News & Events

2009-11-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Robert Ellis Uses Martial Arts to Instill Confidence in Kids in Tigard
By Kristen ForbesThe Times, Oct 29, 2009

A teacher of Asian history once explained to Ellis that if he wanted to understand the culture, he had to immerse himself in a cultural activity, whether it was flower arranging or martial arts. He gravitated to a karate school in New York, where he grew up. He went on to undergraduate school, then the Marine Corps, then attended graduate school at the University of Oregon.

Ellis worked as the CEO of a high-tech company that grew to national prominence and started several other companies before starting Karate on Main three years ago. One evening he had a conversation with his wife over a glass of wine and it occurred to him that what he really wants to do is give back to young people.

“In my opinion, there is a lack of character education and development during the formative years,” Ellis says. “Also, there is a crisis of obesity among juveniles.”
Through martial arts, Ellis strives to guide children (and adults, as well) through a “journey of self-discovery” that teaches them how to be better and more peaceful through strength. Unlike in traditional sports, the competition in martial arts comes from oneself.

“The process is one of first learning discipline. Physical discipline always comes before mental or spiritual discipline,” Ellis says. “Physical discipline leads to the ability to concentrate. The ability to concentrate then leads to the development of skill. As skill development occurs, it leads to confidence. Confidence leads to more concentration, more skilled development, and eventually what we have is kids with self-esteem.”

Ellis teaches value-based life skills: respect, perseverance and work ethic among them. These skills are obtained once the physical training takes hold. Mental discipline follows physical discipline, which then leads to philosophical, or spiritual, discipline.

“The understanding of true humility is only realized eventually,” Ellis says.
The lessons at Karate on Main are always age-appropriate, he says. Community is developed during the process, which Ellis builds on by offering movie nights, picnics and other activities for kids and parents to share.

Ellis, a sixth-degree black belt, says his goal is to get all of his students black belts.
“A black belt is a universally recognized symbol of excellence,” Ellis says, “like being an Eagle Scout or concert musician. Everybody knows it takes skill development, perseverance and work ethic over a long period of time. No one has ever said, ‘I wish I hadn’t received my black belt.’”
The life lessons, he says, are even more important than the belt. Ellis is proud to provide an opportunity for his students to learn and grow.

“The ability to provide a positive influence and to provide the training and curriculum toward goals of self-improvement is so rewarding,” he says. “When most adults think back on what was their most enjoyable job, often people will remember when they worked construction for a summer in college — because it’s an integration of mind, body and spirit. Often, you’ll find the most rewarding hobbies have that integration, as well. So it’s very rewarding to discover that integration in my work.”

The dojo on Main Street is designed to capture the look and feel of classical and historical China and Japan. Also included in the studio are an acupuncture clinic and meditation area. Ellis stresses a holistic approach to martial arts.

“What we do here can’t be found anywhere else,” he says. “Regardless of whatever words are spoken in organized sports, every year it becomes more and more about winning and less and less about the development of the kid and the development of character. There are many exceptions and many great coaches, but as an organized activity, it really has become all about winning.
“In this day and age, we have school systems that don’t teach character because of political correctness. Many of these kids are not getting this instruction at home, either because they’re children of the “Me Generation” or because of economic pressure on the middle class. You have two working parents, and there’s just not enough time. What’s happening to our kids? Generally, we have seen across the board a loss of respect, a loss of civility. These are the very kids that someday will be running AIG or nuclear power plants or becoming surgeons.”

Through martial arts, Ellis hopes to instill respect, civility, and other values that are crucial to children’s development.

Karate on Main is located at 12566 S.W. Main St. in Tigard. The Web site is www.karateonmain.com, and the phone number is 503-968-1600.

