The Legacy Of The Dojo

The Legacy of the Dojo

All Rights Reserved, Hanshi Manny Saavedra

From the Sansei Goju-Ryu Karate Master Text

MORE A TEMPLE THAN A GYM, THE DOJO IS THE MARTIAL ARTISTS SANCTUARY FOR TRAINING, MEDITATION AND SELF-REALIZATION

A dojo is the place where one trains in Karate. Needing nothing more than a room with a smooth floor. The value of a dojo is reflected in the spirit of its students and their instructor, not in the laborations of its fixtures. If the Sensei, by example, encourages hard training and enthusiasm, it is reflected in the excellence of its students. If the Sensei accepts anything less than the full development of each students potential, the quality of their performance will suffer. The student, however, retains the ultimate responsibility for his own progress in Karate.

When a student first enters the dojo he bows. This is a ritual in which the student shows hi respect for the dojo and humbles himself in a spirit of emptiness and openness. After he has changed into his karate-gi, the student should voluntarily clean the dojo if needed. Then he should begin to limber up or practise techniques until it is time for the lesson.

The training session begins with the students sitting in formal posture, aligned in neat rows with the higher-ranking students in front. The Sensei sits alone at the very front. First, everyone meditates silently, emptying their minds to permit total concentration on training. Then the instructor and students bow together, and the lesson begins. The first exercises are callisthenics to limber, stretch, and strengthen all body muscles. After this, beginners spend most time of their time learning basic techniques, while advanced students practise Kata and Kumite sparring.

 The student must concentrate if he is to get the most from his training. When blocking, thrusting or kicking for example, he should think only of this action. If he allows his mind to wander, his attention will be divided and the value of his training will be decreased accordingly. If he maintains his concentration on the training, even strenuous workouts leave him refreshed and revitalized. This the power of mind-body harmony, and it can only be achieved through conscious effort.

Training should be filled with kiai or shouts of spirit whose explosive energy comes from deep within in the abdomen, the kiai accompanies an intense focus of concentration.

Respect is the foundation of a good dojo. The junior’s respect for his senior student, the senior student’s respect for his junior’s effort, and their mutual devotion and respect for their teacher. So much of the training relies on the student being inspired by his teacher, that if this respect is not present or lost, the student can’t hope to learn Karate.

Without mutual respect in a dojo, there is a current of distrust and dislike that affects all in it. If not corrected, the dojo will die in a short time. A dojo has a of life its own during class and unfortunately, is as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, the teacher must always be on his guard, son that its total life will be very strong.

The teacher fosters respect among the lower ranks by giving his senior students the respect in the class that they deserve. It is through this feed-back that respect develops in a dojo. It must not break down at any level.

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