Lower Hutt Seido Karate

 What an amazing EIKO HANSHI KATA Tournament Day it was….

A Fantastic and Energy filled TAIKO DRUMMING performance kick started the competition events for our tournament day…it was simply adrenalin pumping…

The morning session was “SUPERCHARGED” with Individual KATA performances, Super loud “OSU” and “KIAI” from our region’s talented young karateka and Incredibly Talented Collegiate students…

The afternoon only got better, we were treated to amazing 3-Person Team Kata performances across all age and belt groups…

But it was the Parent and Child Kata event and WOW, WOW, and more WOW….ALL Parents were truly next level in their KATA performances with their children…

“Spectacular, Inspirational, Out of this World”….

Kyoshi Karen, special acknowledgement your Kapiti Dojo Barker and Vasta Parents and Children….Simply Inspirational…..

Thank you to our Amazing Lower Hutt Tournament Team members who are always so giving of their energy, time, knowledge, and expertise  making the day run so smoothly for everyone to enjoy…

Thank you to also to our Japan Tournament Parents who always magically work together to get things done without fuss, complaint or bother…no matter the challenge…

Your exceptional team efforts in the CAFÉ certainly kept everyone happily fed and energised throughout the day with the many delicious food offerings and hot coffees…especially on such a chilly winter day…

Thank you to Eiko Hanshi Renzie and Sei Shihan Aaron for your tournament messages, your presences were greatly missed this year…

We all wish to acknowledge and thank our EIKO HANSHI for their lifetimes of guidance and support and the significant legacies created which make each of our own SEIDO Karate journeys so unique…may we continue to be guided with your light and wisdom….

Thank you to all our Wellington Region SEIDO Dojo Heads, all your students and Dojo families…totally enjoyed sharing the day with you all…

See you all again next year…

Warmest and best regards always

OSU

Ken Szeto and all at SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Dojo

Celebrating the lifelong achievements and significant contributions to Seido Karate of Eiko Hanshi Renzie Hanham and the late Eiko Hanshi Andy Barber, with special attendance by Sei Shihan Aaron Barber, Son of the late Eiko Hanshi Andy Barber.

Tournament Date & Location:

Saturday 25 July 2026 (9am start)

St Oran’s College, 550 High Street, Lower Hutt

Events:

• Individual Kata – by age and belt grade
• 3-person Team Kata – by age and belt grade
• Individual Weapons Kata – Black belt only
• 3-person Team Weapons Kata – Black belt only
• Family Event – Parent-Child Kata – all ages and by child / collegiate student belt grade (one parent & one child per team)

Categories & Age Groups:

Junior Students

• 5-6 years
• 7-8 years
• 9-10 years
• 11-12 years

Collegiate Students

• 13-15 years
• 16-17 years

A list of the permitted Kata and Tournament Rules is available below and has been emailed to each dojo head.

2026 – EIKO HANSHI TOURNAMENT – KATA RULES

Download

Registrations:

To register, follow the steps in the Registration Form linked below.

REGISTRATION FORM

Online registrations only, late and on the day registrations will not be accepted.

• $40 per Seido Student / Participant (Junior or Collegiate)
• $20 – per parent kata (Parent-Child kata)

Registrations close on 12 July 2026.

Important Notes:

• Each Student / Participant must be individually registered.
• Once registered, payment instructions will be emailed.
• Registration is confirmed upon payment of entry fees.
• Please reference each student registration with: Full name of Student and Dojo.

Hosted By: Seido Lower Hutt

As a fundraising event to support the growth and development of Junior and Collegiate student leadership, tournament & overseas travel programmes.

Delicious food and hot and cold drinks will be available at the tournament for purchase.

For general enquiries please email seidotournament@gmail.com.

Looking forward to hosting and seeing everyone….
OSU
Jun Shihan Ken Szeto
SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Dojo

Tony Dong, one of our enthusiastic kid’s classes instructors will kindly be offering “keep fit sessions” for our Dojo students, parents and families between 15^th December 2025 and 8^th January 2026.