The MDA (and my Sensei) need your help

2008-09-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Dojo friends and family,

Sensei Ellis is being ‘arrested for good’ on Sept. 10th 2008, by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). His ‘bail’ has been set at $2400.00. Please help Sensei get out of jail and help kids and with Muscular Dystrophy at the same time!! Donations are 100% tax deductible!! (once you donate you will receive a tax receipt via email). To make a donation (any and all amounts are welcome!) and learn more about this event, please go to the following link:

https://www.joinmda.org/2008tigardlu/seishinkan

Just click on the “help make my goal” icon! This is a secure site so your online donations are safe!! However, we appreciate some people may be apprehensive about making online payments. If this is the case, there will be a collection box at the dojo for cash and check payments. Please make checks payable to the ‘Muscular Dystrophy Association’.

Please help Sensei Ellis help Jerry’s kids!!!! Thank you in advance for your generosity!!

Kind regards,
Jaimie
Seishinkan Administrator

SEISHINKAN Opens New Medical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Clinic

2008-06-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

SEISHINKAN Karate on Main is pleased to announce the opening of a Medical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Clinic in the newly expanded dojo. The East-West Clinic will initially provide services on Tuesdays and Fridays expanding to 5 days per week in the near future. Insurance billing is available and new patients are welcome. The clinic director is Karen Weisman M.D.

Dr. Weisman is a practicing Internal Medicine physician in Corvallis, Oregon where she heads her own clinic. Dr. Weisman has a keen interest in sports medicine and has qualified as a physician with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Working with athletes has led to her certification in medical acupuncture. Of special interest is sports biomechanics, performance optimization and pain reduction. Karen received her medical degree from Northwestern University and Certificate of Medical Acupuncture from UCLA. Dr. Weisman has continued her studies in neuro-anatomical acupuncture and sports medicine through McMaster University (Ontario). Prior education includes a Master's degree (MPH) from U. C. Berkeley and her BS from the University of Southern California.

Oriental Medicine is provided by Yoshi Ito MS, L.Ac. Sensei Ito holds an Acupuncture License from the Oregon Medical Board in addition to an Acupuncture Certificate from National Certification Committee of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). He has provided clinical care at the Beyond Addiction Clinic, as well as, running the Ito Clinic of Oriental Medicine in Beaverton, OR. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Utah and is a graduate of the College of Oriental Medicine, Berkeley, CA.

Clinic Hours
The Clinic is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 A.M until 4 P.M.
and by Appointment.

Appointments
To schedule please call toll free: 877.447.5196

SEISHINKAN Dojo Expansion Completed

2008-06-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

SEISHINKAN Karate on Main Dojo Expansion Completed

The dojo expansion project is complete with only minor work yet remaining. The practice floor was increased by 35%! The expansion was necessary to accomodate our rapidly growing student body. A major success was moving the very large (and heavy) mirrors without breaking. Happily this was accomplished, thanks to the assistance of our students.

Three treatment rooms were built for SEISHINKAN Karate on Main's new East-West medicine clinic which will provide both medical acupuncture and oriental medicine treatments. The next post will highlight the clinic and staff.

April Promotion Test

2008-04-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following students for their effort and hard work!

Pee-Wees:
Nevaeh Eckroth, Lion I
Anthony Yatskov, Shark II
Isaiah Hollingsworth, Cobra I
Marco Lopez, Cobra II
Michelle Martinez, Shark I
Nathan Saier, Lion II
Jimmy Shea, Cobra I
Tegan Kelley, Shark II
Kyle Haslem, Crest

Juniors:
Tigram Mansuryan, 6th Kyu
Hannah Bryant, 9th Kyu
Carson Padbury, 7th Kyu
Sierra Haslem, Crest
Kaden Haslem, Crest
Brynn Kelly, 9th Kyu
Amber Lindstrom, 9th Kyu
Landon Carlson, 10 Kyu
Delaney Shea, 4th Kyu
Simone Smith, 9th Kyu
Elliott Shipley, 10th Kyu
Damon Bray, 10 Kyu
Brendon Bray, 10 Kyu
Ethan Ecroth, 7th Kyu
Natalie Clark, 10th Kyu
Jacob Plummer, 8th Kyu
Malory Olsen, 6th Kyu
Zander Eisenhauer, 6th Kyu
Nicole Neal, 7th Kyu

