Guest Comments

"An Amazing Experience

After having spent a couple of months in a “secret place” close to Whitianga I just wonder if this is possible to experience anywhere else in the world?

But let me start from “Adam”: Some time ago, I was looking for a quiet place to get away from the everyday turmoil of this fast moving world, for a place where I could stop and let my brain and soul think calmly, where I could meditate and learn about how to manage the energy flows in my body … If possible via practising aikido. I was looking also for somebody who I would be able to ‘see’ actually living aikido in both of its important aspects - the techniques and the energy.

After 200 emails sent to aikido dojos all over the world (including Japan and the US) and various follow-up communications I almost gave up.

It seemed that this kind of place didn’t exist.

But it does exist!

I arrived at David’s place just when Koru Dojo was a new-born baby. Even the name had not yet been chosen.

The moment I set eyes on the unique wooden dome in the middle of the bush, near a waterfall (like a scene almost from a feng-sui textbook) I started feeling the energy of the place: It was overwhelming! Even now, after almost six years, I can see my everyday misogi under the waterfall, my regular meditation at sunrise and, of course, my aikido lessons, as if it was yesterday.

After this experience, I would say that every minute I hesitated over whether to go or not to go there was a waste of time.

If you go there, it’s something you won’t forget for the rest of your life.

Thanks David for all this."

Zbynek Brych (Czech Republic)

"I had a very pleasant time. Fantastic hosts and dojo, not to mention the beautiful surroundings. Even though it is practically the end of the world for me, I will surely come back again."

Oskar Krajewski, London.

"The bush and waterfalls are alive with a good and peaceful spirit. "

Larry Bieri & Leslie Andelson, New York.

"Wonderful experience, thanks. "

Earl Brown, Japan

"It's been a joy, thanks a million. "

Karen Webster, Ireland

"Extremely enjoyable aikido. "

Portia Asquith, U.K.

"An extraordinary experience - great! "

Sabine Gruener, Germany

"I love it here. "

Hiromi Adachi, Japan

"This is a magical, serene, energetic, joyful place."

Ashley & Nye Tatton, Auckland