Weed The Dojo

As Aikidoka we train to expand awareness of everything in us and around us as much as possible.  One method for training that awareness is to bow.  We bow when entering the dojo, before stepping on the mat, to begin class, to commence partner training, etc.

Another method is to care for our practice uniforms, our gi's.  The uniform should be clean, worn properly, fit correctly, folded correctly, etc.

Still another method to train awareness is to care for the dojo. We sweep the matt and surrounds before and after class.  We dust and vacuum. We clean the windows and take out the garbage.

To practice extension, we can begin entering the dojo as soon as we drive onto the grounds.  The rock garden especially is very much an extension of the dojo itself, and so caring for the garden by weeding, cleaning, and raking is very useful for cultivating a mindset of relaxed awareness.