The Dojo Is The Safest Place In The World

Over the years in the dojo one would hear phrases said over and over again, an attempt to put the movement into a container that could be understood as a starting point.

The dojo is the safest place in the world…

Contained in on such phrase was the code to complete freedom of movement.

To those outside the dojo, perhaps looking in and watching a class the dojo has the appearance of a terrifying place.

Punches, kicks, locks, and throws being applied to students.

The teacher correcting mistakes without any tolerance of them.

Senior students keep an eye out to quickly enforce any of the rules.

Yet, the dojo is the safest place in the world.

A place where the teacher makes corrections again and again out of compassion. Working with the student to help eliminate mistakes, and eliminate openings in the movement. The teacher cares about those under their charge because they are responsible for instructing them on the ways of life and death.

In the dojo if one makes a mistake, they will be corrected and given a chance to do the movement over again.

As many chances as you need.

Attacks will come in at the pace and speed one can handle, while slowly being adjusted to be a little quicker over time.

In the dojo there are no lies and you will always be told the truth.

Outside the dojo, once you cross that threshold beyond the floor, there is only once chance with no chance to do it over.

The outcome is the outcome.

Can you accept the truth in how it was given?