from the June, 2009 issue of Kiai!

Upcoming Dojo Cleaning

by Jim Winfrey

“All students in a karate dojo, whatever their rank, are governed by the same rules of courtesy and respect. If you respect yourself, for example, you always want to practice in a clean dojo. You show your respect for others by undertaking to clean the dojo floor with a damp rag after class. Since we are all united by the same values in Seido karate, we all clean the floor together. Symbolically, this practice, which comes from Zen, represents the wiping away of delusion from our minds.”
– Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura

It has always been the tradition at our dojo that twice a year we undergo a major cleaning. Dust bunnies are our opponents, mildew our enemy. We do it for ourselves, our senpai, our training partners and all who have yet to enter our doors.

The next cleanup is scheduled for Sunday, June 14. A sign-up sheet is posted in the “Shoes and News” area with a variety of assignments and time slots. The day is planned so students can train by cleaning and going to classes. We start fairly early and go on into the middle of the afternoon. Cleanup is a fun and social event; you can meet new members and spend time with old friends. 

Dojo Cleaning!

So, “wipe away the delusions from your mind” and join us.