R. James Brophy Nidan, Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Roppokai
Student Testimonial
Sensei Seth Black is the consummate professional teacher of self-defense, in the art of Aikido. He posses an innate ability to innovate practical methods of defense relative to our time. I have personally trained under him for seven years and have observed and experienced the evolution of concrete Kata’s and proven principals of Aiki into a creative, flexible, flowing and somewhat magical form of Aikido he calls Shinbu. As a teacher he is dedicated, creative and sensitive to the needs of his students, which he always puts first. The Shinbu Aikido style of self-defense he originated eclipses all other forms of aikido I have either witnessed or experienced here in the U.S. or in Okinawa. It transcends the aikido of his contemporaries and embodies the Aiki principals of the masters of olde. His vigilance in monitoring the progress of each student is inveterate as is his need to compress the superfluous movements in common practice today in Aikido into an inexplicable mysterious art that transcends all defensive forms of martial arts.
R. James Brophy, Nidan, Daito ryu Aikijujutsu Roppokai
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My name is Juan Carlos Gonzalez, _______________________________________________________________________________________________
I have always loved martial arts, but this is the first time I actually have practiced one. I have been practicing Shinbu Aikido for one year. It is impressive how in such a short period of time I have come to learn so much, but most importantly, I have come to love with intensity this magnificent style of Aikido developed by Mr. Black.
Sensei Black is such a remarkable, talented, kind, and admirable person; I have never met someone like him. He never seizes to impress me. Whenever I get the privilege of practicing with him, I am left speechless by his “Amazing” abilities... SERIOUSLY. It is something that cannot be explained with words.
I am 17 years old, and I feel I am the luckiest person in the world for being able to practice such a wonderful and efficient type of Aikido at such a young age. Even though I am a blue belt by now, I sometimes feel like I know nothing; however, I still have a long way to go, and I am confident things will flow smoothly because I am being guided by whom I consider the Master of the Way. Sensei Black is truly a master and I am honored for being his student and friend
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING SENSEI.
Tom Theodore Student Testimonial I've been privileged and honored to visit Soke Black's Shinbu class in Charlotte several times with my instructor Whiteside Sensei and fellow classmates. It has been an enlightening experience, to say the least, and always very enjoyable. As a Shotokan karate-ka, Soke Black has, with his Shinbu system, taught me the importance of balancing our hard martial art with other techniques that don't require a high degree of physical strength. This is especially important to those martial artists like myself who are passionate about teaching self-defense to women and children. The Aiki principles of Shinbu fit this need very well. I'm currently a brown belt in Shotokan karate at the excellent Whiteside Karate School, and have trained in kempo and other karate styles. A total experience of around five years in various schools and various states. The folk's in the Shinbu class are excellent hosts; their generous and kind hospitality is much appreciated. After I expressed interest in training in Aikido sword techniques Soke Black was kind enough to send me a bokken to practice with. I'm looking forward to learning more of the Shinbu system in the future so I can have well rounded skills as a martial artist. Be sure to look for Shinbu Aikido on YouTube! Shotokan Karate-Ka Greenville, South Carolina _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whiteside Sensei Student Testimonial I have studied martial arts since 1973. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to study several different martial arts in that time. I have had the opportunity to study and learn under many great teachers. However, in my career in martial arts I have never known or met anyone like Sensei Seth Black. He is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. His martial arts ability is almost spiritual. He has taken an extremely difficult martial art and made it simple to understand. I personally hold a 5th dan (degree) black belt in Shotokan karate and have been teaching karate for the past 14 years. Every time I am around Sensei Black I feel like a completely new student. Sensei Black has the outstanding ability to listen to any question or comment, and explain any technique that he is teaching. This is the 3rd style of Aikido that I have studied and NO ONE has impressed me more than Sensei Black. I am only able to make it to class with Sensei twice a month because it is 100 miles or so but I promise you that every time that have the opportunity the trip is well worth the drive. Not only do I consider Sensei Black a great teacher, I also consider him a true friend. Again anyone who has the good fortune to study with Sensei Black has been truly blessed. My name is Billy Whiteside Sensei, I Live in Greenville SC and I am the founder of the Whiteside Karate School.
Tom Theodore, MBA, CPA