VANCOUVER SEIYU KARATE
Head Instructor
Tats Nakamura
Education
Shihan Tats was born in Japan in 1967. At 15 years of age, he began training in Kyokushin Karate under his uncle, the two-time World Champion Shihan Makoto Nakamura. After graduating from high school in 1985, Tats earned a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Civil Engineering and Marketing, and ranking in the top 10 out of 1,500 students in his university.
Black Belt
As a colored belt, Shihan Tats competed in numerous local tournaments. In 1985, he was granted a brown belt and began teaching a beginner’s class at Amagasaki dojo, one of Shihan Nakamura's dojos. In 1987, Tats fought a 10-man kumite and received Shodan (1st degree black belt). In 1988, he was appointed Head Instructor of the Amagasaki dojo and began teaching at a second location, Nishinomiya Dojo. These experiences formed the basis of his teaching skill.
Japan to Canada
In December 1991, Shihan Tats traveled to Vancouver for the first time to gain experience in a foreign country. Although he had planned a one-year visit, his stay became extended after he opened a dojo in Vancouver in June 1992. He applied for landed immigrant status and competed in the World Tournament representing Canada.
Seiyu Karate
In 2017 after having trained in Kyokushin Karate for 34 years, Shihan Tats decided to open a new chapter of his life by establishing his own karate style named "Seiyu Karate". Currently, Shihan Tats teaches various classes at three different locations. His skill and experience as an instructor have led to increasing success, as the number of students he teaches increases every year.
Teaching Locally and Internationally
Shihan Tats was granted 7 Dan (7th-degree black belt) in 2017 by Sosui Makoto Nakamura. He was also appointed in the same year to be a chief director of the International Department of IKO Nakamura, a parental organization of Seiyu Karate. Since then, he has been extensively traveling around the world to give a training seminar with Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura, Director of IKON.
