Kaimokukan....open the eyes

My Dojo is currently under refurbishment. The outbuilding it is situated in doubles as a work shed..... which is found to be amusing by some....  I guess you either get it or you don't.

The Shomen [Altar]
In the Kaimokukan Dojo...

The Shomen in my Dojo is kept simple and uncluttered.
With just a couple of things (gifts) I have received from very generous karateka sit on the shelf underneath my Dojo Kun to the left, and also a simple reminder of humble beginnings to the right.
In the middle hangs the Dojo name.....KAIMOKUKAN..... meaning the place where the eyes are opened. Rather appropriate after meditation and what karate, training and the experiences there of have done for me....

I have trained in many Dojo both as student and guest and practised under many different Sensei and teaching styles; faced many Karateka from all walks of life and also learned many lessons, some obvious and others, well, not so much.

My Dojo Kun, like many others in many Dojo around the World, is based on simple principles that have, and indeed continue to serve me well.
That's right, there are many Dojo Kun. Don't be misguided that there are only those of Shotokan, Goju Ryu and Kyokushin Kai, for as well known as they are, they are by no means exclusive to the Art.....

Karate needs to be experienced on many levels, and whilst you can be loyal to a sensei, you can also be limited to the Karate exposure you have. Training with others and under others is eye opening and in this Karatekas opinion a must in a student's development.

A Gift from my Wife

A while ago now I hosted an event that came to be known as ...All Shotokan Day ...but was inclusive of other Ryu as well. Four instructors from different organizations teaching one and a half hours each over a full day of karate do. It was a fantastic event enjoyed by many until the focus on money took over which then saw me done, and I never taught or trained at another one. The event fizzled out.

Karate has a dark side, corrupt and toxic but there is also a purity and honesty to be found within the Art that is hard to find anywhere else....  In opening your eyes,  to all it has to offer, it is possible to navigate a path full off highlights and riches as a reward for the hard work put in..... KAIMOKU.....