These FITNESS sessions will be “free of charge” and held at the Dojo on Mondays and Thursdays afternoons from 4.30pm to 5.45pm until 8^th January 2026 and will cater to all levels of fitness and all age groups and will include a mix of cardio and strength training….plus pre-session warming up and post-session stretching.

From the photos, it looks like a great time had by all who have attended.

As always, safety and enjoyment will be TONY’s top priorities for all who attend.

Please email TONY directly at: TDLNZ732@gmail.com if you are keen or can make these FUN sessions over this period until the 8^th January 2026.

So, keep yourselves “Well and Fit” over the Festive Season Holidays.

Warmest and best regards to everyone

OSU
Ken Szeto

Wishing Everyone and Your Families a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years for 2026.

Thank you for another Rewarding Year of Friendship, Laughter, and Support throughout a most Challenging Year.

Enjoy this Special Holiday Period Celebrating Christmas with Families, Friends and Loved Ones and Resting and Relaxing in the Warmth of Summer. Make sure that you catch up with those you may not have had the time or opportunity to this year and make sure that your own wellbeing and sense of purpose in this life is renewed and reinvigorated.

I look forward to seeing everyone next year…with new dreams and new goals for 2026…

Dojo reopens Tuesday 20^th January 2026…..

My Sincere Gratitude, Appreciation and Love to All

OSU
Ken Szeto and all at SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Dojo

CONGRATULATIONS to you all on your grading successes last night.

We continue to be inspired by you all with your Sincere Efforts, Dedication and Commitment to your study of SEIDO karate and all that it entails.

The limitless support of your families, friends and loved ones from the sidelines on the night also a true testament to the wonderful people that you each are.

Heartening also, the care and encouragement shown to you by our Dojo Kyoshi, Sensei, and Senpai Black Belts throughout your grading.

Every grading experience fostering and adding to the strength and dedication required to persevere with the challenges faced on this journey we call Karate-Do….(ie. LIFE)

So, celebrate the wins no matter how small and embrace the new positivity that emerges within you as we continue to grow together.

Thank you to each of you for the many privileges that we enjoy with you being such an integral part of our wonderful little Dojo and the community that enriches it.

Take the time now to rest up, relax, and treat yourselves to some much-deserved time out and food indulgence over Christmas and the New Year holiday periods.

With my Sincere Gratitude, Respect and Appreciation…

OSU
Ken Szeto and all at SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Dojo

Congratulations to All on your Grading Successes

Our Dojo Junior Students continue to Inspire us all with their demonstrations of Dedication, Perseverance and Resilience.

We are truly blessed to have such a talented group of Junior Karateka so full of Energy, Enthusiasm and Effort at every class and always ready to overcome the challenges of working through the physical and mental pressures which lie within each grading.

As always, so resolutely supported by your families, friends, and loving parents….the grading ups and downs always a shared experience for all.

A huge “Thank You” to you wonderful parents….for they give so much behind the scenes to you and the Dojo.

Truly blessed we are also, to have such a committed entourage of amazing Dojo Black Belts and Class Instructors who give so freely and limitlessly of their time as they encourage and guide each one of you through your karate lessons and learnings.

Your strong individual presences constantly reinforcing to all the ever growing and encompassing “Family Focused Values” of our little Dojo.

Keep up the hard work and effort and keep pursuing those personal goals and dreams that drive your young minds and spirits.

I am positive that you will become the next generation of positive leaders and sincere mentors for the next generation of juniors to the Dojo.

Congratulations and enjoy the Christmas and New Year Holidays coming up.

Warmest and best wishes always

OSU
Ken Szeto and all at SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Dojo

We’re cancelling today’s karate class for everyone’s safety. MetService is advising everyone to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary due to severe weather warnings in the Wellington region.We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to training together next time. Please stay safe and dry.

It was the best start to the day with unexpected sunshine streaming through the stadium, adding to the energy and atmosphere as we began the day with welcome messages from Eiko Hanshi Renzie Hanham (unfortunately unable to attend), Sei Shihan Aaron Barber and sister Senpai Natasha.

