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The Aikido-Yoga Dojo In its most basic and functional definition,
the Japanese word 'dojo' is used to denote a training hall. Its literal translation,
however, is “place of the Way”. From ancient times, a dojo was
the name given to a building devoted to the practice of Zen, a place where
people came to strengthen and refine mind, body and spirit in pursuit of enlightenment. The Japanese word Budo is derived from the words “Bu” meaning "martial" or "combat", and “Do” meaning "Way" or "path". The word Do originally comes from the Chinese word Tao. The method of the Tao is to become fully aware by discarding any personal prejudices or bias that limit perception. To do this, one must pay full attention with an open mind. Budo, the martial Way, is therefore a Japanese term for practicing martial arts with this mind-set as a means of perfecting the self. The objectives of Aikido-Yoga, 'Do' and Zen are complementary. Zen seeks self-perfection through passive means, such as meditation. Do seeks self-perfection and personal transformation through active means, such as the practice of Aikido-Yoga. At the highest levels, Aikido-Yoga becomes a kind of moving meditation (do-zen), in contrast to the sitting meditation of Zen (za-zen). As we approach the dojo, located in its serene setting by the sea, our mind-set changes from the hustle and bustle of the outside world to a quite, internal focus - as if reverently entering a temple. We leave our shoes in a neat line outside the door, and bow with deep respect and gratitude upon entering. We warm up without talking, and then assume a meditative kneeling posture in order to prepare our minds for the training session ahead. With deep respect and gratitude, we bow to our training partners, and they respond in same. Our training partners continually affirm their commitment to an attitude of nurture and support with a sincere bow at every interaction with each other throughout the training session. This is important because most of the training in Aikido-Yoga is undertaken through direct engagement with one or more training partners. You cannot train to any level of proficiency without them. You slowly come to understand how training in the ancient tradition and ideology of budo fosters values and qualities of humility, patience, co-operation, discipline, self-control, mental clarity and emotional intelligence, as well as facilitates the joy of human interaction and non-competitive achievement. Instead of a competitive attitude, patience, humility and respect are the essential requirements for progress. The training hall is where we have come to polish our spirit. It therefore becomes our dojo. How we see the training hall, how we approach our training, and how we interact with each other is simply an extension of this respectful attitude, and establishes an atmosphere conducive to the development of mind, body and spirit. In such an atmosphere, we move further and further away from the need to force an outcome in our favour, the need to judge or control. We learn how attachment to a pre-determined outcome, combined with and aggressive or competitive attitude, only results in undermining our ability to fulfil our true potential. We therefore cultivate strength through awareness, through understanding. An understanding of ourselves, and an understanding of how others interact with us. This, in turn, builds the realization of the power that comes from our ability to sustain our intention and gives us a greater appreciation of the power that comes from being physically and mentally balanced, centered, flexible and open. The respect with which we approach our training lies in the fact that we recognize its intrinsic value and significance in our lives. This openness and trust lays the foundation upon which true learning flourishes. The freshness, newness and spontaneity that come from this kind of approach also acknowledges the need to continually challenge our old paradigms and explore new ways of being. We therefore approach our training as if it were the most important thing that we could be doing at that moment in time. Each and every training session begins and ends with this attitude of respect, and acknowledgement of everyone's quest to move beyond the physical – into the spiritual, sacred realms of their being.
In a traditional martial arts Aikido-Yoga dojo, that which is gained through budo training is therefore much more than just the techniques and applications of combat. As in ancient times, the spirit of those individuals that dedicate themselves to rigorous training of the body and spirit is carried beyond the constraints of the dojo into everyday life. This gives our traditional Aikido-Yoga dojo in Elwood great meaning and value in today’s community. People from all over the world come to train for this common purpose at the Elwood Beach Aikido-Yoga Dojo based in Melbourne, Australia. Males and females, old and young, beginners and advanced students – all from diverse backgrounds and skills, interacting together in friendship and harmony; a very special and much to be admired situation in today’s world. It is with good reason indeed, then, that we bow when entering and leaving this "place of the Way". Julius Aib, |
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