Japanese dojo question

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Pacific Aikido Federation - Winter Camp in the redwoods with Shiohira shihan, 2/13-2/15, Occidental CA

[Brad Darr]

Does anyone know anything about the Osaka Aikikai Federation? Also any info on concerning Sanshozenji Temple Dojo? I was looking for a dojo in Nara and it seems just from the dojo search that there is several dojos in temples around Nara and I find this curious. So I was wondering if there is a system of temples who also have dojos in them and maybe even if these were specifically for monks. Just curiosity and maybe future travel plans. Any and all info is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[batemanb]

I don't know about these dojo's being specifically for monks, although I suspect not. I know of a dojo at the Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo, Tanaka Shigeo sensei, one of O Sensei's students was the dojo cho, although I'm not sure if he still is. Very fearsome chap but very nice Aikido, my sensei whilst I was living in Tokyo is one of his students. Neither Tanaka sensei nor Nojima sensei are monks as far as I am aware :).

Whilst you're down in the Kansai area, try the Seibukan Dojo in Kobe, especially asaren (early morning practice) with Nakao Sensei, well worth a visit.

rgds

Bryan

[Rupert Atkinson]

I trained in several such places from time to time. They just rent the space, often along with Kendo or Judo clubs etc. And them thar monks're richer than you think. And here in Korea it is more obvious, as they step out of their sleek black sedans ... designer monk suits and Nike sneakers ... I digress :)

[senshincenter]

When I was in Japan my last time, I trained in several dojo from the Osaka Aikikai. One of those dojo was the Sanshozenji dojo. It is not a dojo for monks. It's a rented space. It was actually quite nice - since the mats are laid down in the zendo. You get to train with a giant painting of Daruma looking over you - and they also burn incense during class. That, plus all the little extra formalities you have to do in order to walk from the front gate to the dojo (making Buddhist sacred space, etc.), make the experience a bit different, but overall it is just like training at any other place.

The Osaka Aikikai has their own way of doing things - but who doesn't. Personally, I found them to be quite representative of Japanese Aikido - as it is practiced today.