Recently I've been reading a book called "In the Dojo" by Dave Lowry. The book offers an in depth look into the etiquette, rituals, and history of the Japanese Dojo. Lowry's observations combined with some conversations I've had from students who had once trained in MMA gyms got me thinking.
I've heard many martial artists proclaim themselves to have "traditional" dojos and used this to justify borderline abusive behavior. Some example include making kids do knuckle push-ups on hardwood floors, refusing water to students in a sweltering dojo, and striking students with the intent of causing physical damage. Does abuse make a dojo traditional? Especially since similar conditions can be found in MMA gyms. Some people think the kind of martial arts offered decree if a school is traditional or not. However, arts such as Muay Thai still have a rich tradition and history despite being found in many MMA gyms.
Lowry suggests that it is a subtle attitude and philosophy within the dojo that makes a dojo traditional or modern. I like this notion. A traditional dojo is based off Japanese military history. One element I partially like is the emphasis on training up everyone to their fullest potential. If we look at how a military unit trains, the army is only as strong as their weakest person. Therefore, attention is equally divided amongst the beginner, novice, and advanced students.
Modern and/or sport based dojos have different goals. Unlike traditional dojos, a gym needs just a few very talented individuals to compete and do well in tournaments. A consequence of this is that students who do not already have a strong skillset or natural ability may get neglected. The attention of the instructors is not necessarily equal.
We've tried to develop a dynamic martial arts academy. While we have arts commonly found in MMA gyms, we are undoubtedly a traditional dojo. You can train here and fight MMA or get your accredited rank in Isshin Ryu Karate. You can be a naturally gifted athlete or need reminding on your left and right. Everyone here has our respect and attention.
#BJJ #Rochestermartialarts #RochesterMMA #Rochesterkarate #Rochesterdojo #Rochestermuaythai #RochesterBJJ
I've heard many martial artists proclaim themselves to have "traditional" dojos and used this to justify borderline abusive behavior. Some example include making kids do knuckle push-ups on hardwood floors, refusing water to students in a sweltering dojo, and striking students with the intent of causing physical damage. Does abuse make a dojo traditional? Especially since similar conditions can be found in MMA gyms. Some people think the kind of martial arts offered decree if a school is traditional or not. However, arts such as Muay Thai still have a rich tradition and history despite being found in many MMA gyms.
Lowry suggests that it is a subtle attitude and philosophy within the dojo that makes a dojo traditional or modern. I like this notion. A traditional dojo is based off Japanese military history. One element I partially like is the emphasis on training up everyone to their fullest potential. If we look at how a military unit trains, the army is only as strong as their weakest person. Therefore, attention is equally divided amongst the beginner, novice, and advanced students.
Modern and/or sport based dojos have different goals. Unlike traditional dojos, a gym needs just a few very talented individuals to compete and do well in tournaments. A consequence of this is that students who do not already have a strong skillset or natural ability may get neglected. The attention of the instructors is not necessarily equal.
We've tried to develop a dynamic martial arts academy. While we have arts commonly found in MMA gyms, we are undoubtedly a traditional dojo. You can train here and fight MMA or get your accredited rank in Isshin Ryu Karate. You can be a naturally gifted athlete or need reminding on your left and right. Everyone here has our respect and attention.
#BJJ #Rochestermartialarts #RochesterMMA #Rochesterkarate #Rochesterdojo #Rochestermuaythai #RochesterBJJ
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