by Robert Wolfe
This is the first update in some time, not because nothing
has been happening, but because too much has been happening to take time to
report it all. In fact, I’m not even going to try to fill-in for the months I
missed. There are some announcements to make and a few things I’d like to
discuss.
Membership in Itten Jodokai Capped
Our jodokai trains in Shinto Muso-ryu as an extension of
Shutokukan Dojo, under the direction of Meik and Diane Skoss. No one at Itten
Dojo is licensed to instruct, so we make regular trips to New Jersey to be
instructed by Meik and Diane and then use our practices to work on what we’ve
been shown.
Shinto Muso-ryu must be conveyed one-on-one by a
licensed instructor, and at almost two-dozen people, our jodokai has grown to a
size that has exceeded a manageable number of students given the circumstances
under which we must conduct our training. Consequently, until further notice, no
new candidates for membership in the jodokai will be considered. We will most
likely attrite the jodokai to fewer than 20 persons before admitting anyone new.
Current or potential members of the dojo interested in
Shinto Muso-ryu may request their names be added to a waiting list, with the
expectation there could be openings in the jodokai in the late fall or early
winter.
We are accepting new members to the aikido class.
Policy on Visitors and Guests
Persons interested in joining our dojo, or even persons
simply wishing to learn more about traditional martial arts, are always welcome
to observe our training. I prefer that visitors make an appointment, but we’ve
had individuals drop by unannounced and we’ve welcomed them, too (assuming
they’ve conducted themselves appropriately, at least from the point of walking
in the door).
Members of the dojo can bring family or friends to watch
practice any time at all, without having to make appointments.
Several times a year persons traveling to this area on
business or vacation contact the dojo and inquire as to whether we allow
visitors to actually train with us. Absolutely! Such visits have so far proved a
lot of fun for everyone and I hope for similar experiences in the future.
We’ve had some instances lately, though, of non-members from the local area assuming it’s fine to drop by to train during open mat periods so long as they donate a “mat fee.” This situation was created by a lack of clarity on my part, so I would like to publish a clear policy.
Unless I give specific, case-by-case approval, non-members
from the local area are not permitted to train in our dojo. While having
such visitors may collect some mat fees benefiting the dojo, there are other
aspects to the situation. First, there is a very real liability concern, since
the visitors are not signing release forms.
But this is much more important; in fact, to me, this is
the central issue: the dojo is to my mind an extension of my home. I no more
want non-members coming in and using the dojo than I would want some stranger
coming into my house, sitting on the couch and helping himself to a beer while
he watches TV. The fact that he says he’ll be happy to leave $5 for the
privilege means nothing to me — he should take his $5 and go find a bar. Same
with the people coming into the dojo to do a little cross-training — if
they’re not interested in joining the dojo to do kobudo, they should look for
a gym.
John Stevens Aikido Seminar
Ron Tisdale, our friend in Philadelphia, coordinates an
annual seminar tour for John Stevens, the noted aikido instructor and author.
This year, Itten Dojo will be included on the tour — Mr. Stevens is a friend
of our instructor, Ellis Amdur, but we expect some significant contrasts in
technique and philosophy, making for a very interesting event.
This open seminar is scheduled for Saturday, July 10th,
from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with a registration fee of $55 (members of
Itten Dojo, Shutokukan Dojo, and Homeikan Dojo receive a $10 discount).