Name: Richard Romero
Business Name: Seichou Karate® Limited
Address: 807 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 571-257-5401
Website: www.seichoukarate.com
What is your claim to fame?
I'm the founder of Seichou Karate®. "Seichou" means "personal growth" in Japanese and we bring life-enhancing martial and cultural arts to the metro DC area.
What makes you original and unique?
I am unique in a couple of ways. First, I'm a professional stuntman, bar-admitted attorney and graduate of Columbia, Yeshiva, and Cornell universities. Second, I'm a Japanologist with 38 years of karate experience who has represented the U.S. at the World Karate Championships in Tokyo. Third, I'm one of a handful of non-Japanese who speaks Japanese fluently and has taught martial arts in Japan. During my five years there, I experienced an awakening that has led me to great personal fulfillment and professional success.
Seichou Karate® is original because I utilize my unique interdisciplinary background and dynamic teaching style to empower my students to achieve ambitious personal and professional goals through karate, yoga, calligraphy, flower arranging and language study. Our dojo is uplifting and serene at the same time. It's hard to describe; you just have to visit and try a class to understand!
Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria?
I was attracted to Alexandria by its diverse cultural fabric, pleasant lifestyle, and proximity to DC.
What is your secret to success?
The "secret" of my success is not really a secret. Since childhood, I have derived enormous strength, wisdom and joy from Japanese martial and cultural arts. At Seichou Karate®, I love helping others to experience the same confidence and exuberance that I have enjoyed. That's why my classes are so appealing and our school attracts so many fabulous students.
What is your proudest achievement?
The proudest moment in my life was when my wife and I opened Seichou Karate® with our family at our side.
Best date idea in Alexandria?
It depends. For a totally unique date, I recommend the Valentine's Day Special at Seichou Karate®, which is a 45-minute introduction to our terrific karate training that's not too tough or too easy. After class, take a refreshing shower in our locker rooms and then head up the block to Royal Thai or down the block to a la Lucia for a terrific lunch. Then, take a leisurely stroll down to Rivergate City Park and walk south toward King Street where you can visit the Torpedo Factory or sit on a bench by the water and talk.
Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals, and places to take your dog?
I like Perk's for lunch. They're located at 822 N Fairfax Street, between Madison and Montgomery streets.
If you had friends visiting Alexandria, what would you tell them to do?
I love a leisurely bike ride and picnic along the Potomac toward Mount Vernon. However, if they're not into rolling about I suggest any of the following...
If they have kids, I tell them to check out Cameron Run Water Park for swimming and batting cages. If they like tennis, I suggest a set or two at the new Montgomery Park courts. If they like theatre, I suggest the Little Theatre of Alexandria. If they want history, I tell them to visit the George Washington Masonic Temple. I could go on, but...
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