Adults:
Jim Bryant, 10th Kyu
Francisco Corona, 8th Kyu
Jaimie Ellis, 4th Kyu
Andrew Evans, Crest
Andrea Gillette, Crest
Robin Hamblet, Crest
Leyenda Lloyd, Crest
Susan Shea, 7th Kyu
Robin Smith , 9th Kyu
Amanda McMillan, 5th Kyu
Brad Bray, 10 Kyu
JoAnn Silagy, Crest

Chief Instructor's Report: SEISHINKAN Kata Clinic

2008-04-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

From: The Chief Instructor

I just finished the Portland Gasshuku a few hours ago and am writing this message from Sensei Ellis's house. The event was a great success. I heard so many good comments from many participants who came up to me after the Gasshuku. The focus of the Gasshuku was kata. The first day, we spent two hours going through details of Sanchin kata, the fundamental kata for our style. During the class, we went through why Sanchin kata is so important, and how Sanchin kata will be used in other kaishu-gata. On the second day, we had senior sensei (Sensei Bob Ellis, Sensei Gene Villa, Sensei Brent Hartwig and Sensei Ernie Brennecke) check every single participant's kata. Each participant got private lessons and comments from some of the finest instructors in the IOGKF USA that he or she can bring back home and practice. We also had a short lecture of Goju-Ryu history and concerning Higaonna Sensei's famous Yoyogi Dojo training back 40 years ago by Sensei Bob Ellis and Sensei Ernie Brennecke. They were quite interesting stories. Sensei Ernie was in the Yoyogi Dojo in 1964, one year before I was born! How old is he? Please don't ask:-) I would like to thank all attendants, and dojo heads, and senior sensei (Sensei Bob, Sensei Gene, Sensei Brent, Sensei Ernie) for sharing your experience and knowledge that made this gasshuku so special.

A Special thank you to Sensei Bob and his family for the great hospitality and for hosting this event. I surely had a wonderful time. We have so many talented instructors within our organization. We should start setting the stage to ask for these instructors to come forward and share their knowledge. It will benefit all of us.

Best regards,
Tetsuji Nakamura
IOGKF North America Chief Instructor

2008-03-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

April 18th - 19th - 20th 2008
KATA CLINIC
with
Tetsuji Nakamura
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR IOGKF North America
FORMER IOGKF IRI KUMI & KATA
WORLD CHAMPION
AND
Robert E. Ellis
SEISHINKAN

Special Sessions:

Origins of Okinawan Kata

DO NOT miss this

opportunity to improve your Kata Skills!

Cost: $100.00 3 DAYS / $70.00 2 DAYS

PRE-REGISTRATION VIA MAIL:
on/or Before 15 April 2008
TO: SEISHINKAN
12566 SW Main Street
Tigard, Oregon 97223

OR
REGISTER AT THE DOOR: $110.00 / $75.00

For more information call: 503-968-1600

Fowler PE students learn karate from an expert

2008-03-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Fowler PE students learn karate from an Expert
By Barbara Sherman
The Times, Mar 20, 2008

