Standing In a True Place
by Nick Lowry

Whoever comes into my dojo, on my mat, is under my protection—abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.

If you have a need to engage in the ugly energy of fighting, competing, resisting, arguing etc. with anyone in the dojo, then you are in fact fighting with me, the head of the dojo.

If you engage in the ugly energy of putting others down, gossiping, breeding distrust and disharmony in order to make yourself feel superior or safe, then you are in fact putting me down, harming me.

The dojo is a sacred space dedicated to the pursuit of enlightenment through training of the body and mind in the martial ways. This purpose is incontrovertible and sacrosanct; I am vowed to protect it.

The dojo is sustained by a profound energy of respect and decorum. No one may breach this basic energy without consequence. If you cannot submit to and remain in harmony with this energy, then you must go elsewhere. I have expelled members before, and I will do it again.

All that separates what we do in the dojo from mere violence is a thin veil of good will and good manners. When either or both are sacrificed on the altar of ego and self-aggrandizement, the dojo is robbed of its function and magic as a place consecrated for “pursuit of the way” and risks becoming a venue for crass dominance and dangerous folly. We are not a “fight club,” we will not become a fight club, and I will shut the place down before I see it turn into one.

All who enter and train here must abide by these standards and by this code.

Several of Nick Lowry's articles can be read online at the Aikido Journal web site.

"Renshu and Keiko"

"Subtle Energy Synchrony/Meditation, ChiGung, Budo"

"Are There Kata in Aikido?"

"Budo: from Force to Gentleness"

"Meditations on Violence"