What does the dojo mean to you?
 

For me, the dojo is wonderful, special place. I'm almost more at home there than I am in my house. I put my thoughts in this blog http://budobum.blogspot.com/2016/03/dojo.html

What does the dojo mean to you? Is it just a place to train and sweat? Or is it something more?

Re: What does the dojo mean to you?
 

Lovely essay, Peter.

I have visited many dojo, and been a member at a few. There is a palpable atmosphere in each one, before you even step on that mat, something that tells you this is a good place to be (or maybe not). And lining up and bowing in can reveal a lot on an intuitive level about a dojo culture.

My most memorable time stepping into a dojo was after Gayle Fillman Sensei died. It was a huge loss. Kid's class was still going on and there was just something about the energy of the room and everybody there - instructor, kids, the parents on the side - it felt like everything was suffused with her spirit, and it was beautiful.

Re: What does the dojo mean to you?
 

Thank you Janet.
Every dojo definitely has its own personality. I'm working on essays about some of the dojo that have meant the most to me. Some have been focused and studious, others were loud and vibrated with the energy of the high school or college students who filled the room. And yes, just seeing how a group approaches lining up and bowing in tells a lot about the personality of the dojo.

Re: What does the dojo mean to you?
 

Just today over on tumblr, a sister budobabe asked what folks considered the traits of a good dojo culture. Off the top of my head this was my list (I was going to start a new thread, but realized that it fit Right Here!)

Clear rules and expectations applied evenly

Respect for each student’s abilities and accommodating disabilities

Instructors themselves show joy in training and in continuing to learn

Respect and kindness flows up and down the ranks, not just up to seniors

Not a cult, interacts with other schools and does not try to control students’ outside lives

Critique, specifics on how to improve, and encouragement - not shaming, put down, humiliation

Re: What does the dojo mean to you?
 

It is something more. I am in a dojo wherever I am.

dps