that some people can overcome with strong spirit.

I shall remember my trip to Honbu with fondness, I have now seen the Bigger Picture, and Seido is more than a club in Tylers Green, turning up once a week for training. It's a Worldwide Family, with lots of dedicated Karateka, all striving for that feeling of achievement, both physically through the attainment of graded belts and mentally through the broadening of our philosophical way of thinking. I feel Honoured to have been part of Seido UK on tour in New York and can promise anyone who is lucky enough to be offered the chance, you won't regret it.