Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura

Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura is the founder of Seido Karate and one of the most respected figures in modern martial arts.

His karate journey began in 1956 under Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. In 1959, Nakamura earned his Shodan (1st Dan), becoming the youngest person in Japan at the time to receive a Kyokushin black belt.

At just 19 years old, Nakamura captured first place in the All-Japan Student Open Karate Championship. Shortly thereafter, he became a national figure in Japan by defeating a Thai kickboxing champion in a historic match comparing the effectiveness of the two arts.

Alongside competition success, Nakamura devoted himself to teaching. From 1961–1965, he served as Chief Instructor at Camp Zama, a U.S. military base near Tokyo, and coached the Toho Medical University karate team.

While earning his 7th Dan, he was appointed Chief Instructor at Kyokushin Honbu in Tokyo.

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Bringing Karate to the World

In 1966, Masutatsu Oyama personally selected Nakamura to bring the true spirit of karate to the United States. Relocating to New York City, Nakamura became the head of Kyokushin Karate in America for the next decade, developing many of the country’s early leaders in the art.

In 1976, Nakamura respectfully withdrew from Kyokushin Karate and founded the World Seido Karate Organization. Seido — meaning “The Sincere Way” — reflects his belief that karate should develop the whole human being, not only physical skill.

Built on the principles of respect, love, and obedience, Seido Karate emphasises moral character, compassion, and responsibility alongside technical excellence.

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Seido Today

Today, Seido Karate is practised in 18 countries, with over 20,000 students worldwide. The New York Honbu is one of the largest martial arts schools in the world, with dozens of black belts training daily.

Above all, Seido represents Kaicho Nakamura’s personal ideal:
that karate can help individuals better understand themselves, serve others, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Kaicho Nakamura continues to teach, lecture, and conduct seminars internationally. He remains, first and foremost, a karate instructor dedicated to helping others reach their full human potential.

For deeper insight, his autobiography The Human Face of Karate offers a powerful reflection on his life and philosophy.

Martial arts, self-defense, and fitness classes offered at Bayside Seido Karate.