mission statement

~~Something I've been thinking about and examining for the past couple of years is: Do dojo have 'mission statements' like companies, the equivilent of course. I've know dojo that have struggled with their enrollment, structure, esprit de corps and very idendity at times. They are trying to become healthy again and can't figure out where things went wrong. I just think that if they had a focus point to return to, a clear understanding of what it is they are trying to foster as a dojo, then the correct and helpful questions would naturally arise from the areas of void in the origional concept. Then the trick is to honestly assess where they are today and how far off that concept they have strayed; then be willing to do the work to return to health and growth. Again, having a clear focus point would help greatly in the assessment. Perhaps even an annonomous canvassing of the members at large would help with clarity of vision, so it's not just a small group missing many other pertinant views. One good question is: Why do you no longer attend regularily/at all this dojo?

It is worth the effort
Spinningmonkey

Can't answer the question about why people don't attend, because I do.

But I really want to second the thought that its a good idea to find out why people don't. IMHO, having a good business plan would help a lot of dojos and provide more consistent places to train.

Many dojo are not for profit organizations and as such are required to have a mission statement. How well the statement is adhered to I'm sure varies from place to place. They are also required to have an annual meeting to elect board members and to bring any business up the membership sees fit. Also I've seen a few dojo where something like a mission statement is posted on the wall in the form of general principals to follow, or teaching goals.

Teacher/Leader/Example

We've thought about mission statements on several occasions (but have never published one). Some were kind of elaborate, but when you get right down to it most amount to: Build black belts.

One sensei I know has an interesting mission statement: "Teach Aikido".

At times when enrollment is low, I have worried to him about how the bills will get paid. "I will pay them..." is always the answer. When a promising student abruptly stops coming, I will worry as to the reason. "That is Aikido..." is always the answer. If I venture that I do not particularly agree with those thoughts, "Good..." is always the answer.

I have one on my home page: http://members.cox.net/aikidoc1

It will evolve over time.