Dojo

Dragonfly Dojo
Isshin-ryu Karate-do and Kobudo

The Dojo

The word "karate-do" means "empty hands way", and therefore by definition, no equipment is required for training. However, to minimize injuries, the Dragonfly Dojo features a 500 sq. foot matted training floor. To facilitate training, we have mirrors, balancing beams, a punching bag, and Bob (our resident practice dummy). At the far wall there is a "makiwara" for focus practice and conditioning the hands and feet. (Children are not allowed to hit the makiwara because their bones are not finished growing).

There is also a collection of weight training and exercise machines for rehabilitation and strength training. Most drills are bare foot and bare handed without pads. Sometimes hand-held exercise pads are used for full power punches and kicks.

The dojo has weapons to train with, including a beautiful bo collection (long staffs), rubber and wooden knives, wooden and bamboo swords and "bogu" armor. The sensei's weapons are on display, though the real display is watching the weapons in action.

It is said that a dojo without a makiwara is only a dance hall. The Dragonfly Dojo is not a dance hall or a playground. Training requires self discipline. This means that you must show up and train consistently. Parents must have the discipline to bring their children and adults must have the discipline to bring themselves. Children train with adults so that they will have realistic self defense skills. We do not want children fighting children for sport. Therefore there are no separate classes for children. There are no beginner classes. Beginners are given individual instruction prior to the group class.

Group classes begin with standing zen meditation and "qigong" breathing exercises to develop internal energy, followed by rigorous repetition of "kihon" basics, basics and more basics.

The secrets of karate-do are locked into the kata. This is the way the knowledge has been passed on for generations. In modern times, many have misunderstood kata as a performance art. A well-performed kata can be beautiful, but it is much more. In fact, the kata are practical formulas for effective combat and development of physical, mental and spiritual power. We practice to unlock these techniques and understand them. A single technique from a kata may have several applications, or "bunkai". We practice these techniques on each other so that we have a realistic understanding of the application.

When karate-do is practiced in this way, the practitioner undergoes change. Health is improved, the senses become keen. Awareness is increased, the mind becomes attuned and the body becomes strong.