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I often receive emails from people seeking information about practicing at the Hombu Dojo. Unfortunately, I don't always have as much time as I would like in order to answer each of them properly so I though I would try to address these issues formally in an article. For many practitioners of Aikido it is a dream to one day, have the chance to train the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo. Hopefully, this dream can eventually become a reality as more and more people travel each year to Japan in order to study at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo for a few days, weeks, or even months. While some might be lucky enough to travel with a Sensei or a Sempai who knows the ins and outs of the place and who can act as a guide, others might make the trip on their own and for them. The prospect can be a source of great challmenge and excitation but it can also be the cause of a few worries. Some of the most frequently asked questions are: where am I going to stay? What should I bring? How much does training cost? Which classes can I attend? What are the rules that I should be aware of?
Some of us Aikido practitioners often dream of going to Japan in order to perfect our skills in the art created by O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. Many actually eventually make the trip for a few weeks, some for a few months. Fewer of these individuals decide to settle there for an indefinite period of time, that is my case. This long term pilgrimage allows us to explore the roots of Aikido, make the acquaintance of many masters and, if we are lucky enough, to establish solid and enduring relationships with them on and beyond the tatami. However, the normal order of things is that we always find ourselves assuming the role of the student. In fact, one would never think in Japan to transgress this position. There are some cases however when, a bit in spite of our own will, this situation can change quickly and dramatically. The account I am going to give today describes precisely one of these occurrences. During several months training intensively at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, I have had the opportunity to make a lot of acquaintances and I even got the opportunity to develop real friendships. It is from one of these precious friendships that the adventure I will relate today started.
Christina Offutt, a member of the Dublin Aikikai is planning to join a group of volunteers flying to Haiti to perform humanitarian work. Please read her letter below to find out how you can do your bit to help.
I've trained at the Big Sky Aikido on previous trips back to Montana. This time it started to feel like coming home. The slogan for the dojo is "Train With Joy" and the space and people embody this philosophy in every way from the moment you step into the dojo until you bow out at the end of class. For a town the size of Bozeman (30,000) having as large a group of Aikido practictioners is surprising but having a dojo with its own dedicated space and the number of classes is mind-boggling. The largest town in Montana, Billings (130,000), doesn't have a dedicated dojo or as large of a group to practice with. Having had trained there, I suspect a good part of its success stems from the successfull embodiment of the slogan. 
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Classes Timetable
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Tuesdays |
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20.15 - 21.30 |
Fitness Dock Camden St |
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20.00 - 21.30 |
Sports Complex DCU |
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Wednesdays |
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20.30 - 21.30 |
Dance House Foley St |
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Thursdays |
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19.30 - 21.00 |
Fitness Dock Camden St |
| 20.00 - 21:30 |
Sports Complex DCU |
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Saturdays |
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12.00 - 13.30 |
Fitness Dock Camden St |
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12.00 - 13.30 |
Sports Complex DCU |
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News from Japan
- Kangeiko 2012, the mid-winter training at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo
- Happy New Year 2012!
- Interview with Olivier Gaurin: A Journey on the Way of Disgrace
- Are the anti-nuclear protests in Japan making any difference?
- How to eat safely in Japan? Basics on radioactive contamination and tips for safe shopping.
