Seikido

The Self Defense Philosophy

Unprovoked attack

With initiative and without provocation, resulting in the injury or death of another person. This is the lowest level and is ethically inexcusable and reprehensible.

Provoking an attack

By insult or a contemptuous attitude, then injuring the other person when they retaliate. The instigator is responsible for inciting the attack, and there is little ethical difference between this level and the one before.

Controlled defending

Against an unprovoked attack, where neither attacker nor defender is injured. This is the ultimate ethical level of self defense. It requires not only great skill, but also ethical motives and a sincere desire to defend oneself without hurting others. This is the goal of all true self-defense arts and must become the goal of all Seikido practitioners if they are to rise above their performance of physical techniques.

生気道 Seikido is a mixed martial art which incorporates Korean Tae Kwon Do, mainly for striking and kicking and Japanese Aikido for pins and grappling. The founders of this art are Masters Zivorad Petkovic and Douglas Gagel. The main school is based in London, Ontario, Canada with numerous branch schools serving the surrounding London/Middlesex area for over 30 years.

1. Never tire of learning, anywhere, anytime; this is the secret of knowledge. Be eager to ask questions and learn. Appreciate the thrill of learning.
2. Be willing to sacrifice for the art and the instructor. Respect the skills you are learning, and the efforts it took to bring them to you.
3. Never be disrespectful to the instructor. Follow his instructions to the best of your ability.
4. Always be loyal to the instructor and the teaching methods. If you disagree with any procedure or technique, discuss it privately with the instructor.
5. Practice what you learn and try to perfect your techniques to the best of your abilities. This includes spare time in the gym, and regularly doing conditioning exercises at home on off days.
6. Discard any technique you have learned from another school if your instructor disapproves of it.
7. Always set a good example for lower belts. Be aware that they will try to emulate senior students.
8. Help other students to learn and succeed. Recognize that you are all members of a strong group sharing common goals and interests.
9. Remember your conduct inside and outside the gym reflects upon the art and the instructor. Keep in mind that you can not discard your responsibility for the martial arts skills which you have learned, wherever you go.
10. Behave honorably. Never be impolite. Try to live by the tenets which guide the art: courtesy, integrity, selfcontrol, perseverance and harmony.

Welcome to Seikido

Seikido is a relatively new martial art based upon Taekwondo and Aikido, both of which are founded in older martial arts, including Japanese Shotokan Karate and Jujitsu. Taekwondo originated in Korea. The founder of modern Taekwondo is General Choi Hong Hi, who had lived in Toronto since the 1960’s. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba in Japan.

It is the blending of the most modern and scientifically correct techniques derived from Taekwondo and Aikido that makes Seikido unique. The founders built upon these foundation arts, both of which are considered the pinnacle of their respective styles, and developed techniques unique to Seikido. These include throwing and pinning techniques to neutralize high kicks, and striking techniques to disable grappling attacks. In addition to sparring practice, releases from holds, as well as throws and pins, are essential aspects of Seikido self defense training.

Seikido self defense is rooted in Aikido philosophy, teaching methods follow the traditions derived from ancient Japanese Bujutsu (warrior arts). Aikido means the way of harmony, and aims to achieve harmony with the offender, other persons, the environment, and oneself. The Budo (martial way) of Aikido is defined as “the spirit of loving protection for all beings”.