Seido karate is a genuinely New York martial art, founded in Manhattan in the 1970s and headquartered here ever since, and watching a class train barefoot on a Central Park lawn is one of the more unexpected things happening in the park on a summer morning. The setting by the Diana Ross Playground means shade, grass and joggers who keep stopping. If you train, or you are curious about a style with deep local roots, this is where it happens outdoors.
What to expect
Look for the group on the lawn near Diana Ross Playground, close to the West 81st Street entrance. Expect a structured session of basics, kata and conditioning on grass, run with the formality karate training carries — bows, lines and counted repetitions. Anyone interested in joining should speak with the instructor before class rather than stepping into the line.
Good to know
- B or C to 81st St-Museum of Natural History leaves a two-minute walk into the park
- Speak to the instructor before joining rather than falling in unannounced
- Training happens on grass, so barefoot practice is normal — check the ground for debris
- Bring water; the nearest fountains are along the park drive
- The Diana Ross Playground is right there, which helps if you have kids in tow
- Sessions are weather-dependent and don't run on saturated ground
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Common questions
What is Seido karate?
A karate style founded in New York in 1976 by Tadashi Nakamura, with its headquarters school in Manhattan and branches worldwide.
Can I join in as a beginner?
Ask the instructor first. Outdoor sessions are training for an existing school, and joining in is at the instructor's discretion.
Where exactly is this in Central Park?
On the lawn beside Diana Ross Playground, near the park's West 81st Street entrance.
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