The Importance of Finding the Right Dojo in Learning Aikido

Like every other form of martial arts, aikido has its own place of learning, and it is called a dojo. A dojo is where

• A sensei holds class and seek student to learn from him
• An aikidoka learn the techniques
• Both master and student develop relationship
• The sensei trains his student to be the next sensei
• The student help his fellows learn the technique

But overall, a dojo is where both sensei and aikidoka train to improve their techniques, to develop their inner energy and learn discipline, centeredness and balance in life. By now, you should know that there is more in a dojo than just going there to learn self-defence. But like any other establishment, how can you find the right dojo to learn aikido?

The search for the right dojo is like the search for the right school or church where you can grow as a person and where you can nurture your values and develop learning. However, one should know the search for a dojo is also a personal journey, similar to how early students of martial arts travel far and wide to learn from the early masters. Every person has different path of learning, different purpose, different goals and different expectations in learning aikido. It is sad to say that like other establishments, even the best dojo won’t be the right one for you, but there is bound to be the right one for you.

Think of a dojo as a college. Many people would want to enter college to learn and develop their skills to a higher level, but only a few will endure and last until graduation. The same is true with dojo. Enthusiasts are eager to learn aikido at first but later on, they will miss trainings and gradually lost the will to learn further. 

How important the right dojo is in cultivating your yearning for aikido? It is just like taking up your degree in the right college. By studying at the right college, you will receive great opportunity to hone your skill and even learn from the best teachers. With the type of education you receive from your college, you will apply what you learn learning in practical life. A sensei will expect his students to apply aikido in everyday life.

When you enter a particular college, you expect something to learn in there. The same is always true with the dojo. All colleges will offer the course you are after, teach you the same things, offer you the same curriculum but only one college will get to give you the right education you deserve. This is the same vein with dojo. It’s all about the learning.

What are your expectations in learning Sydney aikido? Do you think you can fulfil your expectations? Are you ready to spend time and effort to learn the techniques? Are you ready to learn with other people? If you answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions, you will have no hard time finding the right dojo.

Shin Sen Dojo offers regular Sydney aikido classes. If you want to learn aikido or would want to watch a demonstration first before committing, please contact us today and visit our website for more details.