Sensei Tamara Kanado, CEO of Saitanjoku, addressed the community during a recent government meeting, sharing her inspiring journey of launching Seidenjoku in 2020. Initially prompted by a contract with United Cerebral Palsy and her previous partnerships with various nonprofits, Kanado's mission took a transformative turn when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, leading to the termination of her in-person classes.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Kanado quickly adapted by transitioning her karate classes to Zoom, a move that proved crucial for her students, many of whom are individuals with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of providing a safe and inclusive environment for her students, who often face heightened vulnerabilities during crises. Through her online classes, Kanado not only taught karate but also instilled essential values such as respect, discipline, and focus.

Kanado shared a personal story about her late father, a sensei and mental health advocate, whose passing due to dementia deeply affected her. This loss propelled her into a dark period, but ultimately led her to find purpose in working with individuals with disabilities. Her dedication has resulted in significant achievements, including mentoring students who have excelled in competitions, such as the USA Open, where her students won gold medals.

Today, Kanado's program serves 78 individuals with disabilities, focusing on building their confidence and mental resilience rather than solely physical skills. She highlighted remarkable progress among her students, including those who are paralyzed, who have begun to regain movement in their limbs. Kanado's work exemplifies the power of adaptive teaching and the profound impact of fostering self-belief in individuals facing significant challenges.