The amazing TAIKO drumming performance from Jessie and her team provided a unique and exhilarating start to our tournament events. 

All participants – young and older – treated us to an outstanding spectacle of KATA performed with enthusiasm, passion, commitment, and absolute focus at the highest level. We were privileged to witness a wonderful array of performances from so many talented juniors and collegiate-aged SEIDO karateka.

Well done to all, and congratulations to all place-getters on your fantastic achievements throughout the day.

The most enjoyable event for me was the Parent and Child Kata division. All Parents must be congratulated for having the courage to step out and perform alongside their children. Thoroughly entertaining and uplifting to see the amazing connection between a Parent and their Child.

My sincere thanks and gratitude go to:

• Our Eiko Hanshi – Renzie Hanham and Andy Barber – for being the inspiration for us all
  
  
• Sei Shihan Aaron, Paola, and Senpai Natasha – for being there in celebration and representing the Barber family
  
  
• Our amazing Dojo Tournament Teams and Dojo Parents – for all your dedication, energy, and commitment to ensuring a smooth and well-run event
  
  
• Our Wellington Region Dojo Heads and Black Belts – for your attendance and support with judging and keeping your students focused for each event throughout the day
  
  
• Our Wellington Region Junior and Collegiate students for your enthusiasm, energy, and next-level KATA performances
  
  
• Our talented and super committed SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Kids and Parents

See you all again next year. Thank you for a wonderfully enjoyable SEIDO Community occasion.

Warmest and best regards always
OSU
Ken Szeto and all at SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Dojo

Celebrating the lifelong achievements and significant contributions to Seido Karate of Eiko Hanshi Renzie Hanham and the late Eiko Hanshi Andy Barber, with special attendance by Sei Shihan Aaron Barber, Son of the late Eiko Hanshi Andy Barber.

Tournament Date & Location:

Date & Time: Saturday, 30th August 2025, starting at 9am

Location: St. Orans Girls College, 550 High Street, Boulcott, Lower Hutt

Events:

• Individual kata – by age and belt grade.
• 3-person Team kata, – by age and belt grade.
• Individual weapons Kata – Black belt only.
• 3-person team weapons kata – Black belt only.
• Family Event – Parent Child Kata – all ages and by child / collegiate student belt grade (one parent – one child per team)

Categories & Age Groups:

Junior Students

• 5-6 years
• 7-8 years
• 9-10 years
• 11-12 years

Collegiate Students

• 13-15 years
• 16-17 years

A list of the permitted Kata and Tournament Rules is available below and has been emailed to each dojo head.

2025-EIKO-HANSHI-TOURNAMENT-KATA-TOURNAMENT-Rules-JULY-2025-Final

Registrations:

To register, follow the steps in the Registration Form linked below.

Registration Form

Online registrations only, late and on the day registrations will not be accepted.

Registrations: registrations open on the 3rd of July and close 16th of August.

• $40 – per Seido student / Participant (junior or collegiate)
• $20 – per parent entry (parent child kata).

Important Notes:

• Each Student / Participant must be individually registered.
• Once registered, payment instructions will be emailed.
• Registration is confirmed upon payment of entry fees.
• Please reference each student registration with: Full name of student and Student Dojo.

Hosted By: Seido Lower Hutt

As a fund-raising event to support the growth and development of Junior and Collegiate student leadership, tournament & overseas travel programmes. Delicious food and hot and cold drinks will be available at the tournament for purchase.

For general enquiries please email: seidotournament@gmail.com

Looking forward to hosting and seeing everyone….
OSU
Jun Shihan Ken Szeto
SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt Dojo

As always it was a perfect day to spend training in paradise at Raumati Beach, Kapiti….

Sun, surf, sand and a great bunch of SEIDO people to enjoy a day out on the beach and so kindly hosted by Kyoshi Karen and her welcoming student community of SEIDO Karate Kapiti….

Thank you for putting such a spectacular day and tummy satisfying barbecue at your place afterwards….

See you next year Kyoshi Karen and a big OSU for all your hospitality…

Warmest and best regards always

OSU
Ken Szeto and all at SEIDO Karate Lower Hutt