Dojo Community

So, what is your dojo community like?

Is it more an "in-dojo" kind of community, or does its scope of interaction extend outside of the dojo?

How important do you think a "dojo community" is?

-- Jun

This Saturday my dojo members and our families will have a picnic in the woods not far from Jerusalem.

We did it last year and I think it will become a tradition...

My dojo has primarily been an "in dojo" kind, but I'm working on that. We all went out to dinner after class a couple weeks ago, and they're coming to my wedding next weekend. It's a start.

Our Dojo has a tremendous social side. We go out for a few beers after class, there are social events scheduled throughout the year, parties for anniversaries and birthdays etc. The atmosphere was commented on just last night by three RAF guys from a sattelite club. They'll definitely make the effort to drive to Coventry from York again. The social cohesion within the Dojo helps with "Aikido widowhood" as well. If your wife/ husband/partner does not do Aikido, it's nice for them to meet the people you talk about all the time!

Have fun.

James -

Beers, in England? Offthread somewhat, but in the interest of building a greater global aiki community, I propose you have a pint on me, after training. My former profession as a brewer served me well when my wife and I visited the Midlands (esp. Chipping Norton/Hook Norton area) and thoroughly enjoyed Hook Norton's wares...and couldn't have enjoyed more beautiful country than by Avon in Warwick (except God's true lap, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan).

At our Dojo, we're a pretty close bunch, and most regularly go out. When my wife and wee one (she, not an aikidoka, he, a budding one at two years) can come along, my kin and I will often join.

Paul