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New Zealand Koru
Dojo
Unique geodesic dome-dojo surrounded by native bush
by David Lynch
Owner/Chief Instructor
The Koru Dojo
New Zealand
After living in Tokyo for 18 years and practising
aikido in concrete buildings with little in the way
of fresh air, I dreamed of building a dojo back home
in New Zealand where Ueshiba Osensei's words about the
link between aikido and nature would be more than just
academic, a place where one could draw inspiration from
the natural surroundings.
The Koru Dojo realises this dream and has worked its
magic on aikido groups and individuals from as far afield
as The Czech Republic, on the other side of the earth,
and as near as Whitianga, our closest town, 15 kms away. |
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Practitioners of related disciplines, such as yoga, tai chi,
meditation and various forms of well-being, also use the dojo
for retreats and workshops and invariably find the atmosphere
uplifting and enjoyable.
Many choose to combine their dojo-stay with a tour of The
Coromandel Peninsula, one of New Zealand's greatest natural
beauty-spots, with fabulous beaches, bush walks, and activities.
See www.thecoromandel.com
The name "Koru" comes from the Maori word for
the tightly-curled fronds of the native fern trees which surround
the dojo. In New Zealand’s native tradition the koru symbolises
new beginnings, creativity and spirituality. After building
a beautiful dojo in the city of Auckland that operated successfully
for 10 years, we moved here in 1998 to get closer to Nature.
The Koru Dojo was a new beginning for us, and is a source
of creative inspiration for all those who choose to come and
stay here.
Koru Dojo recently featured on the television documentary
Asia Downunder. Click
here to view.
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