Barbara Sherman / The Times
PRACTICING SELF-DEFENSE — Fowler Middle School sixth-graders are making the right moves by following the directions of Bob Ellis as well as learning the philosophy of karate that includes strong character, morals and discipline.
TIGARD – On a recent morning at Fowler Middle School, a combined sixth-grade PE class was learning Jackie Chan moves along with lessons in self-confidence.
Bob Ellis, owner of Seishinkan Karate on Main, has 45 years of karate experience, and he has taught the art and philosophy to all the sixth-graders in the Tigard-Tualatin School District in two-week stints.
“Let’s talk about the importance of behavior,” he told the students sitting on the gym floor. “Karate is about feeling good about yourself, being strong and self-confident. In life, you get to make choices.”
He asked the kids if they smoked or did drugs, and amid laughter, they said no.
“You will face these choices,” he said. “Some kids will drive too fast. If they drive too fast and kill a kid, will they go to prison? They made a choice. People with no confidence make bad choices.”
Then it was time to switch to karate moves.
Ellis had everyone stand up and go through a series of neck twists and then wiggling their shoulders, hips and knees. After loosening up, the kids thrust out arms, legs and fists at Ellis’ commands before trying a really hard move – squatting with their hands on their hips while kicking out one leg at a time.
From there, the 75 kids made slide-and-punch moves back and forth as the karate class continued.
“All the kids thought they would be able to beat up their brothers and sisters when they heard they were going to learn karate,” said PE teacher John Adams. “Bob quickly explained the philosophy – it’s not aggressive, it’s not offensive, it’s defensive.”
Once the class was over, Ellis said that he has taught the two-week classes to 1,500 students since December.
“I try to give the kids an introduction and teach them about safety,” he said. “The key is giving kids self-esteem and teaching them self-confidence and self-discipline. It’s important for kids to develop a love for exercise.
“Karate is about building character, acquiring physical fitness and learning self-defense.”
Ellis added that he gives students some information about Japanese culture on the last day of class.
Ellis is a personal student of Higaonna Morio, chief instructor and chairman of the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation, which has more than 80,000 students in 45 countries.
Ellis is a certified IOGKF senior instructor and a member of the IOGKF-USA Executive Committee and National Grading Board.
For more information, visit www.karateonmain.com or call 503-968-1600.

2007-11-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

Tigard karate instructor offers an alternative to kids
Bob Ellis says the form of karate he teaches can help instill strong character, morals and discipline in youth
By Barbara Sherman
The Times, Nov 15, 2007
TIGARD – Bob Ellis has a much broader mission than teaching karate to kids. The owner of a business on Main Street called Seishinkan Karate on Main, Ellis of course wants to teach karate, but he also wants to teach kids to aspire to high ideals and standards. “I’m on a mission and want to get the word out,” he said. “There have to be alternatives for kids out there who don’t want to play football or soccer. “I’m very passionate about this. It’s nice to be able to devote this part of my life to doing good. The comments from parents have been rewarding.”

The true focus of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do is to instill participants with strong character, morals and discipline, according to the federation’s Web site. “Moral, intellectual and physical training combine as one to encourage positive development of the human spirit,” stated Higaonna Morio, chief instructor and chairman of the International Okinawan Goju-Ruu Karate-Do Federation. “Through karate training, a student will learn to focus and apply the power of the mind. “Students develop qualities centered on courage, morality, resolve and responsibility... This is what is meant by karate-do. This is what we practice. This is what we teach.”

A former Marine, Ellis said he has more than 25 years of experience as a defense-industry executive. He also said he received top-secret security clearance and worked with the special operations and intelligence communities. On the karate side, Ellis is a personal student of Morio and the founder and chief instructor of the IOGKF, which has more than 80,000 students in 45 countries. Ellis, who has 45 years of karate experience, is a certified IOGKF senior instructor and a member of the IOGKF-USA Executive Committee and National Grading Board. He is disheartened at the state of our society today, which he feels includes lack of character education at home and in school, a win-at-all-costs mentality in sports, and family pressures that lead to broken homes and kids left alone. Ellis uses statistics from “Report Card 2002: The Ethics of American Youth” that he says proves him right. In a survey of 12,000 high school students, cheating went from 71 percent in 2000 to 74 percent in 2002; theft increased from 35 to 38 percent; willing to lie to get a good job jumped from 28 to 39 percent; stealing from a store within the past 12 months went from 31 to 38 percent; and cheating on an exam once in the past year jumped from 61 percent in 1992 to 74 percent in 2002. In sports, Ellis said that coaches don’t always set a good example, and many coaches place winning above honorable competition and condone illegal or unsporting conduct. Ellis also agrees with the national studies that show childhood obesity has become an epidemic and will lead to serious diseases and earlier deaths.
Ellis believes the solution is lifestyle modification and developing character in youth, such as through karate.

