In a society thirsty for wellness – Including the principles of the arts in our training is good for the club, its members and society. Yet this essential aspect of traditional martial arts training is being lost, due to modern day pressures, there is a desire by the Shining Light Dojo to address this decline.
Who We Are
We are a group of mostly New Zealand and Australian martial artists who believe living and teaching the moral and mental health principles is an important part of our martial art practice.
Therefore, we gather online to exchange knowledge, to develop theories and resources and support each other to implement the principles into our learning and teaching .
“Technique and principle are just like the two wheels of a cart. Even though you may wield the sword that you carry with you well, if you are unclear on the deepest aspects of principle, you will likely fall short of proficiency.”
Soho, Takuan. The Unfettered Mind (p. 12). Shambhala. Kindle Edition.
I don’t think there is an opportunity to use martial techniques in the real world. [T]he only part of our training we can use in the real world is the spiritual side. In other words, in society, at home, in school and in our jobs are the places where we realise the value of martial arts training. It is in society where we can engage in real martial arts training. (Katsuyuki Kondo in Dairo-ryu).
What Happens In The Dojo
The dojo has no resident sensei! Instead, the wisdom of many masters, sensei, teachers, and scientists are presented through four monthly articles.
1. Sensei Says
These articles present the the knowledge and wisdom of the ancient masters and the founders of the various modern schools and disciplines. Instruction, from the religions and philosophies of the day, as they pertain to perfecting the mind and body for combat, bravery and peace, will also be presented here.
2. Science Says
It is odd that the wisdom of the ancestors is now being proven in modern science. Therefore we do not have to believe one and disbelieve the other we can learn from both without hesitation. The science says articles present the sciences that complement or perhaps challenge our learning journey. The sciences include, physiology, psychology, sport performance, neurology, interpersonal neurology,and sociology. Don’t let these terms put you off the articles are simple and practical. Articles contain references and there is bibliography for those who want to take a deeper dive into any topic.
3. My Dojo
All the learning in the world is of little use unless it an be applied to our daily living. My dojo is an opportunity for members to share their experiences of developing a successful holistic dojo or other training center. It is an opportunity to share philosophies or the journey of modern dojos.
4. My Journey
My journey is a place for individuals to share their experiences of living the principals of the arts, how it help them throughout life or through a crisis.
Chat Rooms Forums, and Meetings
While there are a number of web sites that promote the principles of the martial arts there are few, if any, that provide for engagement. Learning in all directions requires communication in all directions. Without communication translating information into something meaningful for us to use becomes more difficult.
This dojo has two main aims; the health of the wider martial arts community and the well-being of the individuals within it. To improve both it is important to understand. The dojo members will direct research of members, the wider martial arts community and our general populations to understand their thoughts and needs and use this to recruit and retain members.
What Comes Out Of The Dojo
- Coaching
- Parenting
- Technique
- Leadership
- The Principles
- Wellbeing
- Clubs
- Coaches
- Students
- Parents
- Youth
- Marketing
- Facebook Posts
The ultimate aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of current practitioners and to get more people involved in the martial arts.
The Dojo Community
The purpose of this dojo is to provide, in a virtual way, all the benefits of a physical Dojo community. This Dojo is for all martial art traditions and disciplines. It is a respectful place where we share ideas and support one another’s growth and learning. It will facilitate conversations between members, raise and discuss issues of importance. We will consider questions, conduct research, and develop resources. Because respect is important, discussions will be closely moderated, negative or discriminatory words discouraged. Links to other information may be provided but there will be no adds. It is intended to provide a collaborative environment where individual and the collective growth of the martial arts occurs.
For a full set of rules and expectations please see the members agreement here
If we find things to learn from each other let us do so without inhibition.
Become a member of shining light dojo
Mastery of the arts and of oneself can only be attained through a dual journey of deeper understanding and self-development. Our community supports all martial artists who seek ‘the way’ of the masters and to reach their full potential
