Soke Newton James began his martial arts journey in 1968, studying Kyokushinkai karate at the YMCA in Jamaica. He quickly became a prominent figure in martial arts, representing Jamaica internationally. In 1976, he led Jamaica’s full-contact fighting team at the first World Tournament in Japan. That same year, Kaicho Nakamura invited him to teach karate in New York City, marking the beginning of his long-standing association with Seido Karate. Over the years, James trained with esteemed martial artists such as Shihan William Oliver and Claude Battle.

He founded a successful children’s karate program in New York, growing it to over 250 students within a few years. Later, in Miami, he opened his own Seido branch and expanded his teachings to include grappling, wrestling, and pressure-point tactics. In 2008, he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and recognized by the Jamaican Ambassador for his contributions. James currently operates a full-time dojo and an after-school/summer camp program in Miami.

Historical Notes on Soke Newton James

Soke James started martial arts in Jamaica in 1968 under Allen Montieth, who trained with Tadashi Nakamura. He represented Jamaica at major international events and played a pivotal role in the Jamaican martial arts community. James was part of the Jamaican team that prepared for the first World Tournament in 1975. Following Nakamura’s departure from Kyokushin to form Seido Karate, James continued his martial arts journey with Seido and later moved to the U.S., where he taught at Seido Headquarters and eventually opened the Miami branch of Seido Karate.

In 2002, he left Seido due to disagreements and established Bas-I Kyokushin Karate, working with prominent martial artists such as Shihan Tiger Cohen and Shihan Neville Thompson. James continues to contribute to the martial arts community through teaching and various programs.