“What are we doing to our kids?” he asked. “People are not caring for their kids, and a litany of problems are erupting at the family level. These kids who are left alone are ignored and getting fat. Diabetes will overwhelm the medical-care system. “Schools aren’t teaching these things. What we need is action, not discussion. The problems are addressable by life-style modification.”
According to Ellis, karate is not a sport but a lifestyle. His karate studio currently has between 75 and 100 students, with the youngest 5 years old and the oldest 34 years old.

Ellis starts new students in an introductory, two-month-long class, and he requires the parents to meet with him and go over the curriculum so that everyone has the same expectations.
“Everybody has to be invited to join,” Ellis said. “Our goal is for kids to earn their junior black belt. They all sign a letter a intention to get it.” He also works on personal issues, as exemplified by his leadership and anti-bullying classes and another one on stranger awareness. Another aspect is the physical, and a third one is values. For example, September was respect month.
“Anyone can call himself a karate teacher,” Ellis said. “What makes me a little different is that I had experience in the corporate world, and I had all my (karate) training in one place, and all my records are there.” Ellis said that our culture is one of instant gratification, while his karate training takes dedication and hard work. “It’s not quick and easy,” he added. Ellis and his family have lived in Tigard for 14 years.

Seishinkan Karate on Main is located at 12566 S.W. Main St. in Tigard. For more information, visit www.karateonmain.com or call 503-968-1600

2007-10-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

FREE SEMINAR
Dealing With Bullies
Strategies for Kids and Parents

November 21st 7:00 PM

Learn:
Warning Signs
The Bully – The Bullied – The Bystander
Peaceful Conflict Resolution
What You Can Do
How to Stand Up for Yourself

Space Limited – For Reservations – Call
503.968.1600
Karate on Main
12566 SW Main Tigard

2007-10-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

A Successful Grand Opening!

A Successful Grand Opening!
A great event was the opinion of all who attended SEISHINKAN's Grand Opening celebration. The dojo received many blessings during the festivities and best wishes were extended for a positive and successful educationl environment for every student. Food was plentiful and the conversation lively. The above photographs captured the mood of this special day.

October 6 2007

2007-09-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening
SEISHINKAN
Karate on Main

Grand Opening Festivities
Cultural festivities will abound on Saturday, October 6th with the grand opening of Karate on Main, 12566 SW Main Street, in old town Tigard. The public is welcome with events lasting from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Scheduled activities include:

· Satoko Matayoshi - Okinawan Dance
· Phillip Archambault - Native American blessing
Phillip Archambault is a Traditional Lakota Spiritual Advisor who has provided the blessing to open the US Congress. He is a respected Elder of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota.
· Aztec Dancers - Traditional Aztec Dancing
Historically, these sacred dancers call the Spirits of the Four Directions bringing honor and blessings to important occasions and places. Their appearance and the sound of their drums signal the blending of Heaven and Earth.
· St Anthony Blessing
· Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Demonstrations
· Face Painting – Kids favorite
· Martial Arts Videos
· And More….

About
SEISHINKAN Karate on Main teaches teach traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do adhering to time-proven methods of instruction handed down from the masters of the past and present. The name SEISHIKAN translates as “The place where we develop our character”. Students learn to set, work toward and achieve goals through dedication and perseverance. Through effort and hard work all worthwhile goals can be achieved.

Owner and Chief Instructor, Robert E. Ellis, 6th Degree Black Belt, with over 45 years of experience, is one of the highest ranking teachers in the U.S. certified by the International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF), one of the largest and most respected martial arts organizations in the world. Ellis, a former high-tech CEO is devoting his time and energy to help build the character of young adults.

Movie Night

2007-09-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

SEISHINKAN
Karate on Main

Movie Night

When: Friday, September 28th

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Film: Shrek

Please sign up at the Office

All Children must be accompanied by a parent

Bring your pillow and Blanket