Three Rivers Budokai

The Budo Dojo: A Forge for Body and Spirit

The elegant and deadly Japanese sword is born in the fire of the sword smith's forge. A shapeless lump of iron is heated, pounded, shaped, and tempered, until it becomes a thing of awesome beauty. The traditional dojo is much like a forge; a spiritual forge. The deshi, or disciple, provides the raw materials (his body and his spirit), and the dojo pounds, shapes, and tempers them until he becomes a hard, well polished, and razor sharp warrior.

A dojo should not be confused with a modern martial art school or studio. Though both places may practice similar techniques, there is a profound difference in both the approach and goal of a dojo. A school’s primary objective is to impart physical skills to the student. The typical customer of such a place is usually interested in improving his physical condition and learning how to defend himself. Others may enjoy the challenge of modern competitive "martial sports." Though the student may well learn the technical aspects of the martial art taught there, there is little or no attempt to change the person himself. Where the school’s purpose ends, the dojo’s begins.

The literal translation of the word dojo is way-place. It is borrowed from the name given to the meditation halls of zen monasteries in Japan: a place where individuals seek to uncover the true essence of life through the practice of intense meditation. The budo dojo shares this ultimate goal, but pursues it by more dynamic means. In a dojo, it is the spirit and personality of the student that is of primary concern. The goal of the dojo is to transform an individual into something entirely new. Unconditional acceptance of this fact is the point where a student becomes a deshi, one who has made a spiritual commitment, and the dojo’s work truly begins. The dojo will change you. It will change your goals, your values, and your attitude toward every aspect of your life.

Prosective Students

The first thing that prospective students are required to do is schedule an appointment to watch at least one class prior to applying for membership. We assume that if you don't have sufficient interest to arrive on time and observe a complete class (and hopefully, be fascinated by what you see), you don't have the interest needed to master this art.

The second thing  you will need to do is be interviewed by the instructor. During this interview please don't think of the dojo as a school where, in order to receive instruction, all you have to do is fill out some forms and pay your tuition. You are applying for admission to a very exclusive private club, one in which just thinking, "This looks like it might be interesting to do for awhile," is not enough to qualify you for admission.

If accepted for membership, you will be given a list of what you will need to purchase prior to your first class. Street clothes are not permitted on the mat; you must have a proper uniform.

Discipline

A word about "discipline", a term many younger people today have little acquaintance with.

Compared to other schools you may visit, you will note that we have a lot of discipline in our dojo. You will also note that it is, for the most part, self-discipline. You should also be cognizant of the fact that, because of this discipline, dojo injuries are almost non-existent.

Remember, the martial in martial arts is another word for military. Every technique is designed to kill or cripple an opponent and, without proper discipline, we would quickly run out of students.

Shoshin Dojo

Shoshin Dojo is a place for serious adults to pursue the classical martial arts and ways of Japan as a way of life. Our primary arts are the Tenshin-ryu (kenjutsu), and the Yamate-ryu (aikijutsu). The curriculum includes the study of related aspects of Japanese art, language and culture. 

We are part of a network of  independent dojo throughout the country united by the particular arts that we practice.

Shoshin Dojo is a formal organization, and prospective students are required to schedule an appointment to watch at least one class prior to applying for membership. If after viewing a class the person wishes to join, he may request an interview with the head instructor of our dojo. Questions are greatly encouraged at this time. This process assures that the character, morals, goals and commitment of the applicant are compliant with that of our group. Heiwa Dojo welcomes individuals who hold themselves to the highest personal standards, and are sincerely interested in dedicated study of the arts that we practice.

Previous martial arts experience is not required to study here. New students are carefully guided in their training to assure proper development and safety. Due to the serious nature of the training, a minimum age of 16 is required.

Our head instructor is Mr. William Maren, a student of Japanese martial arts for twenty-five years. Mr. Maren began studying Karate in the mid-seventies, and later, Kendo. These arts served as stepping-stones to the budo that he studies today. He is now a student and instructor of the Tenshin-ryu, a style of Japanese swordsmanship, and the Yamate-ryu, a system of aikijutsu.  Mr. Maren holds senior level license in both of these arts.