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Gasshuku Centre
by David Lynch
Open to All Styles
Gasshuku is the Japanese term for 'getting together
under one roof', the aim being to achieve increased understanding
and friendship through a period of concentrated training and
living together. Like gasshuku centres in Japan, the Koru
Dojo is open to all varieties of aikido, regardless of affiliation,
and is dedicated to the promotion of friendship and harmony.
Having spent several years training in each of the major
aikido schools in Japan, I came to believe we often place
too much importance on differences in technical form at the
expense of Osensei's philosophy of universal harmony. Of course,
different dojo have diverse training methods but when these
differences become a source of conflict they promote a narrow-minded
view which contrasts with Osensei's vision of 'the whole world
as one family'.
In my classes I try to point out where the different styles
share common principles and how the different approaches of
my Japanese aikido teachers can be used positively to enhance
one's understanding. Any group is welcome to 'do their own
thing' when hiring the dojo, and I am happy to contribute,
or not, as required.
Groups and individuals from New Zealand and overseas have
stayed at the Koru Dojo for periods ranging from a weekend
to several months and some have stayed as 'uchideshi', live-in
trainees, training every day and helping with the chores.
Live-in training is a wonderful opportunity for 'gap-year'
students from anywhere in the world to experience the spirit
of aikido and gain valuable life skills and confidence for
their future in an environment of nearly unmatched natural
beauty.
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