The beginning of Seido Karate in Israel

By Shihan Eli Bitran

In the 1970s, karate was not nearly as well known as it is today; judo and self-defense were far more popular. One of the only karate schools in Israel was the first Kyokushinkai Branch. In 1975, when I was 21 years old, I found myself representing my country at the world karate Championship in Tokyo, Japan. I returned from this experience having learned and grown so much, that I dedicated myself to Kyokushinkai Karate and my students. By 1989, however, I found that problems within the organization were affecting me adversely and that in turn affected the school. I sat down and wrote two letters, one to Japan explaining my decision to leave Kyokushinkai and one to Grandmaster Tadashi Nakamura in America explaining my reasons for wanting to join the World Seido Karate Organization. They included the need for a professional, philosophical, and spiritual change for my students and myself. In 1990, I came to New York. The moment I set foot in the Seido Juku Honbu, I knew I had come to the right place. From that moment, the values and principles of all spheres of karate in Israel changed forever.

My first impression on meeting Kaicho was that I had met a very special person, a man of great courage, who listens as well as speaks, and is guided by his sense of integrity and family. I thought that someone who chose to live with enormous self-control and willingness to sacrifice must indeed be courageous. My further acquaintance with him has borne out my first impression.

Unfortunately, in our modern world, moral values are declining. Regrettably, this is a worldwide phenomenon, and Israel is no exception. I am convinced, though, that through Seido Karate I have succeeded in making an impact and bringing about some positive changes. We teach a free program for retarded and disturbed children. I see the positive influence of Seido on all my students as they carry the desire to grow and improve back into their community. They are constantly striving to improve themselves.

Every year, during Chanukah, the festival of lights, we celebrate the anniversary of Seido in Israel. I did not build this school alone; but together with my students working alongside me. They did construction, electrical work, and painting. Everyone took part and together we created the first dojo for Seido in Israel with our own hands. The dojo is like a second home to many of them; there are people to turn to and to help solve problems. It is a family.

Israel Seido has evolved over the years on the basis of the same principles that I've always thought. I believe that we have changed many a preconceived notion about karate from the belief that it is an art in itself, which encompasses discipline, honor, and love.

My philosophy has changed as a teacher in that I emphasize the spiritual and philosophical aspects of karate to my students since they are necessary for a proper foundation on which to train. A sense of obligation and a knowledgeable approach help them develop a stronger spirit and an uncompromising devotion. In this way, they achieve the maximum benefit from their training with a correct idea of priorities. Karate is not just combat, but an aspiration to attain good physical and mental health. It seeks a new basis for a better life.

Training in karate is the basic core for building a better life. Seido students should place great emphasis on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of karate. They must study the values and obligations inherent in karate and aspire to spiritual wholeness, which shows generosity and forgiveness. We must learn to respect others in order to be able to respect ourselves. We are all human; we are all equal. WE must never forget our parents and teachers and repay all they have given us with respect and love for them. If we are resolute and determined, there is no problem that cannot be overcome. Persistence and diligence are the two most important attributes in life. If we use our karate as a path to becoming practical, decisive, and self-controlled, we can be healthy and complete. Learning to be conscious of our actions is the way to develop natural spontaneity and concentration. The most moving thing that ever happened at my dojo was being able to bring the first Israeli delegation to Seido Honbu in New York. It concluded arduous training, meeting with Kaicho, summer camp, beach training, special moments and memories, and a reception at the airport on our return to Israel. one of the most touching things said to me by the students was that after all they heard from me about the special atmosphere at Honbu, actually experiencing it for themselves was a dream come true. It was for me as well.