Who is big in Japan?

Gene McGloin wrote: The dojo is walking distance from the train station, but I don't think I could give accurate directions. Just ask for directions at the kissaten or maybe even at the station itself.

From what I've heard from people who trained there, the locals hardly know that there's an aikido dojo nearby...

Let me see if I can't get some accurate directions from someone.

-- Jun

Hi, can I just ask, if it's Ok, are you saying that you were refused entry to the dojo and treated disrespectfully? I am not saying I find it hard to believe, I just wondered if I picked it up wrong...

mj wrote: Hi, can I just ask, if it's Ok, are you saying that you were refused entry to the dojo and treated disrespectfully? I am not saying I find it hard to believe, I just wondered if I picked it up wrong...

Hi,

Simply put, I didn't feel welcome there. I didn't go to Iwama to practice, just to see the Shrine and take some pictures. I was told pics of the shrine were ok, but not the dojo. No problem. I was then told that I couldn't practice. I never mentioned wanting to practice nor did I bring any bags with me. The one american guy there wouldn't speak to me other than to say hello. The Japanese woman there wasn't responding to my Japanese wife's greeting or request to take pictures. So, not an altogether warm, fuzzy feeling. But hey we all have bad days, right?

I don't wish to imply that this is the standard way things are done in Iwama. I can't say that as I was only there once and don't know who I spoke with. However, I would not suggest to anyone visiting Japan to simply show up in any dojo without some prior notification of their arrival and some kind of an introduction. I believe, and have been told, that it is quite rude to simply drop in on a dojo and expect to practice for a day or two.

Regards,

Gene McGloin

Well... I suppose it IS O-sensei's shrine (jinja)... Hmmmm I don't know though. I mean, part of me agrees... part of me...(better shut up if I ever want to...) Wow. No disrespect to anyone is meant here. Personally, I'd love to train there. Or even take some pics. But on the other hand, I wouldn't want a bunch of tourists dragging dirt around the place, either. Of course, I don't mean Gene or any other poster, obviously. Maybe a letter of recommendation IS a good idea. Is that the Japanese (Eastern) way?

Gene McGloin wrote: mj wrote: Hi, can I just ask, if it's Ok, are you saying that you were refused entry to the dojo and treated disrespectfully? I am not saying I find it hard to believe, I just wondered if I picked it up wrong... Hi, Simply put, I didn't feel welcome there. I didn't go to Iwama to practice, just to see the Shrine and take some pictures. I was told pics of the shrine were ok, but not the dojo. No problem. I was then told that I couldn't practice. I never mentioned wanting to practice nor did I bring any bags with me. The one american guy there wouldn't speak to me other than to say hello. The Japanese woman there wasn't responding to my Japanese wife's greeting or request to take pictures. So, not an altogether warm, fuzzy feeling. But hey we all have bad days, right? I don't wish to imply that this is the standard way things are done in Iwama. I can't say that as I was only there once and don't know who I spoke with. However, I would not suggest to anyone visiting Japan to simply show up in any dojo without some prior notification of their arrival and some kind of an introduction. I believe, and have been told, that it is quite rude to simply drop in on a dojo and expect to practice for a day or two. Regards, Gene McGloin

GENE,
Thanks for your posts on the subject and that goes for everyone.I think i will head to the Hombu first and get some arrangement there is possible as it sounds very ontop!I have heard a few experiences from people who have gone to view the place and only to take a few pictures and it does`nt seem to friendly.I mean.Alot of us probably will not get the chance to come to Japan again and so it will be the only opportunity to see these things.I know you have to be studying Iwama for a year before you can possibly train there,but I still want to visit the Shrine.There is a big ceremony there as you all know on the 29th.Its a shame I`ll be gone by then.
Thanks Tom.