Seishindo

1979

(Seishin: 精神 せいしん mind, soul, heart, spirit, intention), (Do: 道 どう The Way) Together, these translate into "Way of the Mind" which is the understanding of the conscious thought that goes into formulating an action as well as the subconscious understanding of how action can deceive us in battle.

To achieve Seishindo you must find harmony between physical action, and compassion for those you face in battle. Physical fighting skill is only half of a student’s total development. Complete understanding of Concepts, Principles and Ideas of motion is the other half of a martial artist’s training.

Without Seishindo, a student’s physical abilities may become strong and powerful, but will always lack that completion needed to achieve harmony in their lives.

In 1979 Frank Argelander wanted the specific meaning of "Way of the Mind" translated into a Japanese word, that would find harmony with his style of "Kenpo". Frank Argelander traveled to “Japanese Town” in Los Angeles California, and met with an elder. Argelander explained to the old Japanese gentleman, that the word used to define "Way of the Mind" should embody the spirit or harmony between the mind’s thoughts and physical action of the Kenpoist, and that the name should express the power as well as the weakness of the greatest tool a martial artist possess, their Mind. His response was "Seishindo"

"Seishin", when joined together with "Do" makes one word "Seishindo", and translates into "Way of the Mind"

(Note: "Way of the Mind" is one of many ways that "Seishindo" can be translated. "Seishindo" has a very broad meaning and does not have one certain definition.

Seishin: 精神 せいしん mind; soul; heart; spirit; intention, Do: 道 どう The Way

"Seishindo"

Seishindo is one of three original ways (Seishindo - Seishindo Karate - Seishindo Kenpo) used to describe the newly developing martial art ideas by martial arts Master Frank Argelander beginning in 1979 through 1984.

(Note: "Way of the Mind" is one of many ways that "Seishindo" can be translated. "Seishindo" has a very broad meaning and does not have one certain definition.)

Seishindo Karate

1981

Seishindo Karate Crest used from 1981-1984

Since Seishindo was in its infancy of development, Argelander viewed Seishindo as simply a name to represent his Style of movement he was doing at the time. This combination of kicking skills, from his Taekwondo training, blended with the lighting hand skills of Kenpo Karate, gave Argelander a well balanced set of tools in which to build and develop a better system of self defense.

Because of Argelander’s training in Taekwondo, he did not move like the typical Kenpo Karate stylist at the time. As a result, how Argelander viewed the Concepts, Principles and Ideas of both Taekwondo and Kenpo Karate, was reflected in his developing style or movements.

Argelander found harmony between the two systems, applying the strengths of each, and taking both systems’ weaknesses and applying concepts, principles and ideas based on experience and an understanding of how each bit of action becomes relative to original action.

This new approach allowed Argelander to look at a kick or a punch not as just a kick or punch, but rather how to choose the correct natural weapon in each situation and why adaptability becomes so important on how to view an on coming attack.

Argelander was eventually able to take his style of Seishindo and develop it into a sophisticated System called Seishindo Karate.

Seishin "Do" -vs- "do"

When the system was first being developed the "D" in Do was capitalized, just to be different. In 1984 when Karate was dropped and replaced with Kenpo, so was the capitol "D" and replaced with a small "d" - Seishindo Kenpo.

Although the "d" was no longer capitalized, it would be often used both ways. Some of the older students have continued using the "D" this way out of habit.

Karate

In the early days of martial arts, the name "Karate" was used by many and became a general universal acceptance to represent all martial arts durning the time period of the 1970's and still today.

Karate is a great and historical martial arts sytem with many great practioners around the world and it's name should be only used by those martial artist who follow it's traditions and disciplines as set forth by it's founders.

1984 "Karate" was dropped from Seishindo Karate and relpaced with "Kenpo": Seishindo Kenpo.

Seishindo Kenpo

1984

Seishindo Kenpo Association Crest

"Seishin", when joined together with "Do" makes one word "Seishindo", and translates into "Way of the Mind". When "Seishindo" is joined together with "Kenpo" 拳法 けんぽう and the Chinese art of self-defense, "Fist Law", it becomes a sophisticated form of self-protection encompassing advanced concepts, principles and ideas of movements.