Seward's passion for martial arts leads to HOF selection

NASHPORT – A passion of the martial arts has opened many opportunities in the past two decades for Brad Seward.

His contributions and rankings recently led to one of the highest honors — an induction to the Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Seward, who is 48 years old, currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate and a 5th Degree Black Belt in Ji Da Kwon Tae Kwon Do. He runs Coszacks Elite Defense System in Nashport and instructs classes for adults and youth at his home dojo.

Seward was nominated by Grand Master Chuck Chirdon, who is one the of the Hall of Fame's board members. Seward has been learning from Chirdon and the Koroshi School of Defense for 14 years.

“It’s a very selective organization so it’s very humbling,” Seward said. “I’ve looked up to people like Chuck, and he’s helped me earn this. He has helped me with the tournament circuit and with my forms and formal stances. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized with this group.”

The Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame was started in 2017 and honors Ohio martial artists who have excelled in their arts, continue to compete at a high level, and give back to the martial arts community. Once a person is nominated by a past inductee, there must be a unanimous agreement by both the board and advisers that the nominated martial artist has earned the right to enter.

The Cleveland Hall of Fame is a non-political, all-system inclusive organization consisting of a board of six martial artists, all with a minimum of a Master’s level rank, and an advisory board consisting of 10 martial artists. The organization has a zero monetary policy, meaning inductees are not charged anything to be inducted, rather they are honored at the expense of the organization at the annual awards banquet.

Cleveland was the city chosen since it was the hub for the martial arts in Ohio, said Chirdon. The opportunity to recognize martial artists is important, and Seward was chosen based on his background, success in tournaments and competition and good standing in the martial arts community.

Seeing one of his students receive this distinction is a special moment for Chirdon, especially since he has been able to witness Seward’s success and contributions.

“I was fortunate to have Brad walk into my school and join us,” Chirdon said. “He has a strong work ethic, and his school has a great tradition. It’s also given him a platform to contribute to his local community, and he’s been able to do many things to have a positive impact on others.”

Teaching others and working with adults and youth is why Seward remains involved. He is trained in Karate, Tae Kwan Do and Combat Judo.

“Students are why I keep working and doing what I do. I enjoy watching them thrive,” Seward said. “Many students come here because they don’t fit in another sport or another area, and I work on teaching them not only self-defense but discipline and confidence. Martial arts are a way to show students how they can portray themselves and carry themselves, while also helping with coordination and providing exercise."

Sydney Hollingsworth and her brother, Henry, have been under Seward's tutelage for a few years. Both have blue belts and recognize how their instructor has helped them thrive.

"He knows what to teach us," Sydney said. "I like working on forms, and he makes sure we work on core strength, balance and fighting. He helps us get better."

Henry, who likes working with the sword, added, "he shows us how to feel good about ourselves."

Watching his students gain confidence and experience has been rewarding for Seward. He hopes his influence will guide others on their paths.

“I’m teaching my students things I hope they never have to use, while giving them everything they need if they decide to become teachers one day,” Seward noted. “Working with students keeps my interest and drive there. I want to be more effective with them, and they help me with my desire to grow.”

For more information about Seward’s classes, visit his website, www.coszacks.com.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Seward's passion for martial arts leads to HOF selection