What makes the best Dojo?

This past summer, our local paper, The Day, held its yearly “Best of the Best” Contest. As a new school, we were eager to participate. We knew Southeastern Connecticut has some very talented martial arts schools. We hoped to get third or at least a runner-up. 

Turns out we got second place.

To say we were excited is an understatement. It led us to think, what makes a good dojo great?

The People

A good martial arts school has good people, talented people, and even good and talented people. But a great school's community is a collaborative bunch. At Aikido New London County, we’re a diverse group of students. We believe that everyone has a spirit that can be refined. Great schools feel like a third place. They are the place you go to fill your spirit for the rest of the mundane life throws at you.

Leadership

There are many ways to lead. A Sensei/Instructor needs to lead alongside the students. Being fair and just is important, as is being brave enough to have hard conversations. One should feel their teacher’s passion for the art and the school's mission. Look for someone who is always learning—growth is a continual process.

More than Four Walls

A great martial arts school goes beyond the four walls. It connects to its community and gives to those around it. Ask yourself, what does my dojo do? Do they offer free self-defense for local women? Do they host charity events? 

Heart

In Japanese, there is a kanji 心. It is pronounced shin or Kokoro. Depending on the context, it can mean mind or heart. For us at Aikido New London County, it’s the spark/grit that takes people beyond average. 

Student’s first

Walking into your martial arts school should feel like walking into a dojo, not an office, and seeing a shoe rack or a welcome area first over a cash register or merchandising. 

Bonus: Diversity

One of the amazing things about Aikido (martial arts in general) is how it can bring people from different backgrounds together. Your dojo should have a sense of diversity. How many women are in the school? Does everyone look the same? It’s very easy to run a dojo when everyone fits a stereotype. However for the best practice, schools with students of different bodies, genders, ages, and identities are needed.